TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS MAYA FAQ:

> GETTING INTO MODELING MODE 
> SETTING UP IK HANDLES 




::::::::::::::: GETTING INTO MODELING MODE :::::::::::::::

Q: How do I get into modeling mode?

A:

I'm not sure what you're after but to create your character in Maya you'll start in modeling ~mode~. 
You should be able to get into modeling mode through the user interface. See the attached screenshot 
from Maya 7.0 (see MAYA_MODELLING_SCRNSHOT.gif)

If you don't have a similar option in your version, try consulting the Maya "Help" documentation 
on how to get into Modeling mode.

Also, take 5 minutes or so to re~visit the Intro video on modeling that ships with the software. 
It is ~very~ helpful toward getting your feet wet with this program.

Hope this helps...

Dr Nick



:::::::::::::::::: SETTING UP IK HANDLES :::::::::::::::::

Q: 

I was unable to select joints with the select tool, I did it by selecting them on the
list I had on the left with all the names... but then I am trying also to select them 
with the Ik handle tool and I cant!

I am on animation, and I changed my view from perspective to right side, I dont know what else to do, any idea?

A:

Please refer to the attached screenshot (Screen_IK_HANDLES.gif) to address your question.

In order to set up your IK handles you have to activate the 'IK handle tool'. In Maya 7, you can activate the 
tool using the 'Animation Menu Set' under the Skeleton drop~down menu. You can see that as the 4th feature I've 
highlighted in the screenshot.

Once you've activated the tool, you can set up the Inverse Kinematic rig by clicking once on  the ~distal~ 
joint (i.e., the child joint that connects to the parent joint in the relationship) and then clicking on the 
proximal joint (i.e., the joint to which you want 
to parent the child). In the screenshot I've set up a couple of IK handles in a bone setup that is analogous 
to a leg-knee-foot rig. (HIGHLIGHTED AS ITEM NO. 3).

I have also circled the IK TOOL ICON which you can also use to activate the IK Handle Tool.

Finally, I've indicated the 'Move tool' icon. Once you have your rig set up you can use the 'Move tool' to "grab" 
the appendage and move it around. It should feel kind of like a puppet in a sense. You can use the setup to pose 
your character, where the poses can become 
keyframes in animations for gameing applications and cinemagraphic 3D.

I hope you find this helpful.

Kind regards,

Prof Nagel