This tutorial will describe how to attach objects to each other, more specifically let characters pick up props and have characters ride in vehicles. (This tutorial assumes a scene has been created with at least one character, and at least one prop.)

1. Picking up a blade example (attaching a prop to a character)

Prepare a character and at least a prop in the scene, possibly one of the weapons to be held in the character's hands. Have the character pick up the weapon, [zabato0] for example, by selecting the character (the parent) first, followed by right-clicking on the object that will be the “child” in the attachment, in this case, the [zabato0].

As a result, the attachment radial menu opens up with the following selections:

• onto right hand – the prop is moved to and attached to the right hand, it will also follow every movement of the character's right hand

• onto left hand – same as above except only applies to the character's left hand

• onto head – the prop stays in place but attached to the character's head, it will follow every movement of the character's head (it is recommended to move the prop to the desired relative position to the character's head before attachment)

• onto waist – same as above except attaches to the body of character (also recommended to move the prop to the desired relative position before attachment)

Once a prop is attached to the character, you can still move the relative position of the attached prop. All you need to do is move or rotate the prop with the widget, and you will be prompted with the following options:

• detach – remove the prop from the character and it is at the updated place, unattached

• re-attach – the prop is still attached to the character, though at the updated location and rotation

• cancel – the prop is still attached, at the old location

You can have the character pick up any and every prop using the methods above, from knives to trees, cars to building, everything (other than another character for now).

Tip: if the child prop is given waypoints, it will respect the waypoints during the waypoint animation, but goes back to the attached state while waypoint animation is not in effect. This is useful for animating throwing sequence.

2. Driving a car example (attaching a character or prop to a prop)

The procedures for loading a prop or character onto a car, with the car as the parent, are similar to the above. Start by selecting the car (the parent), followed by right-clicking on the desired prop or character (the child). As a result, the child object remains in place but attached to the parent object, thus follows the car everywhere it goes. It is recommended to move the child to the desired relative position before attachment.

Tip: give the character a sitting animation before attaching to the car

Save the scene when you are happy with the results.