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HL2 AWPP 9 Feb, 2023 @ 4:00am
[Feature Request] Import DMX flex channel animation data to Blender Shape key animation
Blender Source Tools can import dmx skeleton animation to models, but if there are animations on flex channel, these anims will not be imported. For example, I make some animations in SFM, then export the animation as DMX file, in blender, load the model, import dmx file, the animation will add into model correctly. But when I set keyframe on flex channel (morph,facial animation) in SFM,I want to export facial animation from SFM and import this to Blender. However, flex animations aren't imported to model.The model in Blender has shape keys as same as it in SFM does (and it have the same morph name).

The DMX file exported from SFM stores flex animation data, in DMX file path:root -> animationList->animation->"AnimSet"->channel->"morph_flex_channel"

So is it possible to convert DMX flex channel animation data and import them correctly to Blender? Or this function already exists in BST. If anyone knows, please let me know. Thank you very much!
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Showing 1-6 of 6 comments
Artfunkel 20 Feb, 2023 @ 12:28pm 
This isn't supported because the tools are for creating regular game animations, not Source Filmmaker movies.

These two use cases share the same data format, but their feature sets do not entirely overlap. I've always felt that trying to support both at the same time would be too confusing for users who don't understand the internal details of these formats.

A different add-on for SFM could be created based on the Source Tools.
#1
Zappy 20 Feb, 2023 @ 1:36pm 
Originally posted by Artfunkel:
- I've always felt that trying to support both at the same time would be too confusing for users who don't understand the internal details of these formats. -
Plus, Source Filmmaker's exported animations use flex controller names, which might not match up with shape key names - stereo flexes are a single shape key in Blender but multiple flex controllers in Source, a flex controller can drive multiple flexes (and a flex can be driven by math involving multiple flex controllers), and a flex controller can be named something completely different from its shape key(s). This makes it hard to support Source Filmmaker's flex animation exports anyway.
#2
HL2 AWPP 20 Feb, 2023 @ 5:59pm 
Originally posted by Artfunkel:
A different add-on for SFM could be created based on the Source Tools.
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question! If you have time to create this add-on, I will be very grateful. It will be very convenient to export the complete SFM animation to other software for rendering.
On the other hand, you say it is a add-on for SFM, what if it is an animation exported by S2FM? S2FM does not support script plug-ins like Source 1. However, this is a matter to be considered later. If you are willing to develop it, whether it supports Source 1 or 2, I will be extremely grateful! Thanks alot:steamhappy:
Last edited by HL2 AWPP; 20 Feb, 2023 @ 6:19pm
#3
HL2 AWPP 20 Feb, 2023 @ 6:15pm 
Originally posted by Zappy:
Originally posted by Artfunkel:
- I've always felt that trying to support both at the same time would be too confusing for users who don't understand the internal details of these formats. -
Plus, Source Filmmaker's exported animations use flex controller names, which might not match up with shape key names - stereo flexes are a single shape key in Blender but multiple flex controllers in Source, a flex controller can drive multiple flexes (and a flex can be driven by math involving multiple flex controllers), and a flex controller can be named something completely different from its shape key(s). This makes it hard to support Source Filmmaker's flex animation exports anyway.
Thank you for your supplement. I forgot to consider this point. It is true, but if the model does not have complex flex rules, such as driven key and advanced flex controllers. There are only multiple unrelated shape keys. I think the conversion process should be relatively easier.:lunar2020thinkingtiger:
In addition, thank you very much for your various replies and answers in the SFM community discussion in the past. I have learned a lot of useful SFM knowledge from you!:steamthumbsup:
#4
Artfunkel 21 Feb, 2023 @ 11:35am 
I meant a Blender add-on which reads and writes Source Filmmaker DMX files, sorry to be vague. Sorry also that I don't have the time or motivation to do this myself.
#5
HL2 AWPP 21 Feb, 2023 @ 5:40pm 
Originally posted by Artfunkel:
I meant a Blender add-on which reads and writes Source Filmmaker DMX files, sorry to be vague. Sorry also that I don't have the time or motivation to do this myself.
it doesn't matter, thanks to the reply! :steamhappy:I can also animate the blendshapes again in other 3D software.
#6
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Date Posted: 9 Feb, 2023 @ 4:00am
Posts: 6
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