Plask

Transform your video footage into stunning 3D animations with Plask Motion's intuitive platform. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process, from importing videos and 3D models to exporting professional-quality animations for games and films.

Video Import Options

Plask Motion offers two primary methods for importing videos: the Import Video button within the Asset panel and direct drag-and-drop functionality. The video must capture an entire body moving in front of a simple background with adequate lighting, allowing for clear tracking of the subject's motion.

Users can start the animation process by selecting and trimming specific sections of the video using the timeline with start and end handles. The platform provides two animation styles: Accurate for smooth movements and Stable for precise details. Multi-person tracking functionality enables the simultaneous animation of up to five individuals in a single video.

The free trial version allows users to explore both the To Go and Create Here features. To Go offers a simplified workflow for extracting and exporting animations, while Create Here provides additional tools for camera control, lighting setup, and scene modification before exporting.

For model preparation, the platform supports four main file formats: GLB, FBX (version 7100 or later), VRM (version 0.0), and PMX. All imported models must feature both a Mesh and Skinned Skeleton structure, with the T-pose serving as the default resting position. The recommended minimum bone count is 24 source bones, though the system can accommodate up to 52 specific bones for core animations.

The import process requires the model to include both mesh and skeleton data, with additional considerations for PMX imports, which necessitate importing the entire directory containing the file and its textures. The platform enforces strict file size limits of 50 MB for PMX models and 100 MB for video imports, while animation duration is capped at 9000 frames (approximately 5 minutes at 30 fps). Multi-person videos should maintain a limit of five individuals for optimal results.

Model Import and Preparation

Plask Motion supports four primary 3D model formats: GLB (version 2.0), FBX (version 7100 or later), VRM (version 0.0), and PMX. These formats enable a wide range of character imports, from VRoid Studio avatars to MikuMikuDance (MMD) characters. The platform includes advanced physics simulations for VRM and PMX models, including realistic hair movement and dynamic cloth behavior.

Model import requires both mesh and skinned skeleton data, with the T-pose serving as the default resting position. The recommended minimum bone count is 24 source bones, though the system can accommodate up to 52 specific bones for core animations. For optimal performance, models should include proper textures and follow these bone requirements:

• Hips

• Spine

• Left/Right UpLeg

• Left/Right Leg

• Spine1

• Left/Right Foot

• Neck

• Left/Right ToeBase

• Head

• Left/Right Shoulder

• Left/Right Arm

• Left/Right ForeArm

• Left/Right Hand

• Left/Right Hand Fingers

While the system can handle additional bones for accessories, the recommended bone structure is optimized for up to 52 specific bones. PMX imports require the entire directory containing the file and its textures, though only one PMX file is allowed per directory. The platform enforces strict file size limits of 50 MB for PMX models and 100 MB for video imports, with animation duration capped at 9000 frames (approximately 5 minutes at 30 fps). Multi-person videos should maintain a limit of five individuals for optimal results.

Animation Creation Process

After selecting the desired video clip, Plask Motion employs advanced AI algorithms to extract the motion data [1]. The system analyzes the footage frame-by-frame, specifically designed to track the subject's movements from a single camera source [2]. This process generates what the company describes as "best-in-class AI motion capture," producing natural animations suitable for various applications including video games and films [2].

The underlying technology works by breaking down the video into basic skeletal movements. As the motion data is extracted, the system simultaneously processes the imported 3D model, applying the movement data to the character's skeletal structure [3]. For VRM and PMX models, the platform uses specialized integration methods - Babylon-mmd for VRM and native support for PMX files [4]. The system handles all necessary physics calculations in real-time, including realistic hair movements and cloth dynamics, thanks to its advanced simulations [4].

Once the motion data is applied to the model, users can immediately preview their animation directly within the tool's interface [5]. The platform offers several tools for fine-tuning the result, including options for adjusting camera angles, adding lighting effects, and applying post-processing filters [5]. These features allow users to generate high-quality video renders or export 3D assets compatible with industry-standard tools like Unreal, Maya, and Blender [5].

The entire process generates a thumbnail preview of the final animation, allowing users to make immediate adjustments before proceeding [6]. From there, the animation can be applied to various 3D models, exported in multiple formats, or integrated directly into game engine projects [6]. All file exports require selecting specific nodes in the Outliner, with options available for GLB, FBX, or BVH formats [7]. The exporting process also allows detailed configuration of output settings, including frame rate and resolution [7].

Exporting Animations

Plask Motion supports three primary file export formats: FBX, GLB, and BVH. The export process requires selecting at least one node in the Outliner to proceed, with the Export button opening the configuration options. Users can choose between GLB, FBX, or BVH formats, enter a file name, and select frame rate.

Video Export

For video exports, users access the export menu in the upper right corner and select "Export Video." They configure settings including video length (specified by start and end frames), resolution, orientation (horizontal or vertical), file name, and frame rate. The process initiates video rendering and download.

Model Export

The platform allows exporting models in multiple formats simultaneously by selecting specific nodes in the Outliner. The available formats include FBX, GLB, and BVH. Users must ensure the exported files are compatible with their intended application, as the company recommends checking all elements of the exported file.

Export Best Practices

Before exporting, users are advised to review their animations directly within the tool. The company emphasizes the importance of proper node selection to include all necessary parts of the model and animation. For video exports, users should verify camera angles and scene composition before rendering. All exports generate a thumbnail preview allowing immediate adjustments before finalization.

Pricing and Plans

The platform offers two subscription plans: a monthly plan at $40 and an annual plan at $216 ($18/month). The Standard plan provides 18,000 credits per month, allowing for approximately 10 minutes of continuous motion capture. Users receive 3GB of storage capacity for assets like models and enjoy priority processing compared to the Freemium plan, which now limits daily credit usage to 450.

Additional features include Hand Animation for detailed finger movements and the Select Character functionality for focusing on specific individuals in multi-person videos. Before starting an animation project, users should familiarize themselves with the platform's basic workflow, which typically takes as little as 3 minutes for basic tasks.

The company maintains a support email at support@plask.ai, offering assistance to both new and experienced users. All exports are generated as single files, so users are advised to check their models and animations in compatible software after exporting. The platform provides extensive documentation and support resources, including step-by-step guides for both basic and advanced usage.