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Mesh Data Transfer

This page is a WIP! If you came across this, information here may be subject to change.

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I have blendshapes on one mesh, but I'd like to transfer them to another. Is this even possible without swapping the heads?!

It is, within reason! With two simillar models, you can transfer blendshapes from one model to another as long as they have very alike geometry. Let me show you!

Prerequisites
  • Experience in Blender 4.0
  • Your Source and Target models
    • Source: Your model with FT blendshapes.
    • Target: Your new model that needs FT blendshapes transferred.
  • Mesh Data Transfer addon

I find that Blender 4.0 is more stable than the latest versions of the software. Unsure why, but it's something to keep an eye out for.

Project Setup​

  1. Open Blender and set up a general project, deleting the objects it normally dumps.
  2. Import your Source and Target models, with your Target being the first to be imported.
    • If you don't know what refers to, please check Prerequisites above!
  3. Make sure the models are overlapping each other at the origin of the scene. If you see Z-fighting, that's good in this case!

(image here)

Transfer Preperation​

  1. On your Source model, route to the blendshapes and uncheck every blendshape that isn't a face tracking blendshape.

(image here)

  1. On your Target mesh, route to the Data tab and select the dropdown tab named Mesh Data Transfer.

(image here)

  1. Here, select Shape Keys and the "✓" button next to it. This will transfer the enabled shape keys that you had marked on your Source model.

    From here, Enable World Transform, instead of Local. This will transfer the exact positional data of each vertex dependent on where they are in the scene. This is why I had you place the models directly on top of one another!

    (image here)

  2. Finally, press Transfer Mesh Data at the bottom of the window!

Troubleshooting​

  1. The Target model's shapes do not do anything.

    • This is common! It may be because of the models not being aligned properly, or they are too dissimilar. Try realigning them, or trying other search methods.
    • If the models are similar, try using Local transform instead of World, or using Vertex Snap.

  2. Some vertices are sticking to basis.

    • This is because there may be some misalignment with just a few vertices, which can happen. You can either move these manually per blendshape, or dissolve the problematic vertices to create a smoother appearance.