Spine Pro A Complete 2d Character Animation Guide Free New 'link' May 2026

Design for modularity: separate limbs, torso, head, eyes, mouth, hair, clothing layers, weapons.
Plan pivot points: place artwork pivots where natural rotation occurs (shoulder for upper arm, hip for leg).
Define required animations: idle, walk, run, jump, attack(s), hit, death, emotes.
Reusability: create interchangeable skins (costume swaps) and attachment points for items.

: Never animate the root bone; it should stay at 0,0 for the developer to control in-game.

5 — Building the skeleton