ShapeWave Addon Documentation

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Installation
3. Getting Started
4. Features Overview
   • Shape Layers
   • Advanced Interpolation Methods
   • Evaluation-Time Control
   • Auto-Play and Looping
   • Timing Settings
   • Importing Shape Keys
   • Batch Operations
5. Using ShapeWave
   • Creating a Shape Layer
   • Adding Shape Keys to a Layer
   • Adjusting Interpolation Settings
   • Animating Shape Keys
6. Examples and Use Cases
7. Best Practices
8. Troubleshooting
9. Support

Introduction

ShapeWave is a Blender addon that enhances shape key animations by providing advanced interpolation methods and evaluation-time control. It integrates seamlessly into Blender's Shape Keys panel, allowing you to create complex animations with ease. Whether you're animating facial expressions, morphing objects, or creating intricate motions, ShapeWave simplifies the process and expands your creative possibilities.

Installation

1. Download the Addon:

   • Obtain the ShapeWave.zip file from the product page.

2. Install in Blender:

   • Open Blender.
   • Go to Edit > Preferences.
   • Select Add-ons from the sidebar.
   • Click on Install... at the top.
   • Navigate to where you saved ShapeWave.zip and select it.
   • Click Install Add-on.

3. Activate the Addon:

   • After installation, check the box next to ShapeWave to enable it.
   • Save your preferences if you want it to be enabled every time you start Blender.

Getting Started

Once installed and activated, ShapeWave adds new functionalities to the Shape Keys panel in Blender's Properties Editor. To start using ShapeWave:

1. Select a Mesh Object:

   • Ensure you have a mesh object selected in your scene.

2. Access ShapeWave Panel:

   • Go to the Object Data Properties tab (the green triangle icon).
   • Scroll down to find the ShapeWave (Pro) panel.

Features Overview

Shape Layers

• Organize Shape Keys:
  • Group related shape keys into layers for better organization.
• Add/Remove Layers:
  • Easily add new layers or remove existing ones.
• Layer Locking:
  • Lock layers to prevent accidental changes.

Advanced Interpolation Methods

Choose from over 20 interpolation types to define how shape keys transition:

• Linear
• Smooth
• Constant
• Spring
• Bounce Back
• Pulse
• Elastic Snap
• Stagger
• Noise Path
• Anticipate
• Wave Cascade
• Rubber Band
• Heartbeat
• Earthquake
• Glitch
• Ripple
• Magnetic
• Wind Flutter
• Liquid Drip
• Bubble Pop
• Quantum
• DNA Spiral
• Typewriter
• Gravity Drop

Evaluation-Time Control

• Value Slider:
  • Control the progression of shape key animations using a slider.
• Segment Size:
  • Define the duration of each shape key segment.
• Overlap Start:
  • Adjust when the next shape key begins to transition in.

Auto-Play and Looping

• Auto-Play:
  • Automatically advance the evaluation time during playback.
• Looping:
  • Set animations to loop seamlessly.
• Loop Interval:
  • Define intervals between loops.

Timing Settings

• Customize Transitions:
  • Fine-tune segment sizes and overlaps.
• Random Intervals:
  • Use random intervals between loops for varied animations.

Importing Shape Keys

• Import Existing Keys:
  • Import shape keys that are not yet part of any layer.
• Selective Import:
  • Choose which shape keys to import.

Batch Operations

• Batch Rename:
  • Rename multiple shape keys at once with a base name.
• Flip Sorting:
  • Reverse the order of shape keys in a layer.
• Move to Layer:
  • Move shape keys between layers.
• Bake Frames to Shape Keys:
  • Create shape keys from animated frames.
• Bake to Keyframes:
  • Bake interpolated values to keyframes and remove them from the list.

Using ShapeWave

Creating a Shape Layer

1. Add a New Layer:

   • In the ShapeWave panel, click on the + button next to the Shape Layer dropdown or use the layer menu to select Add New Layer.
   • Give the layer a name when prompted.

2. Select the Layer:

   • Use the Shape Layer dropdown to select your new layer.

Adding Shape Keys to a Layer

1. Add Shape Keys:

   • In the ShapeWave panel, click the + button in the shape key list to add a new shape key.
   • Alternatively, use the Import Shape Keys button to bring in existing shape keys.

2. Edit Shape Keys:

   • Select a shape key from the list to edit its properties.
   • Use the up and down arrows to reorder shape keys within the layer.

Adjusting Interpolation Settings

1. Choose Interpolation Type:

   • In the ShapeWave panel, select an interpolation method from the dropdown.

2. Adjust Timing:

   • Click on the Settings button (gear icon) next to the Evaluation Time slider.
   • Modify Segment Size, Overlap Start, and Loop Interval as needed.

3. Set Evaluation Time:

   • Use the Evaluation Time slider to control the progression of the animation.

Animating Shape Keys

1. Auto-Play Animation:

   • Enable Auto Play to have the evaluation time advance automatically during playback.

2. Looping Animation:

   • Enable Loop to have the animation repeat continuously.

3. Keyframe Evaluation Time:

   • Manually animate the Evaluation Time by inserting keyframes at desired frames.

Examples and Use Cases

• Facial Animation:
  • Use Smooth or Elastic Snap interpolation for natural facial expressions.
• Mechanical Movements:
  • Apply Linear or Typewriter interpolation for precise mechanical animations.
• Organic Motions:
  • Utilize Heartbeat or Wind Flutter interpolation to animate organic objects like plants or fabrics.
• Special Effects:
  • Experiment with Glitch or Quantum interpolations for unique visual effects.

Best Practices

• Organize Shape Keys:
  • Group related shape keys into layers for better management.
• Test Interpolations:
  • Try different interpolation methods to see which best fits your animation needs.
• Use Auto-Play Wisely:
  • When using Auto-Play, ensure that your scene's frame range accommodates the full animation.
• Backup Work:
  • Before performing batch operations or baking, save a copy of your project.

Troubleshooting

• Shape Keys Not Updating:
  • Ensure that AutoPlay is enabled if you want automatic updates during playback.
  • Verify that the Evaluation Time is within the range of your shape keys.
• Interpolation Not Visible:
  • Check that the shape keys are not muted.
  • Confirm that the influence is set correctly in the layer settings.
• Layer Operations Disabled:
  • If layer operations are unavailable, make sure you have a layer selected and that it is not locked.

Support

For any questions, issues, or feedback, please contact:

• Developer: Emmanuel Okafor (Luwizart)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Portfolio

Feel free to reach out for assistance or to share how ShapeWave has enhanced your Blender projects.