To Give Life To That Which Is Dead

Welcome to the Rigonomicon, your source for learning how to rig. This site contains how-to videos and step by step learning material for anyone trying to give life to dead 3d models!

How We Will Grow

Currently this page is being developed alongside a course I am giving on rigging at Dawson College (winter 2024). Once the class is complete, this site will have all the fundamental materials you need to learn how to rig. Please have patience as we build the site up.

A Word About Software

What triangles are to models, these methods are to rigs and animation. No matter what DCC you use (Maya, Blender3D, 3DSMax, XSI, Motion Blender, etc.), know that these methods will work since at the core of all DCCs, there are transformations and dependency systems. This is a universal approach to rigging and it will serve you well with any software. That being said, our videos will use specific DCCs but we will include notes should other DCCs have something noteworthy on the subject.

Philosophy

If you have ever had a dream to give life to a character of your own creation but found yourself hitting a wall because of rigging, then this is the place for you. Auto-riggers and external rigging services have limits or simply cost too much, but rigging is limitless and free. This wiki will empower you and provide you with the building blocks to build your own rigs. It will most likely even make you a better animator.