> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.redmodding.org/wolvenkit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.redmodding.org/wolvenkit/modding-community/exporting-to-blender/exporting-rigs-and-anims.md).
# Exporting Rigs & Anims
## Summary
**Created by @Simarilius** \
**Published October 15 2022**\
**Last documented update: December 29 2023**
This guide will show you how to add animations to a previously exported character. It assumes that you successfully completed [Exporting Characters to Blender](/wolvenkit/modding-community/exporting-to-blender.md).
#### It uses the following versions:
* Cyberpunk 2077 game version 2.1
* Blender >= [3.6 (stable)](https://www.blender.org/download/lts/3-6/) or [4.0](https://www.blender.org/download/releases/4-0/)
* Wolvenkit >= 8.11.1 ([stable](https://github.com/WolvenKit/Wolvenkit/releases) | [Nightly](https://github.com/WolvenKit/WolvenKit-nightly-releases))
* [Wolvenkit IO suite for Blender >= 1.5.1](https://github.com/WolvenKit/Cyberpunk-Blender-add-on)
{% hint style="info" %}
Optional: If you want to get your hands dirty, check [this github repository](https://github.com/Simarilius-uk/CP2077_BlenderScripts/) for a selection of Python scripts for Blender. Most users won't need this.
{% endhint %}
## Exporting to Blender
So exported characters are cool, but how do we get them out of that annoying A-pose?
**We need the rig, and maybe some animations:**
* the main body rig
* the head/face rig
We're going to export them, bind everything, and attach the head to the body. (recapitate?!?)
### Finding the body rig
You can look it up in the body's entity file. Find it by file name, or right-click on Jackie's body mesh and select "find files using this", then doing the same again on the `.app` file.
Open up the .ent file and check the `components` array for an `entAnimatedComponent` (usually named`deformations`), which lists the rig:
look for the property "rig"
{% hint style="success" %}
You will need this for the body mesh export. Additionally, you need to find the head rig — read the next section for how.
{% endhint %}
Copy the path under `rig` and put it somewhere where you can find it later.
### Finding the head rig
The head rig is in the same folder as the head mesh.
Naming conventions:
{% hint style="success" %}
You will need this for the head mesh export.
{% endhint %}
Right-click on the `.rig` file and select `Copy relative path`. Put this with the body rig path.
### Re-exporting the meshes
We now need to re-export the meshes we want to use.
{% hint style="info" %}
In the first step of the guide, you should have exported them the default setting `withMaterials`. That should have created material.json files and images, as the export we will use now won't do that.
{% endhint %}
#### The body mesh
In the Export Tool, select the body mesh and adjust its export options. (In Wolvenkit < 8.8, double-click it).
Wolvenkit > 8.8
1. Filter by name: paste the file names (or paths) that you saved in the previous step into the empty row at the top of `Available` on the left
2. Select the rig by name (the same one as in the .ent file)
3. Move it into the `Available` list
4. Click on `Finish` to apply your changes
As of WKit 8.8.1, the filter will only search from the start
#### The head mesh
1. Repeat the process above, but use the name of the head mesh rather than the body.
## Importing into Blender
Delete the head and body component that you've imported the first time around: we're going to do a reimport. With the [Cyberpunk GLTF plugin](https://github.com/WolvenKit/Cyberpunk-Blender-add-on) (File > Import > Cyberpunk GLTF), import both of your files into Blender — the process works exactly like it did [the first time](/wolvenkit/modding-community/exporting-to-blender.md#importing-into-blender), just that there's extra data now.
If the `WithRig` has worked, you should notice that rather than the mass of unorganised huge bones, you now have a skeleton structure that kinda makes sense.
I normally change the bone display settings of that armature from `Octahedral` to `Stick`, as that prevents bones from completely hiding the mesh:
{% hint style="info" %}
Most characters bring in full bodies; however, Jackie is not one of them. CDPR modelled only his chest and hands, since the rest of his body was never planned to be visible.
{% endhint %}
## Merging the skeletons
Now, we hook up everything by merging all rigs into one.
{% hint style="info" %}
You can do this either by script or by hand. This guide assumes you will select Option B, using the most recent script from [this github repository](https://github.com/Simarilius-uk/CP2077_BlenderScripts/blob/main/Merge_rigs.py).
{% endhint %}
1. Rename the head's armature to `HeadArmature`
2. Rename the body's armature to `BodyArmature`
3. Switch to the "Scripting" perspective and create a new empty script
4. Copy the script from [github](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Simarilius-uk/CP2077_BlenderScripts/main/Merge_rigs.py) and paste it into the document
1. *Optional, if you skipped step 1 and 2 because you like making things complicated:* \
At the top of the script, find \~line 5 `head = bpy.data.objects['HeadArmature']`, and put the names of your armatures from the `SceneCollection` tab
5. Click on the`BodyArmature` in the 3d viewport
6. Run the script
The rigs should merge; the head meshes should be without an armature parent now.
Hopefully it looks something like below, with all the bones selected and just the one green dude in the outliner:
### Parenting the other meshes to the armature
{% hint style="info" %}
If you have a lot of meshes, you might want to skip this step.
{% endhint %}
For each submesh item, repeat the following steps:
1. Select it in object mode
2. Set the `Armature Modifier` in the Modifiers tab to `BodyArmature`
This should snap the item to the body and it will follow with correct weights when animated.
## Animations
To find animations compatible with the character you just exported, open up their `.ent` file and expand the `resolvedDependencies`:
Alternatively, [search](/wolvenkit/wolvenkit-app/usage/wolvenkit-search-finding-files.md) for `.anim` in the asset browser.
{% hint style="info" %}
As of December 2023, facial animations and lipsync (folders `lipsync` and `animations\facial`) are not supported yet. (We're working on it, though!)
{% endhint %}
Add the animation you've chosen to your WKit project and export it . If you want to use this animation for editing, you need to check `Include Root Motion` in the export settings.
You will end up with a new .glb file, which you can import into Blender.
Now let's apply it:
1. Select the `BodyArmature`
2. Switch to the `Animation` perspective
3. In the panel at the bottom, change the dropdown on the left from `Dope Sheet` to `Action Editor`
4. In the dropdown in the middle, select one of the animations you just imported.
5. Click the "play" button
6.
```
```
You can keep importing more anim files and the list just grows.
Anyway, cheers Chooms, hope this has been helpful, have fun!
## Troubleshooting/reporting:
{% hint style="warning" %}
As of December 2023, facial animations and lipsync (folders `lipsync` and `animations\facial`) are not supported yet. We're working on it, but if one of these exploded on you, you'll just have to wait.
{% endhint %}
Most of the animations seem to work flawlessly. Occasionally the process gos screwy somewhere and the model freaks out when you attach the anims. In that case, please open [an issue](https://github.com/WolvenKit/Cyberpunk-Blender-add-on/issues) on github or tell us about it on [**Discord**](https://discord.gg/redmodding) in `#blender-add-on`.
Please include your .blend file and the **full relative path** to the animation that was giving you trouble in your report.