This project involved converting Python scripts originally developed for Maya into a custom Blender addon. The primary goal was to ensure clean and efficient export of animations from Blender to Unity, specifically focusing on character rigs, bone naming conventions, and ensuring compatibility with Unity's animation import pipeline.
What I delivered:
- Developed a custom Blender addon to streamline the export of animations from Blender to Unity.
- Converted existing Maya scripts to Blender, replicating key functionality such as cleaning up export, bone renaming, and zeroing out rotation values.
- Automated and optimized the animation export process, improving workflow efficiency for the team.
- Conducted thorough testing to ensure smooth import of animations into Unity and compliance with rigging standards.
- Delivered comprehensive documentation including installation instructions, feature overviews, and user guides.
Result: This project resulted in a custom Blender addon that significantly improved the animation export process, providing a clean and consistent import into Unity. It reduced manual clean-up time, enhanced team productivity, and maintained the integrity of animation data throughout the pipeline.
Overview
This project involved converting Python scripts originally developed for Maya into a custom Blender addon. The primary goal was to ensure clean and efficient export of animations from Blender to Unity, specifically focusing on character rigs, bone naming conventions, and ensuring compatibility with Unity's animation import pipeline.
Key Responsibilities:
- Developed a custom Blender addon to streamline the export of animations from Blender to Unity.
- Converted existing Maya scripts to Blender, replicating key functionality such as cleaning up export, bone renaming, and zeroing out rotation values.
- Automated and optimized the animation export process, improving workflow efficiency for the team.
- Conducted thorough testing to ensure smooth import of animations into Unity and compliance with rigging standards.
- Delivered comprehensive documentation including installation instructions, feature overviews, and user guides.
Technologies & Tools:
- Blender Addon Development: Created tools for clean export of animations to Unity.
- Python Scripting: Customized export processes in Blender, ensuring compatibility with Unity.
- Maya: Worked with Maya scripts to integrate them into Blender workflows.
- Unity: Focused on the animation import pipeline to ensure flawless integration.
- Cinema 4D: Utilized Cinema 4D for animation comparison and reference during the export-import process.
Skills Applied:
- Python: Developed scripts for both Maya and Blender to automate and optimize the rig and animation export process.
- Blender Addons: Built custom tools to facilitate efficient animation workflow from Blender to Unity.
- Maya to Blender Conversion: Successfully transitioned in-house Maya scripts to Blender while maintaining functionality and workflow consistency.
- Animation & Rigging Knowledge: Ensured rigs and keyframe data exported smoothly for Unity integration.
Outcome
This project resulted in a custom Blender addon that significantly improved the animation export process, providing a clean and consistent import into Unity. It reduced manual clean-up time, enhanced team productivity, and maintained the integrity of animation data throughout the pipeline.