Why does an imported character rig deform incorrectly?

Choose the right starting point

Separate a geometry issue from a rig or import issue. If the unposed mesh looks correct but a bent joint collapses, inspect weights and bone influence. If the entire character is offset or distorted at rest, investigate transforms, hierarchy, and bind-pose interpretation before repainting weights or regenerating the original mesh.

• Unity Manual — importing a model
• Khronos — glTF 2.0 specification

Work through the handoff

Import a preserved copy into a test project and inspect the rest pose. Confirm the intended skeleton and animation type; Unity distinguishes humanoid mapping from generic root setup. Play one known clip, isolate the failing joint, and inspect its bone influences in a DCC tool. Make one corrective change, then re-export and retest.

Limitations and failure cases

Idle, walk, and run previews do not validate all poses or retargeting. Accessories and unusual limb layouts may need custom rigging. glTF supports skinning in the format, but Objectify's listed rigged export is FBX; do not infer interchangeable output support. Material or topology changes can complicate comparisons when several stages are changed together.

Acceptance checklist

Test elbows, knees, shoulders, hips, and any accessory attachments through the required range of motion. Verify clip names, timing, and root behavior in the target engine. Compare rest pose with the approved source. Record the tool version, skeleton mapping, failing pose, and corrective step so the issue can be reproduced instead of hidden by a favorable preview.