RigMesh: putting the fun back into rigging
Have you ever wished there was a simpler way to rig characters? If so, RigMesh, an intriguing new sketch-based modelling and rigging tool, may be just what you’re looking for.
RigMesh enables users to draw outlines of body parts in 2D, then the software converts them to 3D forms automatically and creates an IK rig. The parts can be then joined together to form a complete character.
Once complete, the rigged model may be exported as an FBX file.
You can perform a range of simple editing operations on the resulting skeleton, cut the mesh back into parts, or pose the character, and that’s about it – but it’s an intuitive way to rough out shapes.
Out of left field
We know next to nothing about the creator or creators: according to the announcement thread on CGTalk, the software is part of an academic research project, and they’re looking for feedback from CG professionals.
The download is Windows-only, and as a work-in-progress tool, don’t expect many frills: RigMesh comes with a ReadMe file explaining the keyboard shortcuts, but no inline help. (Or indeed, any menus or icons of any kind: the settings panel pops up as a separate window.)
Still, it’s a lot of fun to use, and it will be interesting to see how it develops. If you like it, keep an eye on the CGTalk thread linked below: the developers don’t have a website yet.
Visit the announcement thread on CG Talk
Download RigMesh 1.01
(Link is to the research paper on which RigMesh is based: the download is towards the top of the page)