What you'll learn

In this Maya tutorial we will learn how to use Driven Keys to enhance our control rigs in Maya. We'll start by learning how to apply this technique to a mechanical rig, creating a sequence of actions to reveal specific features on a model in a robotic way. We'll also learn how this system can be modified to provide animators with a sufficient amount of control. We'll then take a look at another example and learn how to create a Driven Key system to hold volume in a skinned mesh. Instead of relying on the rotation of joints that can flip due to Gimbal Lock, we'll learn more a robust solution that uses an object's point space to drive corrective bones and targets. We'll even learn techniques for creating and mirroring corrective shapes faster! By the end of this tutorial, you will learn reliable workflows that use Driven Keys to get the results we want from our control rigs. Software required: Autodesk Maya 2014.