Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Each of these demonstrations may be obtained from one of four “Download Mirrors”—it
doesn't matter which mirror is used, the file will be the same. Once unzipped (or decom-
pressed), you will have a folder containing two subfolders. For example, the Gilgamesh
demonstration unzips into a folder called BlenRig4_01_Gilgamesh, and two subfolders
called BlenRig_Addon and BlenRig4_01_Gilgamesh. The subfolder called BlenRig_Ad-
don contains the file BlenRig_scripts_122.py, which is the Python script we are going to
install into Blender. The subfolder called BlenRig4_01_Gilgamesh contains a file named
BlenRig4_01_Gilgamesh.blend, which is a Blender file.
Once the Python script BlenRig_scripts_122.py is installed into Blender, it will provide
controls in the form of sliders for manipulating the pose of a model of the human figure.
These controls will only be of use to you once you have a model created in your scene and
the model has been rigged for animation. The basics of modeling and rigging are covered
in separate sections of this manual, but they are not adequately presented to describe the
complex procedure for creating a human figure and rigging; that will require further study.
This is merely a demonstration on installing a script and showing an example of the power
of Blender.
Download BlenRig4_01_Gilgamesh and once the zip file is downloaded, unzip it to a
folder. To unzip, simply double click on the file name and your default zip program will
activate. There should be an option to extract the contents of the zip file to a folder of your
choice.
B.1.1 How to Install the Script
Open Blender and change the 3D window to the user preferences window. Click on the
“Add-Ons” tab at the top of the window; by default, the tab will display all the add-ons that
have been included with the program. We are going to install the BlenRig_scripts_122.py
script, which is associated with rigging. Before we install the script, we had better note what
scripts are already installed under this category. At the LHS of the window there is a selec-
tion list with “All” highlighted in blue. Click on “Rigging,” and the list will now only display
one entry: “Rigging: Rigify” (Figure B.2). Look at the lower LHS of the window and click on
the “Install Add-On” button, which opens a file browser window.
Now you have to navigate to the script saved on your hard drive. With the script located,
click on it to highlight and then press the “Install Add-On” button in the upper RH corner of
the window. The new script will be installed in the user preferences - “Add-Ons” window as
“Rigging: BlenRig” script, but will not immediately display.
Note:
In Blender 2.58, you have to close then restart the program before the new
add-on will display in the user preferences window. Remember, you have to save user
settings before closing Blender otherwise any changes to the default settings will be
lost. After installing the script, even though it is not displayed, change back to the 3D
window. In the information window header, click “File” - “Save User Settings,” then
close and restart the program. The script now displays.
