Todor from CGDive has released the Alpha version of his Auto-Rigging addon for Blender, streamlining character setup with standard human and flexible modular workflows—and crucially, it’s currently available for free while seeking community feedback.
For many 3D artists, the process of rigging a complex character can feel like a daunting bottleneck, consuming valuable production time. Addressing this common frustration, Todor (known widely through his educational platform, CGDive) has introduced the CGDIVE Auto-Rig addon for Blender.
This new modular rigging system is currently in its early development (Alpha state), but already promises to automate up to 90% of the standard rig setup. This is particularly exciting news for beginners and seasoned professionals alike, allowing them to jump straight into animation rather than wrestling with complex bone chains.
Accessible & Free: Join the Alpha Testing
True to the spirit of community development that defines Blender, the CGDIVE Auto-Rig addon is currently completely FREE to download and use. This early access gives artists a unique chance to try out the software, influence its feature roadmap, and accelerate their workflows without initial investment. Known for providing comprehensive training and quick support, Todor has ensured that getting started is painless.
To begin testing this powerful addon, users can simply Grab the CGDIVE Auto-Rig here and install the zip file directly into Blender.
Two Essential Rigging Workflows
The CGDIVE Auto-Rig provides two primary methods for generating functional character rigs, catering both to standard humanoids and unique, custom creatures.
1. The Standard Human Workflow
This workflow offers a quick setup for typical humanoid characters. Artists start with a basic skeleton template and enter Edit Mode solely to align the bones to the proportions of their character mesh. Crucially, the creator notes that users should *only* adjust proportions and must avoid renaming or deleting any bones in this mode.
Once aligned, the user specifies the desired number of twist bones for the limbs—a feature that significantly improves deformation quality—and presses “Generate.” The resulting rig is ready to be bound using automatic weights, featuring deformation bones organized neatly in the `DEF` collection. Essential controls like IK/FK switching and FK isolation are instantly available via the properties panel.
2. The Modular Workflow for Custom Creatures
When dealing with highly customized or non-humanoid characters (think creatures with extra limbs, tails, or unique structures), the modular workflow is the true powerhouse. This method allows artists to build the skeleton piece by piece.
1. Start: Create a modular rig base containing the root and settings bone.
2. Construct Mode: Users switch to this mode, selecting an attachment bone before adding specialized modules like the spine, head, arms, and legs.
3. Flexibility: The system automatically handles parenting while maintaining custom naming flexibility. A built-in symmetry function speeds up the process when building mirrored parts.
4. Custom Elements: Even highly specific features, like ponytails or custom clothing controls, can be added using custom bones. Furthermore, support bones can be incorporated to enhance automatic weight painting results.
After setting up all the bones, the user switches to Generate Mode, generating each module individually (e.g., “Generate Spine,” “Generate Shoulder”). The resulting rig provides IK/FK controls for all generated limbs.
Current Alpha Limitations and Future Vision
As the CGDIVE Auto-Rig is still in its alpha stage, it has a few known limitations. Currently, the spine is limited to a five-bone chain, and perhaps the biggest hurdle is the *lack of a regeneration feature*. If artists modify their character or need to adjust the rig setup, they currently have to manually tweak the result or recreate the rig entirely.
Todor is actively seeking community input to guide future development. Planned updates include improving existing presets, adding new modular elements like animal legs and tails, and enhancing the overall user experience.
If you take the CGDIVE Auto-Rig for a test drive, please consider providing feedback to help shape the future of this promising tool. You can Share your feedback directly with the creator.
Want to dive deeper into character creation? We regularly feature exciting developments and Blender updates and releases on CGEcho, or you can explore more Blender workflows and specialized techniques.
