WRetargetTool is a versatile free Maya animation retargeting tool
Originally posted on 5 November 2024, and updated with details of the Pro edition.
3D rigging artist and tools developer Walter Delgado has released WretargetTool, a neat free Maya script for retargeting animation between 3D characters.
It has a simple, intuitive workflow, and works with almost any character rig, no matter how its controls are oriented or named.
A versatile free animation retargeting tool for game development or VFX work
Developed for Delgado’s own work, and built using Maya’s Matrix nodes, WretargetTool retargets animation between 3D characters with different bodily proportions.
It provides an alternative to Maya’s own native retargeting tools, or free scripts like games animator Joar Engeberg’s Animation Retargeting Tool.
As well as being intuitive to use – users simply have to select the corresponding parts of the source and destination rigs – it is designed to work with any rig, regardless of how its controls are oriented or named.
Another interesting feature is the option to select components of the rigs separately, making it possible to regarget animation for individual parts of the body, as shown in the video above.
Updated 17 November 2024: Walter Delgado has released a new Pro version of WretargetTool.
It adds a relative reference option, for copying animation between IK systems within a rig, and the option to choose whether to copy animation from all frames, or only those with keys.
In a post on LinkedIn, Delgado comments: “I totally encourage you to download the free version, and if you find it useful you can [buy me a coffee by paying for] the Pro version”.
System requirements and license conditions
WretargetTool is a Python script. It should be compatible with Maya 2020+. It can be used on commercial projects.
By default, the Pro edition costs $3.50, but you can change the size of the tip during checkout.
Download free Maya animation retargeting tool WretargetTool from Gumroad
(Enter a figure of $0 to get it for free, or make a voluntary donation)
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