Description: Autodesk MotionBuilder is the biggest update to the program in several years, if only because it makes MotionBuilder the last application to support Pixar’s Universal Scene Description (USD). The new USD plugin for MotionBuilder allows you to load a USD scene, including textures and lights, and display it in the viewport alongside your MotionBuilder data. This workflow should allow artists working on VFX or animation projects with USD-based pipelines to animate in context. Technical artists can interact with the USD scene using Python scripts. Other changes in MotionBuilder 2025 are smaller workflow and performance improvements, including the ability to stretch multiple selected clips in Loop mode in the Story Tool, and lock Global/Take timestamps on the timeline to prevent them from moving. There are also new shortcuts for common tasks, updated Python scripts, and a change to the way MotionBuilder displays warning messages.
Real-Time 3D Character Animation
MotionBuilder is designed for high-speed character animation, offering real-time playback and editing to streamline workflows for games, film, and TV production.
Motion Capture Integration
It supports live motion capture (mocap) streaming, allowing artists to connect mocap systems directly and work with performance data instantly in a 3D environment.
Non-Destructive Animation Editing
With its advanced character rigging system, animators can make edits without altering original motion data, making retargeting and cleanup more efficient.
Character Rigging and Retargeting
MotionBuilder includes robust tools to retarget animation across characters of different proportions and skeleton structures, which is especially useful in game development and cinematics.
Story Tool for Animation Sequencing
The Story tool enables users to organize and blend multiple animation clips and audio into a timeline, similar to a video editor, for precise storytelling.
Python and SDK Scripting Support
Automation and customization are made easy through Python scripting and access to the MotionBuilder SDK, helping technical artists extend the tool’s functionality.
Interoperability with Autodesk Ecosystem
MotionBuilder integrates well with other Autodesk products like Maya and 3ds Max, using FBX as a universal file format to streamline cross-application workflows.
Pose Controls and Keyframe Animation
Users can easily manage poses and switch between key poses for traditional keyframe animation techniques, aiding both manual and procedural animation styles.
Animation Layering System
The layering system allows animators to blend and stack movements, offering flexibility in refining or enhancing animation sequences.
Optical Data Cleanup
Built-in tools help correct and refine motion capture data, such as foot sliding, jitter, and gimbal lock issues, ensuring polished animation results.
System Requirements
Microsoft Windows 10, version 1809 or higher
Microsoft Windows 11
CPU: 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor
RAM: 8 GB of RAM (16 GB or more recommended)
Disk Space: 4 GB of free disk space for install
Pointing Device: Three-button mouse
Release Name: Autodesk MotionBuilder 2026.1
Size: 3.09 GB
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