The smooth, flowing bendy limb animation you see in explainer videos and animated stickers is one of the most recognisable styles in motion design — and you do not need a complex rig for it. Here is how to create it fast with RubberHose 2.
The rubber-hose style
Rubber-hose limbs bend like a hose rather than at rigid joints, giving characters a friendly, energetic feel that is perfect for mascots and explainers.
Step 1 — Create a hose
Generate a hose to get a limb with a start point, an end point and a bend control.
Step 2 — Position it
Place the start at the shoulder or hip and the end at the wrist or ankle; the hose forms a smooth curve between them.
Step 3 — Style the bend
Set the bend direction so the elbow or knee curves correctly, then tune width and taper.
Step 4 — Animate two points
Keyframe only the start and end points to create waves, walks and gestures — that is what makes it so fast.
The tool behind it
Get RubberHose 2 on NexTools and animate expressive limbs the same day.
FAQ
Do I need IK for bendy limbs?
No, the two-point rubber-hose approach is much faster for stylised animation.
Is it good for walk cycles?
Yes, the automatic bend suits bouncy, characterful walks.
