Hi, ok so i know how to use mecanim animation but if I were to have a character that is not rig in 3d software, will mecanim support it? thank for any input?
Mecanim is only for animation and not rigging and skinning models. These steps have to be done in a 3D modelling app prior to importing the model in Unity.
You can read the guidelines for preparing the model and requirements here:
http://docs.unity3d.com/Documentation/Manual/AssetPreparationandImport.html
I’ve also just released a new kit that provides a clean pipeline for producing your Mecanim Animations. If you want to check it out, feel free to take a peek at the topic I created for it : http://forum.unity3d.com/threads/203298-Mecanim-Humanoid-Animation-Kit
Between this and the unity documentation, I’m sure you will get up and running in no time 