Smart-Bones is an add-on for Blender that automates the process of adding action constraints to keyed bones within a selected action.

Included Files

Python script / addon : blender-smart-bones.py

Character demonstration 01: Character-blue.blend

Character demonstration 02: Character-orange.blend

To see how to use this addon see this video.

Installation

1. Download the SmartBones.py file from the Github repository.
2. Open Blender and go to 'Edit > Preferences > Add-ons'.
3. Click on 'Install...' and select the downloaded blender-smart-bones.py file.
4. Make sure that the checkmark next to the add-on is enabled.
5. Click on 'Save Preferences'.

Usage

1. Select the armature you want to add constraints to.
2. In the '3D View', go to the 'Smart Bones' tab.
3. In the 'Smart Bone panel', select the 'target armature', 'control bone', and the 'transform channel' for the constraint.
4. Choose the 'transform space' from the drop-down list.
5. If you select 'CUSTOM' in the space option, specify the name of the object you want to take local space from. And if this object is an armature, then choose the 'custom subtarget'.
6. Set the 'minimum' and 'maximum' values for the transform range.
7. Specify the name of the affected action, as well as the start and end frames for the action.
8. Click on the 'Add Smart Bone' button to add the action constraint to all bones in the action.

Properties

• Target: the name of the control armature.
• Control: the name of the control bone.
• Channel: the control axis.
• Space: the transform space, either 'WORLD, CUSTOM, or LOCAL'.
• Space Object ('CUSTOM' space only): takes local space from another object, to apply to constraint.
• Space Subtarget (Only if 'Space Object' is an armature): custom space bone.
• Min Transform Range: the minimum transform value, corresponding to 'Min Frame' of the selected action.
• Max Transform Range: the maximum transform value, corresponding to 'Max Frame' of the selected action.
• Action: the name of the affected action.
• Min Frame: the start frame of the action.
• Max Frame: the end frame of the action.

Operators

• Add Smart Bone: adds action constraints to all bones in the selected action.
• Delete Smart Bone: deletes action constraints with matching action name and control target.

Compatibility

The add-on is compatible with Blender 2.80 and newer versions.

Credits

Sketchy Squirrel - Joel Graham