Walk cycle

{{short description|Looping animation of a walking character}} {{Multiple issues| {{refimprove|date=December 2014}} {{One source|date=October 2021}} }} {{multiple images|direction=vertical |image1=4-frame-walk-cycle.gif|width1=80 |image2=Walk-cycle-poses.jpg|width2=200 |footer=A simple four-frame walk cycle}} In animation, a '''walk cycle''' is a series of frames or illustrations drawn in sequence that loop to create an animation of a walking character. The walk cycle is looped over and over, thus avoiding having to animate each step again.

==Creating a walk cycle== Walk cycles can be broken up into four key frames: the ''forward contact point'', the first ''passing pose'', the ''back contact point'', and the second ''passing pose''. Frames that are drawn between these key poses (traditionally known as in-betweens) are either hand-drawn or interpolated using computer software. left|thumb|Key frames of a walk cycle Besides the apparent move of the legs, many more details are necessary for a convincing walk cycle, like animation timing, movement of the arms, head and torsion of the whole body.<ref name="idleworm">[http://www.idleworm.com/how/anm/02w/walk1.shtml Walkcycle tutorial] from http://www.idleworm.com</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=svg animation |url=https://www.svgator.com |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref>

There exist many techniques to create walk cycles. Traditionally, walk cycles are hand-drawn, but over time with the introduction of new technologies for new mediums, walk cycles can be made in pixel art, 2D computer graphics, 3D computer graphics, stop motion, and cut-out animation, or using techniques like rotoscoping.

==References== <references />

==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110612084817/http://www.awn.com/qas/60.html The Walk and the Whip](archived) sample animation with video (awn.com)

Category:Animation techniques