System requirements for Character Animator
To get the most out of this book, it’s recommended you have the following:
- An updated copy of Adobe Character Animator
- A webcam
- A microphone
- A well-lit room to record in
Adobe Character Animator comes with a few requirements if you’re looking to maximize your project’s potential. A nice computer will allow for faster processes. This can be useful, especially as projects take up more resources.
While traditional methods used in other applications are achievable here to some extent (such as controlling animation using a mouse and keyboard), you will find it’s best to interact using a microphone and webcam. This not only allows for real-time expressions and lip-syncing but also full body tracking if desired. For a more detailed breakdown, here are Character Animator’s requirements according to Adobe: https://helpx.adobe.com/adobe-character-animator/system-requirements.html.
Figure 1.1: A preview of the requirements for Windows (the page contains Mac specs as well)
It’s advised you record in a well-lit room. This will ensure your webcam can pick up on your expressions. If you plan to take advantage of the body tracking feature, make sure you have enough room to move freely and safely. The camera will also need to be placed at a distance, but we will go over that in detail when we get to body tracking later on.
All the images in this book will showcase the Windows UI. However, the macOS and Windows versions are identical except for the UI and shortcuts. All the shortcuts given in this book will be for both Windows and macOS.