How to Animate Vertices Separately on a Spline Line in 3ds Max
Yes, it can absolutely be done. In 3ds Max 2025, you can animate the vertices of a line (or any spline) independently using the Edit Spline modifier or, even better, the more modern Spline Modifier, which is cleaner and doesn't mess up your modifier stack history. Let's bring those vertices to life! 🎬
Animating Individual Vertices
What you need to do is activate the Vertex sub-object, select the one you want, and use Set Key on the timeline to record the movement of each vertex individually. Total control over every point!
Straight-Line Movement
If, for example, you want the top vertex to move in a straight line towards the negative X axis, you just need to constrain the movement to the X axis (you can use the F8 key or activate the constraint on the toolbar) and animate as usual. Simple and effective! 📏
Curved Movement with an External Pivot
To make the bottom vertex rotate around a point not on the line, the easiest way is to place a Dummy in the scene where you want that pivot and then apply a Linked Xform to the vertex in question. You link it to the Dummy, rotate the Dummy, and the vertex will rotate as if it were orbiting. An elegant and controlled movement! 🌀
- Place a Dummy: Use a Dummy as an external pivot.
- Linked Xform: Apply Linked Xform to the vertex.
- Link and Rotate: Link the vertex to the Dummy and rotate the Dummy.
The Irony of the Rebellious Spline
And the funny thing is, although it sounds technical and elegant, you're actually tricking 3ds Max into treating each vertex as if it were an independent object. A solution worthy of Frankenstein… but it works. Until you tell a colleague and they say it can't be done. The magic of 3D! ✨
This way you can make one vertex perform a straight movement, and another a curved movement, all within the same spline and without needing to use bones or complex rigs. Creativity has no limits in the world of 3D! 🎨