How to Switch Models and Stages in MikuMikuDance

How do I switch models in the middle of a video in MMD? How do you change the sets in MikuMikuDance? What does the display box do in MMD?

How to Switch Models and Stages In the Middle of a Video

Ever watch those videos on YouTube and right in the middle of the same motion data the models and stages switch to something else? A lot of people think this is done in the editing process. Guess what! It’s not. This switcheroo is done by using MikuMikuDance’s display function.

By default, MikuMikuDance displays everything you load on to it, all at once. If you look at the Model Manipulation panel and the Accessory Manipulation panel, you will see that both panels have a “disp” and a “display” check box respectively. These boxes allow you to choose what you want or don’t want shown.

Now you see them. Now you don’t.

Load up two models and the same motion data for each of them (this can look kind of creepy or funny- depending on your point of view). This would also be a good time to select the corresponding .wav file. Don’t forget to go to the File menu and make sure that “play WAV with frame (F)” is checked.

Now, go to the Model Manipulation panel and select the model you do wish to start the animation. Make sure the “disp” field is checked. Then click the register button in the same panel. Choose the model you don’t want to switch. Uncheck the “disp” field and register that. You should now have only one model showing.

Use the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard and find a place where you want to switch models. Go ahead uncheck the “disp” and click register. Then select the other model; check “disp” and register that. You’ve just reversed the steps from earlier! Do this switching throughout the rest of the motion data. When you press play, you’ll see all your detailed work.

A Change of Scenery.

Let’s up the level! Go back to the very beginning of your animation and load two different stages. This time we’ll be using the Accessory Manipulation panel for shifting out scenes. Select which stage you want to display first. Check the “display” field and register. Uncheck  the “display”and register the other stage. Notice the steps are the same as with the Model Manipulation panel.

With the arrow keys, find the points where you switched models. Only this time, shift the stages at the same frames you had exchanged models then press play and enjoy your handiwork. Your film is now more dynamic-even with a stationary camera!

Credits: Default Rin and Len Kagamine (Animasa) and Motion Data is Popi-popi-popo-pipo (Vegetable Juice Rmx) by  Unknown.

Have fun with this.