Getting Started in 3D with 3ds Max

Inverse Kinematics (IK) and Forward Kinematics (FK) are both methods of controlling hierarchically linked chains of objects. In this case, you will manipulate the arms of a crane using each of the methods to learn the workflow using kinematics in animation.

Fundamentally, when you have a chain of hierarchically linked objects, the control of those objects either begins at the root object (FK) and passes control up the chain or begins at the end child object (IK) and passes control down the chain. When planning your hierarchical chain, you can determine the root object by asking yourself “If this object moves do I want everything else to move with ...