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3D Animation In Unity

Last Updated : 4 May, 2026

3D animation moves a character's body parts like legs walk, arms swing, head turns. Unlike 2D where you swap sprites, 3D animation uses a rigged model with bones. You need a 3D model that already has animations. Free sources:

  • Unity Asset Store: Search "free character" (example: "Kyle" or "Ethan").
  • Mixamo (Adobe): Download animated characters for free.
  • Sketchfab: Some free animated models etc.

Importing the Model

  • Download an FBX file with animations.
  • Drag the FBX file into Project window.
  • Click the model in Project window - Inspector - Select "Rig" tab.
  • Change Animation Type to "Humanoid" (for standard characters).
  • Click "Apply" button.

Viewing Available Animations

  • Click the model in the Project window.
  • Go to the "Animations" tab in Inspector.

You will see a list of animations inside the model:

  • Idle
  • Walk
  • Run
  • Jump

Adding Model to Scene

  • Drag the model from the Project window into the Scene view
  • The character appears in your game world, Select it.
  • In Inspector, you will see an Animator component with an Animator Controller already assigned.

Creating an Animator Controller

If the model doesn't have a controller, create one:

  • Right-click Project -> Create -> Animator Controller -> Name "CharacterController".
  • Open Animator window (Window - Animator).
  • Drag the controller onto your character's Animator component.

Adding Animations to Controller

  • Open Animator window
  • Find animations inside your model (click small arrow next to model in Project - opens sub-items).
  • Drag animation clips (Idle, Walk, Run) into Animator window.

Creating Transitions

  • Idle - Walk: Right-click Idle -> Make Transition -> Click Walk.
  • Walk - Run: Right-click Walk -> Make Transition -> Click Run.
  • Reverse transitions: Same steps backward (Run -> Walk, Walk -> Idle).

Adding Parameters

  • Animator window -> Parameters tab -> "+" -> Float -> Name "Speed".

Setting Conditions on Transitions

  • Idle - Walk transition: Click the arrow -> Inspector -> Condition: Speed > 0.1.
  • Walk - Run transition: Condition is Speed > 3.
  • Walk - Idle transition: Condition is Speed < 0.1.
  • Run - Walk transition: Condition is Speed < 3.

Controlling Animation with Script

Attach this script to your character:

Testing the Animation

Press Play - Use W/S or Up/Down arrow keys:

  • No key - Idle.
  • Press W a little - Walk.
  • Hold Shift while pressing W - Run (if Speed > 3 threshold).
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