Animation Blueprints

Animation Blueprints are visual scripts that are used for the creation and control of complex animation behaviors.

Animation Blueprints are specialized Blueprints that control the animation of a Skeletal Mesh during simulation or gameplay. Graphs are edited inside of the Animation Blueprint Editor, where you can blend animation, control the bones of a Skeleton, or create logic that will define the final animation pose for a Skeletal Mesh to use per frame.

This document provides an overview of how to create an Animation Blueprint, its editor, and its primary features.

Prerequisites

Animation Blueprint Creation

You can create Animation Blueprints in the following ways:

In the Content Browser, click Add (+), then select Animation > Animation Blueprint. You will then be prompted to specify which Skeleton to target for the Animation Blueprint. Select one and click Create.

create animation blueprint

For this creation method, you can optionally specify a Template Animation Blueprint, and Parent Class, if you are wanting to create a child Blueprint. For more information about templates, visit the Animation Blueprint Linking page.

Animation Blueprints can also be created by right-clicking on a Skeletal Mesh Asset in the Content Browser and selecting Create > Anim Blueprint.

create animation blueprint

Once created, double-click your new Animation Blueprint to open it in the Animation Blueprint Editor. To learn more about the interface, toolbar, and sections of this editor, refer to the Animation Blueprint Editor page.

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Animation Blueprint Editor

An overview of the Animation Blueprint Editor and its user interface.

An overview of the Animation Blueprint Editor and its user interface.

Assigning to Characters

Animation Blueprints on their own will not affect your characters until you assign them. Typically this is done on the Skeletal Mesh of your character, regardless if it is referenced in a level or as a component in Blueprints.

To assign your Animation Blueprint, select your Skeletal Mesh and set the following properties:

  • Set Animation Mode to Use Animation Blueprint.

  • Set Anim Class to your Animation Blueprint asset.

assign animation blueprint to character

Working with Animation Blueprints

There are several features and workflows available to you when using Animation Blueprints. From creating animation logic using the AnimGraph, to using Linked Anim Instances, Animation Blueprints provide a powerful suite of tools for you.

Reference the following pages to learn how to create robust Animation Blueprint logic for your characters.

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Animation Blueprint Editor

An overview of the Animation Blueprint Editor and its user interface.

An overview of the Animation Blueprint Editor and its user interface.

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Graphing in Animation Blueprints

Edit, blend, and manipulate poses on Skeletal Meshes using various graphs in Animation Blueprints.

Edit, blend, and manipulate poses on Skeletal Meshes using various graphs in Animation Blueprints.

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State Machines

Create logic-based branching animation by using State Machines.

Create logic-based branching animation by using State Machines.

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Animation Node Reference

Descriptions of the various animation nodes available for use in Animation Blueprints.

Descriptions of the various animation nodes available for use in Animation Blueprints.

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Animation Slots

Insert entry-points within your Anim Graph to play animation from using Slots.

Insert entry-points within your Anim Graph to play animation from using Slots.

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Sync Groups

Synchronize the cycles of animations with different lengths using Sync Groups.

Synchronize the cycles of animations with different lengths using Sync Groups.

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Animation Blueprint Linking

Modularize your Animation Blueprint logic by using Animation Blueprint Linking and Templates.

Modularize your Animation Blueprint logic by using Animation Blueprint Linking and Templates.

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