Example of a t-pose model in Blender 3D

In computer animation, a T-pose, also known as a bind pose or reference pose, is a default posing for a 3D model's skeleton before it is animated.^[1] It is called so because of its shape: the straight legs and arms of a humanoid model combine to form a capital letter T. When the arms are angled downwards, the pose is sometimes referred to as an A-pose instead. Likewise, if the arms are angled upward, it is called a Y-pose.

Usage

The T-pose is primarily used as the default armature pose for skeletal animation in 3D softwares, which is then manipulated to create animation. The purpose of T-pose relates to the automatic weighting on vertices which can be done easier using the pose.

Outside of being default poses in animation software, T-poses are typically used as placeholders for animation not yet completed, particularly in 3D animated video games.^[2] In some motion capture software, a T-pose must be assumed by the actor in the motion capture suit before motion capturing can begin.^[3] There are other poses used, but this is the most common one.

As an Internet meme

Starting in 2016 and resurfacing in 2017, the T-pose has become a widespread Internet meme due to its bizarre and non sequitur appearance, especially in video game glitches where there would otherwise be an animation.^[4][5] As an Internet meme, it is often used to convey the idea of asserting dominance over others.

In a prerelease video of the game NBA Elite 11, the demo was filled with glitches, notably one unintentionally showing a T-pose in place of the proper animation for the model of player Andrew Bynum. The glitch later gained fame as the "Jesus Bynum glitch".^[6][7] Publisher EA eventually cancelled the game as they found it unsatisfactory. A similar occurrence happened with Cyberpunk 2077.^[8]

See also

• Vitruvian Man, a diagram by Leonardo da Vinci with the figure of a man making a T and a jack

References