Record something original
Perform a character voice or make your own sound effects. A rustling sheet of paper might become a storm; a tap on a box could be a giant footstep.
Sound, voices and talking characters
Zu3D 5 · sound & speech
Voices, noises
and talking clay.
Record a voice, add a squeak or put a suspicious rumble under the floorboards. Layer sounds around your animation, then give the character a mouth to go with its opinions.
Make a bit of noise.
Find the right sound
Explore the sound library or import an audio file. Choose sounds that help the story, from an unexpected squeak to a musical ending.
Layer the atmosphere
Combine dialogue, music, ambience and effects on separate tracks. Keep each sound where you need it and build a soundtrack around the action.
Make the moment land
A well-timed thud.
Line up a crash with a fall, let music build before a reveal or leave a quiet pause for a reaction. Timeline zoom helps you work on the details without losing sight of the whole scene.
Balance the volume of your sounds so the voice comes through and the music supports it. A quiet voice need not compete with a very enthusiastic soundtrack.
A voice with character
Still your voice.
A little less normal.
Explore sound styles, pitch and speed to change how a recording feels. Make a voice smaller, deeper or stranger, then listen alongside the picture until it suits your character.
Try a few versions against the picture. The first voice you record does not have to be the one you keep.
Animated lip sync
Clay with something to say.
Use project audio or record a new voice, choose a face style and let Zu3D analyse the speech to create mouth animation. Preview the result, adjust the face and add it to your film as a separate clip.
A simple strip of clay can become a chatty character. Fit the face with position, size and rotation controls; keep your model’s own eyes or use an animated face with eyes included.
Get the face in the right place.
A face that fits
Adjust the face backing colour and opacity to help it blend with your character.
Move with the character
Use Motion keyframes to reposition an animated face as your character moves. You choose the alignment through the shot.
Say it another way
Add a speech bubble or overlay text for a comic-book moment, a silent conversation or an extra punchline.
A few things to know
Does Zu3D make the mouth animation?
Yes. The Lip sync creator analyses your chosen audio and generates an animated mouth clip. You can preview and adjust it before placing it in your film.
Will the face automatically track my model?
You position the face yourself. Motion keyframes let you change its position, size and rotation over time to keep it aligned with a moving model.
How can I record sound?
Use a compatible microphone on your device. Spark also has a built-in microphone for recording sound.
Put the tools to work
Make your next idea.
Use Zu3D 5 with a compatible camera, or explore the Classic Kit for a USB camera, modelling materials and handbook.
Get Zu3D 5Shop the Classic KitSome creative tools require Zu3D 5 Premium. Following the printed Classic handbook? Get Zu3D M and its matching help.
Explore what you can create
A closer look at the tools.
Stop-motion animation & editing
Onion skinning, frame-by-frame capture and editing that puts the rhythm of your film in your hands.
Explore →
Green screen & movie effects
Combine handmade characters with new worlds, foregrounds, shadows and flying effects.
Explore →
Drawing, props & motion
Draw moving effects, bring images to life with keyframes and use real movement as inspiration.
Explore →
Titles, stories & sharing
Shape a story, add titles and credits, export your movie and keep the project ready for your next idea.
Explore →