> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://sloyd.gitbook.io/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://sloyd.gitbook.io/documentation/3d-tools/animate/character-rigging-guide.md).

# Character rigging guide

Sloyd can automatically rig and animate your 3D characters. This guide explains what makes a model animatable and how to fix one that isn't.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Animation works on **humanoid** characters in a **T-pose** or **A-pose**. Anything else needs fixing first, or can't be animated.
{% endhint %}

## What can be animated?

Sloyd animates **humanoid (human-like) characters**: anything with a head, torso, two arms, and two legs. This includes humans, robots, elves, monsters, and stylized characters.

For the best results, your character should be in a **T-pose** or **A-pose**:

| Pose          | Looks like                           | Animatable?        |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------ | ------------------ |
| **T-Pose**    | Arms straight out to the sides       | Yes                |
| **A-Pose**    | Arms angled down at about 45 degrees | Yes                |
| Anything else | Action poses, sitting, crossed arms  | Needs fixing first |

These poses give the rigging system a clear view of the limbs so it can place the skeleton correctly.

## What happens when you animate

When you pick an animation, Sloyd **automatically rigs** your character (adds a skeleton), then applies the motion. You don't need to rig anything yourself. Models that are already rigged animate instantly.

## Why a model might be blocked

| You see...                          | What it means                                                 | What to do                                                                            |
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **"Fix model"**                     | Your character is humanoid but in an awkward pose             | Click **Fix model**, and Sloyd regenerates it in a clean T-pose, then you can animate |
| **"This model is not a humanoid"**  | The model is an animal, object, or prop                       | Animation only works on human-like characters. Try a humanoid model instead           |
| No pop-up, goes straight to animate | You're good: clean pose, already rigged, or an uploaded model | Just pick an animation                                                                |

## Tips for animatable characters

* When generating, enable the **T-Pose** toggle so your character comes out ready to animate.
* Keep the character **humanoid**. Four-legged animals and objects can't be rigged.
* Uploading your own model? Make sure it's a humanoid in a T-pose or A-pose for the best auto-rig results.

{% hint style="info" %}
Still stuck? Reach out via the in-app chat and we'll help.
{% endhint %}