Animating with Blender

Inverse Kinematics/Forward Kinematics

By default, armatures are created using forward kinematics (FK), with several options for implementing inverse kinematics (IK). IK is most useful when the end of a bone chain will be bearing weight. Technically, IK is used when the end of a limb is required to have a fixed-point in space, while the remainder of the limb is moving. This can be a foot on the ground, a hand on a countertop, or a paw holding onto a tree limb. Obviously, most characters will use this for their feet and legs. There are some exceptions, of course. In the case of the Beast himself, the legs and feet use forward kinematics because he spends a lot of time sitting, or with his feet in the air. Also note that the “weight-bearing” rule ...