by Didik Wijaya

In this tutorial I want to show you how to create waving flag animation using 3ds max. Actually there are several ways to create this kind of animation. You can use Wave Space Warp, Flex or Cloth modifier. This tutorial covers how to create waving flag animation using cloth modifier. For you who want to know more about cloth modifier, I recommend to read Realistic Table Cloth Cover Tutorial. Let's begin.

1. Create a cylinder in Top viewport. Then create plane in Front viewport. Use values in image below. You will use cylinder as pole and plane as cloth. Position plane and cylinder like image below. The important thing is you need to set enough Segments in plane to make cloth animation works later.

2. Select plane. Go to Modify tab. Apply Cloth modifier. In Object rollout, click Object Properties button. In opened window, highlight Plane01 object and set as Cloth. Click OK. Leave other settings in default. They are more than enough to create good cloth animation.

3. Next step, we need to make the flag stick to the pole. In Modifier stack, click plus (+) sign left of Cloth. Highlight Group. Then select all vertices in flag close to the pole. In Group rollout, click Make Group, click Node button. Then click cylinder in viewport. This way, you make selected vertices static.

4. Highlight Cloth row in Modifier stack. In Object rollout. click Simulate button. Watch flag falling down, but still stick to the pole. Next, click Erase Simulation button

5. Next, you will make the flag waving by adding Wind forces. In Command Panel, click Create>Space Warp. Make sure Forces is selected from drop-down list. Click Wind button. In Left viewport, click and drag to create Wind Icon. You can create this icon at any size and location.

Go to Modify tab, use Wind Strength=10 and Turbulence=5

6. Select plane. Go to Modify tab. In Object rollout, click Cloth Forces button. In opened window, highlight Wind01 in left column, and click arrow button to move to right column. Now, Wind is affecting the flag.

7. Click Simulate again to create waving flag animation. Congratulations!

Tips:
You may need to add more frames. Click Time Configuration button, and enter 300 or any values in End Time.
To create smoother flag, you can also apply Turbosmooth modifier to plane.

8. Below is sample of rendered flag animation, with texture applied.

Any question or comments regarding this tutorial should be sent to:
Didik Wijaya, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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