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Metabridge_Dna

by chamiseul·Workflow

Images © chamiseul. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Metabridge_Dna earns its place in the Superhive library as a bridge between Epic Games MetaHuman DNA files and Blender, covering import and export, head and body assembly, and both facial and body rigging through Rigify.

What is Metabridge_Dna?

Metabridge_Dna is a Blender addon from chamiseul for importing and exporting Epic Games MetaHuman DNA files. Inside Blender it works with DNA, FBX, and glTF, and lets you manage the head and body separately before assembling them into one character. Everything sits in a single MetaBridge DNA tab in the 3D Viewport sidebar, the N panel, with character assembly placed as the top section of the main panel.

For animation, a Face Rig board drives facial expressions with real-time preview through bone controls, while Rigify integration auto-generates an FK/IK control rig on the body and extends it into an animatable rig. You can manage multiple characters as slots, and their state survives save and reload automatically. The Body Blend panel, added in version 1.5.0, combines two or more MetaHuman body types and their matching heads into a new blended character, with a per-source weight slider for each.

Version 1.6.0 focused on a Rigify retarget overhaul and body correctives polish, including a spine hierarchy fix, foot IK adjustments, automatic smooth shading on assemble, and a redesigned RBF influence slider that re-evaluates the mesh live. A demo video is available.

Who is Metabridge_Dna best for?

Metabridge_Dna is best for blender artists working with Epic Games MetaHuman characters who need to import, export, assemble, and rig MetaHuman DNA files.

How much does Metabridge_Dna cost?

Metabridge_Dna is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Import and export MetaHuman DNA files in Blender, with DNA, FBX, and glTF formats
  • Manage head and body separately, then assemble them into one character
  • Face Rig board for driving facial expressions with real-time preview via bone controls
  • Rigify integration that auto-generates an FK/IK control rig on the body and extends it into an animatable rig
  • Manage multiple characters as slots, with state that survives save and reload automatically
  • Body Blend panel that combines two or more MetaHuman body types and matching heads into a new blended character, with per-source weight sliders
  • RBF influence slider that triggers a live mesh re-evaluation when changed

Tags

#MetaHuman#DNA#Blender#Rigify#rigging#import export#character#animation

Frequently asked questions

Does Metabridge_Dna work with Blender's Rigify system?

Metabridge_Dna includes Rigify integration that auto-generates an FK/IK control rig on the body and extends it into an animatable rig. Version 1.6.0 brought a Rigify retarget overhaul along with several fixes: spine_fk.001 is re-parented to the torso after rig generation so the upper body no longer follows hip FK rotation incorrectly, heel.02 sits directly under the ankle at ground level so the foot stays flush with the floor, and foot_l and foot_r use a world-space copy-location from the Rigify IK foot so moving the torso no longer drags the feet along.

What file formats can Metabridge_Dna import and export?

Metabridge_Dna imports and exports Epic Games MetaHuman DNA files inside Blender, and works with DNA, FBX, and glTF formats. It lets you manage the head and body separately, then assemble them into a single character. Individual DNA loading is available through Load Head DNA and Load Body DNA buttons in the main panel, and you can manage multiple characters as slots, with their state surviving save and reload automatically. Version 1.5.0 also added compact archetype libraries that pack many body and head archetypes into a single small JSON file.

Where does Metabridge_Dna appear in the Blender interface?

Metabridge_Dna lives in a single MetaBridge DNA tab in the 3D Viewport sidebar, the N panel. Character assembly is integrated as the top section of the main panel. From there you can reach the Face Rig board for driving facial expressions, with real-time preview through bone controls. The Body Blend panel, added in version 1.5.0, lets you combine two or more MetaHuman body types and their matching heads into a new blended character, with a per-source weight slider for each and live preview as you drag a slider.

Is Metabridge_Dna free to use?

Metabridge_Dna is listed as free here in our catalog. Licensing terms can change over time, so check the developer's page on Superhive for the current details before you rely on it for a project. The addon is developed by chamiseul and covers importing and exporting MetaHuman DNA files, head and body assembly, facial and body rigging, and character slot management, all from within Blender. A demo video is also available.

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