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Reparent Def Bones

by GreenJadeLeaf·Workflow

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

Why we like it

Reparent Def Bones earns its place in the Superhive library by tackling a specific Rigify limitation: DEF bones that are only parented within their own sample rather than across the whole rig.

What is Reparent Def Bones?

Rigify generated rigs focus on animation and are not designed for game engine export. Their DEF bones are only parented to each other within their own Rigify sample, not across separate samples. Reparent Def Bones addresses this by reparenting the DEF bones using a source armature. That source is usually the Rigify Metarig, but you can supply another armature to take the DEF bones hierarchy from.

Rather than relying on predefined bone names, the addon uses bone name characteristics to parent DEF bones, which applies particularly to Rigify segmented limbs. It was tested for rigs built on the human Rigify metarig and should also work with other rigs. Alongside reparenting, it can check an armature's DEF bones hierarchy and remove constraints from DEF bones.

The addon is installed within Blender through Preferences using the zip file directly, without unzipping it first. Documentation is included, and a demo video is available for reference.

Who is Reparent Def Bones best for?

Reparent Def Bones is best for blender users working with Rigify-generated rigs who need corrected DEF bones hierarchy for game engine export.

How much does Reparent Def Bones cost?

Reparent Def Bones is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Reparents Rigify DEF bones using a source armature such as the Rigify Metarig or another chosen armature
  • Uses bone name characteristics rather than predefined bone names, applying to Rigify segmented limbs
  • Checks an armature's DEF bones hierarchy
  • Removes constraints from DEF bones
  • Tested on human Rigify metarig rigs, and should work with other rigs
  • Includes documentation

Tags

#rigging#Rigify#game engine export#DEF bones#armature#Blender addon#bone hierarchy

Frequently asked questions

How do I install Reparent Def Bones in Blender?

Reparent Def Bones installs within Blender through Preferences. Install the addon directly using the zip file, and do not unzip it beforehand. Once installed, the addon provides tools to reparent DEF bones, check an armature's DEF bones hierarchy, and remove constraints from DEF bones. Documentation is included with the addon to guide you through its use, and a demo video is available if you want to see the workflow before installing.

Does Reparent Def Bones work with rigs other than the human Rigify metarig?

Reparent Def Bones was tested for rigs using the human Rigify metarig and should also work with other rigs. Instead of relying on predefined bone names, it uses bone name characteristics to parent DEF bones, which applies especially to Rigify segmented limbs. Typically the source armature is the Rigify Metarig, but you can supply another armature to take the DEF bones hierarchy from, giving flexibility across different rig setups.

Why do Rigify rigs need their DEF bones reparented for game engines?

Rigify generated rigs are focused on animation and are not designed for game engine export. Their DEF bones are only parented to each other within their own Rigify sample and not with a DEF bone from another sample, so the hierarchy is incomplete for export. Reparent Def Bones fixes this DEF bones hierarchy using a source armature, and it can also remove constraints from DEF bones as part of preparing the rig.

Is Reparent Def Bones free to use?

Reparent Def Bones is listed as free in this catalog. It is distributed under the GPL license and was published by GreenJadeLeaf. For the latest licensing terms and any current availability details, check the developer's page directly. The addon includes documentation to help you get started, and a demo video is available for reference before you commit to downloading and installing it.

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