> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/files-and-what-they-do/file-formats/animations-.anims.md).

# Animations: .anims

How animations work in Cyberpunk

## Summary

**Published**: Jun 28 2024 by [mana vortex](mailto:undefined)\
**Last documented update**: Jun 28 2024 by [mana vortex](mailto:undefined)

This page explains how animations in Cyberpunk work.

### Wait, this is not what I want!

* For practical guides, check [Animation Modding](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/modding-tools/redmod/animation-modding.md) in the Modding Guides section.

{% hint style="info" %}
Animations are **extremely complex** and as of today, poorly-documented. You can find a lot of interesting discussions in the [animations channel](https://discord.com/channels/717692382849663036/813768799358156880) on our [discord](https://discord.gg/redmodding).

If you want to [join up](https://app.gitbook.com/invite/-MP5ijqI11FeeX7c8-N8/H70HZBOeUulIpkQnBLK7) and move that knowledge here, you are **more than welcome**! ([How and why to edit this wiki](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators/modding-tools/the-wiki))
{% endhint %}

## What is an animation?

The process of binding [meshes](https://github.com/CDPR-Modding-Documentation/Cyberpunk-Modding-Docs/blob/main/for-mod-creators-theory/files-and-what-they-do/file-formats/3d-objects-.mesh-files) (weapons, clothes, body parts) to an **armature** is called [rigging](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/3d-modelling/meshes-and-armatures-rigging.md).

The armature (also `rig` - think "skeleton") is made of **pose bones**.\
For every **frame**, these pose bones will be in a certain position (`keyframe`). Here lies the only difference between **static photo mode poses** and **animations**:

* A static pose (photo mode) has a [fallback keyframe](#fallback-frames) and a pose keyframe. Some custom poses have more, but these are not necessary.
* An animation has up to two [#fallback-frames](#fallback-frames "mention"). All of its keyframes will be played in sequence.

### Fallback frames

The keyframe at index 0 will be used while the animation resets, and acts whenever something in the pose can't be loaded, for example when the .anim file defines more frames than the pose in Blender.

This may lead to **twitching** and will hopefully be resolved in a future Wolvenkit version.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/files-and-what-they-do/file-formats/animations-.anims.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.