How to Create a Walk Cycle Animation: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Create a Walk Cycle Animation: A Step-by-Step Guide

A walk cycle is one of the most important animations to learn. It makes characters look natural when moving. This guide will help you create a simple and smooth walk cycle!

Step 1: Understand the Four Main Poses

A basic walk cycle has four key poses:

  1. Contact Pose – One foot touches the ground while the other lifts.
  2. Down Pose – The character lowers slightly as the weight shifts.
  3. Passing Pose – The lifted leg moves forward.
  4. Up Pose – The character rises slightly before the next step.

These four poses repeat to create a loop.

Step 2: Choose Your FPS and Software

  • FPS (Frames Per Second): 12 FPS for a simple walk, 24 FPS for a smooth one.
  • Software: Flipaclip (mobile), Krita (PC), or Adobe Animate.

Step 3: Draw the Keyframes

  1. Start with the contact pose – one foot on the ground, one lifted.
  2. Add the down pose – lower the character slightly.
  3. Draw the passing pose – the lifted foot moves forward.
  4. Create the up pose – the character slightly rises.
  5. Repeat the cycle for the next step.

Step 4: Add Inbetweens for Smooth Motion

  • Add frames between key poses to smoothen movement.
  • Use "ease in and ease out" to make motion look natural.

Step 5: Add Final Details and Export

  • Clean up rough sketches and add final lines.
  • Color the animation and add shading.
  • Export as a GIF or MP4 to share!

Final Tips

✔ Observe real-life walking for reference.
✔ Keep movements balanced to avoid stiffness.
✔ Start with a simple walk before trying different styles (running, sneaking).

Now, try creating your first walk cycle animation!

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