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Improving Mixamo's Auto-Rigging Results with Blender: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mixamo offers convenient auto-rigging for characters, but sometimes the results may not be perfect. In this tutorial, I will show you how to replace Mixamo's auto-rigging with Blender's automatic weighting to address issues like artifacts under the arm and on the beard area. By following these simple steps, you can achieve smoother and more accurate rigging results for your 3D models.

Uploading and Rigging in Mixamo

  1. Upload Your Character: Begin by uploading your character file (in FBX format) with its texture to Mixamo.

  2. Marker Alignment: After processing, align Mixamo's joint markers with your model's joints. Ensure to adjust for asymmetry, especially with photogrammetry models.

  3. Choose Skeleton: Select the appropriate skeleton (default is a good option for detailed bones like fingers).

  4. Apply Rigging: Once processed, your character will be rigged and ready for animations from Mixamo's library.

Refining the Rig with Blender

  1. Import to Blender: Import the FBX file into Blender and open the timeline panel to preview the animation.

  2. Identify Artifacts: Switch to solid shade mode to identify any artifacts, such as tugging under the arm and in the beard area.

  3. Streamlining the Process: Instead of manually adjusting weights, follow these steps to automate the process:

    • Reset Transforms: Switch the armature from pose to rest position to zero out the transforms.

    • Remove Parent: Select the model, hit Alt P to remove the parent while keeping the transforms.

    • Apply Modifiers: In the modifiers panel, apply the necessary modifiers.

    • Clear Vertex Groups: Under the vertex data panel, delete all groups related to the model.

    • Set Parent with Automatic Weights: Re-parent the model to the rig with automatic weights.

  4. Enable Pose Position: Finally, ensure pose position is enabled in the armature properties to verify that everything works correctly.

By following these steps, you can say goodbye to issues like funky armpits and beard tugging, achieving a smoother and more natural animation for your 3D characters.

Summary

Enhancing Mixamo's auto-rigging results with Blender's automatic weighting can significantly improve the quality of your animations. By aligning joints accurately and automating the weight adjustment process, you can save time and achieve more professional-looking results. Say farewell to awkward rigging issues by following this simple and effective guide.

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