Installation

Installing the Add-Ons

Important

Do not unzip the downloaded files.
Mac OS: The Safari browser may unzip files automatically, in that case either re-zip the files after downloading, or adjust the Safari settings.
  • In Blender, click Edit > Preferences…

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  • If an older version is already installed, make sure to uninstall the older version before installing the new one. Otherwise, the python cache won’t be updated, resulting in random errors.

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  • In the Get Extensions (or Add-ons) tab, click the down arrow button at the top right corner > Install from Disk…

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  • The select the addon zip file auto_rig_pro_x.xx.xx.zip and click Install from Disk


AI files (Smart tool)

Since version 3.74, Auto-Rig Pro comes with AI files.
Given these are heavy files (~400 mb), not cross-platforms, and an optional feature, they are not packed with the main add-on to keep it lighter.
They grant access to new features such as Guess Markers, to automatically add the Smart markers on humanoid characters.
If they are not installed, the related features will be missing, but it won’t prevent the rest of the add-on from working.
  • Download the AI zip file for your distribution: AI_win.zip for Windows, AI_linux.zip for Linux…

  • In the Auto-Rig Pro preferences, scroll down to Install AI Files… and click it

  • Select the zip file and install

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Proxy Picker (Optional)

The addon to select bones using the separate interface. Only necessary if you plan to use this interface.

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  • Select proxy_picker.zip then click Install from Disk


GLTF Exporter

Important

If you run Blender 4.2 or greater, please skip this GLTF exporter installation. Do not do what’s written below. Only for older Blender versions!

If you wish to export to GLTF, the patched version of the GLTF exporter must be installed manually in order to export animated shape keys successfully. The default GLTF exporter packed with Blender will fail, it is necessary to replace it manually with this patched version, if you need to export animated shape keys.

  • Open the Blender add-on folder:

Blender Installation Directory/4.1/scripts/addons/

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  • Remove the io_scene_gltf2 folder

  • Download io_scene_gltf2.zip

  • Open it. Inside, 3 versions are available: for Blender 3.6, 4.0 and 4.1 (zip files names ending with _36, _40…)

  • Select the correct version that matches the Blender version you currently use, and unzip the folder io_scene_gltf2 in the Blender addons folder.

_images/gltf_install_copy.gif

Rig Tools (extra)

  • Only install the Rig Tools addon rig_tools_x.xx.xx.zip if you don’t install the Auto-Rig addon (e.g. after rigging your character, you can send it to the animator to ensure the IK snaps and other rig functions). Do not to install both addons, it could potentially lead to internal conflicts.