Smart Layer v0.9, Beta (Python Script for Maya)
Smart Layer is a game-changing script for adjusting animation in Autodesk Maya. It allows to do it in a very easy and quick way. With its unique algorithms the work that before could take hours - now can be done in seconds. That makes it perfect for tasks like mocap cleanup, game animation, and cinematics/movies layouts.
Tutorials:
The offset algorithm, traditionally known as adjustment blending, allows to easily shift animation and apply different poses, creating many variations from the same animation:
The unique transform algorithm pushes adjustment blending beyond its limits allowing rotating the character and changing complex animations in literally few clicks:
The transformation works in any direction, which can be used in creating wall walks and circle walks for any character:
The spline from layer algorithm introduces a unique innovative approach where you don't have to bake anything to any nurbs curve and fight with locators, you just relocate/rotate the character directly in the animation layer, exactly as you want, and the script does all the magic:
Spline from layer supports:
- custom characters like quadrupeds and others
- choice "how flexible" the character should be
- option to keep original "not bent" start/end poses (important for game animation)
- multiple settings for driver and stretch
- vertical rotation with multiple up vector options
- automated leans
- a special helper rig to handle complex trajectories
- match to a custom nurbs curve option
- wall walking
The script has a dedicated unique fix sliding algorithm which allows fixing sliding even in huge mocap takes in seconds:
Automated pelvis correction solves the leg's overextension problem when the speed of the character changes. Supported bipeds, quadrupeds, and custom characters:
The script has a space switcher included, closing 99% of average animator needs:
Supported:
- bake to world, to a custom object, inside a custom object
- IK
- AIM
- animation snapshots
- set keys in world space over a selected time range
The script has animation curve filters, including smooth, intensity, interpolation:
Curve filters work through quaternions, eliminating gimbal locks and Euler rotation problems.
The script has other applications like:
- create strafe animations
- perform root motion extraction
- and more
The companies that already use Smart Layer:
Bloober Team, CD Project Red, SONY, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Blizzard, Retro Studios, Supermassive Games, SEGA, REALTIME, AGBO, Rodeo FX, Yfx, Unseen, Mimic Productions, Platige, Arkane Studios, People Can Fly, Yager, Mihoyo, Tarsier Studios, Mad Head Games, and dozens more.
The script doesn't care about the rig type, would it be a biped or quadruped, or spider, or centipede, or any other custom creature, it's just math, so it works for everything.
How it works:
1) add required animation controls to the animation layer
2) in layer, create keyframes with necessary adjustments, and run the script
3) the script will do the math, and create a new animation layer, where your adjustments will be applied in a "proportionate" way, preserving the original animation's flow, but with a new poses.
Demo v 0.9:
https://youtu.be/1j1o87dnQU8
Demo v.058:
https://youtu.be/X7ld9PuZg3E
The script has animated tooltips explaining how each feature works!
Tested in Maya:
2019.3.1, 2020.4, 2022.5, 2023.3, 2024.2, 2025 (Windows 10);
2022.5, 2023.3, 2024.2, 2025 (Mac OS Monterey 12.4, M1 laptop)
Tested on rigs:
Advanced Skeleton, mGear, HIK*, Zoo Tools, Bazutkin rig, Azri, Pickle Rig**, and others.
*HIK requires removing unused controls from layer
**Pickle Rig is my custom rig for Maya, made in a simple, "traditional" way, using regular transforms and standard components.
***When processing a large number of controls - use "Run Simulation" option (parallel evaluation works faster)
The script requires internet access to go through activation! Test connection:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qk4Vw6Eym1-QrXUpRNu4vhJg2rHhiiwf/view?usp=sharing
EULA
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pG0IRf5eacpqReUdTFaMMJWgpobv2RfX/view?usp=sharing
Bug tracker:
https://trello.com/b/doArYTKr/smart-layer-bugs
FAQ:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rcsu_ZXjkSfYFo7mySnEF2RbqzpnD0P_sSqqasMQv7I/edit?usp=sharing
If you faced an issue with a script, or installation, or found a bug - please don't hesitate to contact me borovikmotion@gmail.com
If you represent a company and would like to proceed with a direct purchase of large count of seats - you can contact me, and I can issue you an invoice.