Binding and Weighting allow for natural deformation of vector artwork by connecting individual vertices or Bezier handles to multiple bones. Binding links the bones to a path, while weighting determines how much influence each bone has over specific points, enabling smooth curves and complex movements.
- Speed Tip: The first bone selected during the binding process receives 100% initial weight for all vertices. Plan your selection order to minimize manual weighting later.
- Vector Focus: This lesson focuses strictly on vector paths; the process for raster (image) meshes is slightly different and covered in a separate lesson.
- Physics Simulation: Proper weighting is the key to making rigid vector shapes look like flexible materials (e.g., a waving flag or a bending arm).