How do I join the Character Animator Beta?

Open the Creative Cloud Desktop app, then click Beta apps in the left sidebar. Here you’ll see all Adobe apps with Beta versions that you can join. Click the Install or Update button next to Character Animator (Beta) to download it. This version will install separately from the current shipping version of Character Animator (22.2) and has a blueprint themed icon.

How to use Starter mode

How do I give feedback?
Please reply to our official forum thread using your Adobe ID. Is this ready for a wide release, or are there missing features you think we need first? Did you run into any bugs or confusing parts? Please let us know so we can continue making Starter mode a polished, fun experience for everyone.

What is Starter mode?
Starter mode is a free version of Character Animator that offers a quick, fun, and easy way to get started making your own animations.

How do I download Starter mode for free?
Follow the directions in our official forum thread to create an Adobe ID and download the Creative Cloud app for access to Character Animator Beta.

How do I access Starter mode in the app?
Click the mode chooser icon in the upper-right corner of the app to open a window, allowing you to switch between the Starter and Pro modes. Note that free Adobe accounts only have access to Starter mode, whereas active Creative Cloud subscribers can access both modes.

How do I make a recording?
On the Home screen, pick a character or click the Import button to add an external puppet. You can then click the blue button to record your face and voice live, or click the import dialogue button to import a pre-recorded audio file and then do the face recording. After recording, you can drag triggers onto the timeline to add additional emotion at key parts. Finally, you can click the share button in the upper right corner to export a final video.

Can I turn a Starter project into a Pro project?
Yes. If you switch to Pro mode while having a Starter project open, it will be converted into a Pro project. You can’t turn a Pro project into a Starter project, as Starter mode is a streamlined experience that removes some functionality only found in Pro mode.

Can I import any puppet into Starter mode?

Currently yes, but we are reviewing this during the Beta period. Please note that Starter mode puppets are set up in a specific way to make performing & recording easier for users. This means every Starter example puppet we’ve created has:

• A single “poses” swap set
• A full controls panel with icons for each swap set trigger
• No reliance on other behaviors like Dragger, Walk, Body Tracking, etc. for character movement (this is all taken care of in the triggers)

So if you are importing a third party puppet or creating your own Starter puppets in Pro mode, we highly recommend following these guidelines for the best results.

Want to learn more about Character Animator Pro mode?

• Watch our video tutorials to learn everything from getting started to advanced rigging at adobe.com/go/chtutorials.
• Download more free example puppets at adobe.com/go/chexamples and okaysamurai.com/puppets.
• There are several companies that sell puppets and puppet creation services. We've featured some of them (and more free puppets) at adobe.com/go/ch_examples_thirdparty_en.