Rubberhose 3 - hose basics

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the basics of using Rubberhose 3, a powerful animation tool designed for creating flexible, intuitive rigs. This version enhances speed and flexibility while maintaining the simplicity that has made Rubberhose popular among animators. Whether you're new to animation or looking to expand your skills, this guide will help you understand the core features of Rubberhose 3.

Step 1: Understanding Hose Properties

• Hose Basics: Rubberhose 3 allows for the creation of flexible, bendable limbs called hoses.
• Key Properties:
  • Bend: Adjusts how much the hose can bend at a given point.
  • Length: Determines the overall length of the hose.
  • Thickness: Controls the width of the hose, affecting its visual appearance.

Practical Tip

Experiment with different hose properties to see how they affect the animation. Begin with simple shapes before moving to complex designs.

Step 2: Creating Multiple Bends

• Adding Bends:
  • Select the hose you want to manipulate.
  • Use the bend tool to create multiple bends along the hose.
• Adjusting Bends:
  • Click on the bend points and drag to modify their position.
  • Fine-tune the angle and curvature for a more dynamic look.

Common Pitfall

Avoid creating too many bends close together, as this can result in unnatural movements. Space them out for smoother animation.

Step 3: Creating a Limb

• Limb Creation:
  • Start with a base shape for your limb (e.g., arm or leg).
  • Attach hoses at joints (shoulder, elbow, etc.) to create a full limb structure.
• Connecting Hoses:
  • Use the path tool to connect hoses seamlessly at each joint.
  • Ensure the transitions between hoses are fluid to prevent awkward movements.

Practical Tip

Use reference images of real limbs to guide your hose placement and bending angles for more realistic animations.

Step 4: Utilizing the RubberRig Feature

• RubberRig Basics:
  • RubberRig is a feature that allows for quick rigging of characters.
  • Select your character and apply RubberRig to automatically generate hoses for limbs.
• Customization:
  • After applying RubberRig, adjust the hoses to fit your character’s design.
  • Fine-tune the properties as needed for optimal movement.

Real-World Application

RubberRig is particularly useful for animators looking to save time on character setup and focus more on animation.

Step 5: Exploring RubberPin (New in v3.1.0)

• What is RubberPin?:
  • RubberPin allows for pinning specific points on your hose to a fixed position, creating more control over the animation path.
• How to Use RubberPin:
  • Select a point on your hose and apply the RubberPin tool.
  • Move the hose and observe how the pinned points maintain their position, enhancing stability in animations.

Practical Tip

Utilize RubberPin for complex animations where certain elements need to stay anchored while others move freely.

Conclusion

Rubberhose 3 offers a wealth of features designed to streamline the animation process. By mastering hose properties, creating flexible limbs, and utilizing features like RubberRig and RubberPin, you can enhance your animation workflow significantly.

For further exploration, consider consulting the Rubberhose manual and experimenting with different rigging techniques to fully leverage the tool's capabilities. Happy animating!