# Armatures: .rig files

## Summary

Published: Oct 12 by [mana vortex](https://app.gitbook.com/u/NfZBoxGegfUqB33J9HXuCs6PVaC3 "mention")\
Last documented edit: Oct 12 by [mana vortex](https://app.gitbook.com/u/NfZBoxGegfUqB33J9HXuCs6PVaC3 "mention")

This page contains **theory** about Cyberpunk's armature files.

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

* To find out how armatures and meshes are connected, check [meshes-and-armatures-rigging](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/3d-modelling/meshes-and-armatures-rigging "mention")
* To edit an armature, check [rig-deforming-for-v](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/npcs/rig-deforming-for-v "mention")
* For a hands-on guide, check [poses-animations-make-your-own](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/animations/animations/poses-animations-make-your-own "mention")

## What's a rig?

A `rig` (also `armature`, the terms will be used interchangeable) is the **skeleton structure** used to control and animate [`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).

Each armature is a hierarchical connection of bones (similar to a meatspace skeleton — the foot bone's connected to the leg bone).

### Control

Via `rotation` and `translation` of individual bones, the armature controls the **pose** of the connected mesh. You can read more about this on the [meshes-and-armatures-rigging](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/3d-modelling/meshes-and-armatures-rigging "mention") page.

### Deform

Via `scale`, the armature **deforms** the connected mesh. This is how custom rigs are used to change V's body shape.

To learn more about this, check [rig-deforming-for-v](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/npcs/rig-deforming-for-v "mention").