Smart-Bones🦴 Addon for Blender! - Great for Grease Pencil Workflow!

In this tutorial, I demonstrate how to use my own free Blender addon to simplify the process of using action constraints in order to rig a character's head turn. My addon automates the process of adding action constraints to individual bones, saving time and allowing for a similar efficient workflow as 2D cutout animation software.

This tutorial covers the basics of using the addon, as well as more advanced techniques and a discussion of the problem the addon was designed to solve. I also provide tips on how to achieve better results with the mixed actions and explain the difference between global, local, and custom space.

If you want to be taken directly to the python file, right click and download this link:

Let me know if you want to see the full, unedited process of making the character (The girl in the blue dress) seen in this video.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro
00:10 Quick start guide
00:57 Why smart bones?
02:05 Preparation
02:28 Control mechanism
03:15 Installation
03:27 Smart-bone panel
04:09 Finished
04:44 Corrective actions
05:31 Global and local space
06:04 Custom space
06:15 Create corrections
06:58 Custom object
07:34 Custom space smart-bones
08:07 Repeat for other angles
08:46 Finished (really)
09:05 Outro

#blender #b2d #b3d #greasepencil #addon #python #pythonprogramming

[MattBixler]

I've been starving for someone to make something like this for GP, it's been the biggest missing piece for 2D animation in Blender. Really impressive work!

[dio_hoestar_]

I don't want to be rude but, YOU'RE MY FUCKING HERO.

No more after effects rigging, animating, crashing, melting my computer induced headaches.
I guess this means bye bye adobe.

I hate having a cluttered PC with so many programs because each is good at one thing. Sure, theoretically they could do other things as well. But is it time consuming, not straightforward and has an unsurprising lack of online answers for that very specific thing that keeps going wrong? Yes lmao.

[robfrydryck]

This is a huge step for 2d animation.
Thanks for being a pioneer!

[KevinCBurke]

Wow! It's incredible that you're offering this add-on and the characters for free. And it's a great tutorial video. I'm extremely grateful! Thank you! 🙏

[Nkanyiso_K]

This is so crazy: I expected to pay like 5 to 15 dollars on Gumroad for this addon. You're an absolute saint

[Joryclipz]

This is amazing! I’ve been through soooo many animation programs looking for something like this! I primarily do all my work in blender for 3D animation. But, recently transitioned into the world of 2D. I was considering buying Moho Pro for this exact reason! But wanted to hold off just in case something else comes around like their smart bones but for blender or another software. You’re amazing! Great work and creation!

[TeiPerez]

You are amazing! This was exactly what I've been thinking that Blender was lacking for 2D animation! You're awesome man, your willingness to teach others and provide tools to help others create things is inspiring! I would definitely love to see the whole process of you building out the blue dress girl it looks like a great character design and rig system!

[brucerobertson]

What a community! Thank you, Mr. Squirrel for your addon. I'll have to learn how to rig a character in Blender first of course. It's easy enough to do in After Effects, but this here Grease Pencil is on the list.

[TommyLikeTom]

It's a magic addon but I feel the limiting factor is that the user requires a rig with a head turn. I love your rigs though, they are so smooth, you should sell those too if you're not already!

[thegeekclub]

The fact that you are releasing this for free is a blessing. You are amazing! Thank you so much!

[RisteSekuloski]

It was just about time! Thank you Joel. Usability of Grease Pencil for 2D animation just doubled (IMHO) ;-)

[capturemoments]

thankyou for making this addon this is the best solution for many headache your the best.

[rockstarultima]

this is EXACTLY what i've been needing 😭

[Yoonbum-ie]

this is what i have been waiting forrrr <3 it's almost exactly like toon boom's rigging T^T you are a true blessing

[CravenLovelace]

This looks really, really helpful. I had been looking for a "Blender equivalent" to the third-party script for After Effects known as Joysticks n' Sliders, and this appears to be it. I do have questions about the rigging after watching this, but it's been some time since I watched your original head-turn rig series, so I'm hopeful a rewatch will help me.

[septaanis]

Thank you. This is amazing. You are beyond kind.

[Chareidos]

It is a very intriguing tool and I bet it is much fun to play with it. A big update for 2D Animators.

I personally can Imagine that this can come in handy to create some Character Sprites for my Godot Projects, at least reducing future amount of work creating those in many rotation-states. Of course only if I manage to understand the steps to take in blender. Blender is still very overwhelming to me.

Seeing this smooth animations, I wish I would have an Idea how to export this for Godot or how to implement it for a game.
It is nonetheless an absolute awesome addon, and I am thankful that people like you exist!

[落花魂]

Thank you for your teaching.(and sorry for my poor english)

[ashdalat.]

oh, thank you so much, this is so close to moho, let check old video and see what i could get

[natrajkamboj]

Let me know if you want to see the full, unedited process of making the character (The girl in the blue dress) seen in this video. yes