Path Constraint

After learning the basics of Animating in 3DS Max, we learned how to use Path Constraints. This allows you to use a Line (drawn either in Max itself or imported from an external program such as Illustrator) as a path that an object can follow.

Once you've set an object to use a Path Constraint, you can adjust several options in the Motion panel to customize your animation. For example, you can make the object 'Follow' the path, which will keep the object facing forward along the path at all times, giving a roller-coaster type effect. You can also use 'Bank', which makes the object tilt when it turns. Finally, you can speed up or slow down certain parts of the animation with a combination of Autokey / Set Key and the '% Along Path' scroll.

One great use for Path Constraints is related to Cameras. You can set the Target of a Target camera to have a path constraint, which will make the cameras focus point move along the path, perhaps to follow an object that is also moving along the path (as shown in the video above).