Autodesk has released MotionBuilder 2025, the latest version of its character animation tool, commonly used for viewing and editing motion-capture data.
The update introduces USD for MotionBuilder, a new plugin that enables animators to load a USD stage into the viewport and animate in context.
Initial support for USD-based workflows
MotionBuilder 2025 represents a significant update, primarily due to its support for Pixar’s Universal Scene Description.
The new USD for MotionBuilder plugin allows users to load a USD stage, including textures and lights, and display it in the viewport alongside MotionBuilder data.
This workflow empowers artists in VFX and animation productions with USD-based pipelines to animate in context.
Technical artists can interact with the USD stage through Python scripting.
However, there are limitations. Notably, it’s currently impossible to convert USD data to MotionBuilder data, and vice versa; the USD stage primarily serves as a reference.
Furthermore, loading large or complex stages “may cause crashes,” so users should minimize the visibility of unnecessary objects before importing into MotionBuilder.
Workflow and performance improvements
Other enhancements in MotionBuilder 2025 involve smaller workflow and performance upgrades.
These include the ability to stretch multiple selected clips in Loop mode within the Story Tool, along with the capacity to lock Global/Take time marks on the timeline to prevent unwanted movement.
Additionally, there are fresh shortcut keys for commonly used tasks, plus updates to Python scripting and to how MotionBuilder displays warning messages.
Pricing and system requirements
MotionBuilder 2025 is compatible with Windows 10+ and RHEL and Rocky Linux 8.7/9.3. The software is available via subscription only at $2,145/year.
For a comprehensive list of new features in MotionBuilder 2025, consult the online documentation.