Import and export blend shapes

You can import or export blend shapes in shape (*.shp) files using the Shape Editor. This makes it easy to transfer blend shapes between objects, such as the same object that is used in several different scene files across a pipeline. When you import a shape file, the current scene needs to contain at least one base object whose name and number of vertices (topology) match the base object from which the shape file was created.

The shape file contains information about the base mesh, the blend shape node, the target shapes, the target deltas, and the target shape structure in the Shape Editor (such as groups and their names). Only one blend shape node is saved per .shp file when you export it.

Note: If you export a blend shape deformer whose target shapes have in-betweens (see Add in-between target shapes), the in-betweens are not exported. As well, target shapes that have combination target shapes are exported, but the combination targets shapes will be normal target shapes that aren't linked with their driver target shapes. See Create combination target shapes.

To export a shape file

1. In the Shape Editor, select either a blend shape deformer, or one or more target shapes from the same blend shape deformer.
2. Choose File > Export Shapes, or right-click a blend shape deformer or target shape and choose Export.
3. In the browser that opens, go to a folder and enter a file name to save the blend shape file.

To import a shape file

The base object to which you want to import the shape file must match the topology (same number of vertices) and name used for the shape file you're going to import.

1. In the Shape Editor, select a blend shape deformer.
2. Choose File > Import Shapes, or right-click a blend shape deformer and choose Import.
3. In the browser that opens, go to the folder where the shape (*.shp) files are and select one.

   The blend shape deformer (node) and its target shapes are added to the base object and display in the Shape Editor.