BlendshapePerFrame - Free MEL Script for Autodesk Maya

BlendshapePerFrame

BlendshapePerFrame is a MEL (Maya Embedded Language) script designed to automate the process of creating per-frame blendshape animations in Autodesk Maya. It allows you to automatically keyframe blendshape deformations, saving you time and effort when working with complex cloth simulations, skeletal animations, or any other animations that deform the mesh.

Features

• Automated keyframing: Automatically sets blendshape values for each frame within a specified range and framerate,
• Time-saving workflow: Eliminates the need to manually set and key each frame,
• Shelf integration: An additional script (AddToShelf.mel) is provided to help you add the tool to your Maya shelf for quick access.

Installation

1. Install the script:
   • Copy the scripts into your Maya scripts directory. For example:
     • Windows: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Documents\maya\<version>\scripts\
     • macOS/Linux: ~/maya/<version>/scripts/

1. Add to shelf (Optional):
   • Drag and drop the AddToShelf.mel script inside of Maya to add a convenient shelf button that calls the BlendshapePerFrame functionality. This button allows you to launch the tool directly from Maya’s interface.

Usage

Prepare the scene

Make sure that you have two meshes in the scene:

1. Animated mesh - this mesh uses cloth simulation, is animated by a deformer, is a skinned mesh,
2. Base mesh - this mesh is not animated and serves as a base for the animated mesh.

Run the script

• If you have used AddToShelf.mel, simply click the corresponding shelf button,
• GUI will appear where you can specify:
  • Animated/Simulated mesh: Select a mesh that is animated/simulated,
  • Base mesh: Select a mesh that has no animation and where blenshapes will be created,
• Confirm your settings and press Create Blendshapes to automatically create the blendshape animation.

License

This project and it's contents are distributed under the MIT License open source license.

Support

If you are having any troubles with importing, configuring or running this project contents, please contact me directly via the official website:

Lifelike Motion Support - https://www.lifelikemotion.com.pl/support

You can also find me on my social media:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lifelike-motion
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifelike-motion
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/lifelikemotion.bsky.social
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifelike_motion
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