> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kinemation.gitbook.io/fps-animation-framework/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kinemation.gitbook.io/fps-animation-framework/tutorial/animation-workflow/character-animation.md).

# Character Animation

## Step 1 - Import your animations

Specify the Generic or Humanoid rig. Bake the rotation and translation into the pose and specify the right avatar for your character.

Create a copy of your animation clip - we will need to make changes to it:

<figure><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/lyY5FQ_d9xm7qUd8dvL3fhSEjt0YVuIlUa3kGSGS4pfmYY7aro6QhSIBhlHBK-xvXdwnvtzVpYh8uBDm2CQbcbwIgU1VTRUq22KzeyQ6L6zw3CJHw3hI6houu2ts0hexLALj-hRLtWa6Fppi9FehcGI" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>Copy and paste the animation</p></figcaption></figure>

## Step 2 - Animate the WeaponBone

Now we need to copy the animation data from the skeleton IK bone to the **WeaponBone** object.

<details>

<summary>Why do we need to do this?</summary>

This approach doesn't require changing your skeleton at all, which will save you a lot of time. WeaponBone is a game object, automaticallt added by the system, and it's used for the IK and animation blending.

</details>

Open up the **Transform Retarget** tool:

<figure><img src="/files/uQGsnfj7wCQXVEI9Hff9" alt="" width="467"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/OT1hDBet2IN7WWEiVjjDz_zAdFfVQnNoAbr8AbRiho6pUb2VI6gSOw5ojy-5RLkw7FqUCGytCFXcrTOotmkyhhPmsFGegRJFmnDYGNgNbtjricJyCwzUWoRngGYCn3dDMmUzFwrj9rsRaoKZ0vqSLIw" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>A window will pop up</p></figcaption></figure>

Select your animation as a Source and Target animation clip - that’s because we want to copy the animation data within one animation.

Now add your in-game and IK Rig characters to the scene:

<figure><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/I0mqdoGfk_9WzNTHsNHbmQ8-caXwhvVl0r65AzfiDgmWRhv3nh1doAPIlSg2dbGcweIF5aNx4mzLllGDKCQQYFqKeSDEOyEckwN91_M9JVuCXR5uZTpecyDC0ajlutrteA7KjfTFBFrXHYWRgGMASWI" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Now assign the transforms as follows:

<figure><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/efseEKt3mK_CtFH8tGfiDmx1mJvJc09dwQvz3MYxz0bYYZ9HT6mPn002mdeXJDgKrNNOrAnTpSIJD2_YxIXN0bzKA0tG6N66gaVO5TURNOOZuvGazlOIrfvfAUMioUkwMSnUW8_wgWkD-hnouMr0LHU" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Click the Retarget Animation button</p></figcaption></figure>

After that you shoulf see keyframes for the WeaponBone in your animation:

<figure><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PvkoWkampfPf4B_Bn3CZNKBxxTuCVODjuoNP7Z2WB5GlDjbMZrpBW-EI67Tlo72IjHlmcJ-u4fiI1l61WJgqZt_SZlOW3xI7hg0h1W1Fjkuibw9XJT0CLwjXsOMiXs-mGvYGWpnUAiQwc3ax0p3CY7k" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 3 - Modify the Avatar Mask

Unity won’t allow you to select a custom object like WeaponBone, because it’s not a part of the bone hierarchy.&#x20;

For this go to the FPS Animator/Rig tab/Select your upper body avatar mask and click “Setup Avatar Mask”. Now your mask should have an extra property:

<figure><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/pGjzJC8mVvvwVuwDQ0V9oOZFJjLE6U0YCsGIqv4Ol889hwcT1yCn8ES5iihR0G_AzQQaHa46dwjb8g6Uj7nEEncDludHb7CfihKVMTzUHAH7HVoUR0S3KDRjU3D8V3BUZiTg6OLpBn3tgzZ45I5OSPE" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

At this point the animation setup is complete. Create an AnimSequence for your animation and add it to the weapon, check if there’re any issues in the game.

<details>

<summary>AK12 AnimSequence Example</summary>

These curves are essential:

<img src="/files/TEtkS4G9pvBjeWShh7jN" alt="" data-size="original">

* **MaskLeftHand** disabled the left-hand ik.
* **Overay controls** how the system overrides the upper body.
* **WeaponBone** parents the weapon to the WeaponBone (by default it’s following the right hand, set the curve value to 1).

</details>