This guide explains how to create a character puppet using the Puppet Maker feature within Adobe Character Animator, based on the steps provided. Please note that this process is specific to Adobe Character Animator, a software designed for performance-based animation, and differs from traditional animation techniques used in Adobe Animate.
Getting Started with Puppet Maker
Puppet Maker in Character Animator offers a streamlined way to build and customize simple characters quickly, preparing them for animation using webcam and audio input.
Here’s how to use the Puppet Maker feature:
1. Access Puppet Maker
To begin creating your puppet, open Adobe Character Animator. On the Home screen, you will find the option to start the process. You can either:
- Click the Puppet Maker tile.
- Click the Make a puppet button.
- Alternatively, you can select
File > Open Puppet Makerfrom the menu bar.
2. Select a Style
Once Puppet Maker is open, you'll be presented with various visual styles or templates. Choose the style that best fits the look you want for your character. This provides a base structure and aesthetic for your puppet.
3. Customize Your Puppet
After selecting a style, you can personalize the puppet further. This step allows you to modify different aspects of the character's appearance. Customization options typically include:
- Adjusting facial features
- Changing clothing or accessories
- Modifying colors
Explore the available options to make the puppet unique.
4. Randomize
If you're looking for inspiration or want to quickly see variations, Puppet Maker usually includes a Randomize function. Clicking this will randomly apply different customization options to the selected style, generating new character appearances you can then fine-tune.
5. Trigger Movements
Character Animator works by mapping your movements and expressions to the puppet. Puppet Maker often includes tools or previews to show how certain triggers or actions (like blinking, waving, or expressing emotions) will look on your created puppet. You might set up or understand basic triggers here.
6. Preview Your Puppet's Movements
Before finalizing, it's crucial to see how your puppet performs. Puppet Maker allows you to preview your puppet's movements. Using your webcam, you can test the real-time tracking and see how well the puppet responds to your head turns, eye movements, and facial expressions. This helps ensure the puppet is set up correctly for performance animation.
7. Generate Your Puppet
Once you are satisfied with the style, customization, and movement preview, the final step is to Generate your puppet. This action creates the puppet file that you can then open and use in the main workspace of Adobe Character Animator for recording performances and creating animations.
By following these steps within Adobe Character Animator's Puppet Maker, you can quickly create a character ready for performance-driven animation.
