Adjusting Expressions for Characters with FBX Batch Importing

In order to modify the facial expressions for standard or humanoid characters, you can export the character in FBX format, edit the FBX file with 3D tools, such as Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, etc., and use the Batch Import feature provided by Facial Profile Editor to update the existing sliders or even add new custom sliders.

  1. Apply a standard character.
  2. Export the character in FBX format.
  3. In the Export FBX panel, select the Target Tool Preset and make sure you choose the Mesh and Expression Sequence from the FBX Options drop-down list.
  4. Click the Export button and you will get folder and files as shown in the following illustration. Do not edit the FbxKey file.
  5. Import the Fbx file into your favorite 3D application.
  6. You will see keys in the timeline.

    Each key represent a maximum movement of the blending sliders; for example, frame 126 shows the value of 100 for the slider.
  7. You can then edit the mesh to modify the maximum facial expression until you are satisfied.

    ** Note that the vertex number should never be changed when you are editing the mesh.
  8. Export the edited mesh in FBX format and replace the one exported in step 4.
    * In this case, the Add Leaf Bones checkbox must be deactivated for exporting FBX with Blender.
  9. In Character Creator, activate the Facial Profile Editor.
  10. Load the modified FBX file using either of the two options in the Batch Import drop-down list.

    To import and update specific sliders, choose the FBX File item. To import and update all sliders, choose the FBX with Frame Sequence.
ClosedFBX File
  1. Choose the FBX File, then the Import Morphs panel displays.
  2. Click the open file button to load the modified FBX file, all blend-shapes will be listed in the FBX Morph List.
    • Click the Up / Down buttons to re-order the morphs.
    • Click the Reload button to refresh all morphs from the FBX file again.
    • If you want to remove unwanted morphs, then select them and click the Remove button. In this case, only the Mouth_Dimple_L is kept.
ClosedReplacing Existing Expression Sliders
  1. Activate the Replace all sliders with the same name. checkbox. This step will replace the morph in the embedded categories with the one in the FBX Morph List of the same name.
  2. Click the OK button to make the replacement.
  3. Find the modified slider(s) and drag to different value to see the modification.

    The following image compares the expression results before and after modification with the same value of "100".
ClosedCreating New Expression Sliders

This method will add all items in the FBX Morph List into a custom category.

  1. Make sure the Replace all sliders with the same name. checkbox is deactivated.
  2. Type in a desired name in the Target Category.
  3. Click the OK button to proceed.
  4. You will find a new category of the custom name in which all items in the FBX Morph List are kept.

    Drag the slider to observe the effect.
ClosedFBX with Frame Sequence
  1. Choose the FBX with Frame Sequence, the Import Morphs panel displays.
    • Set the FBX File field to the modified FBX file by clicking the open file button at the right side of the field.
    • Set the Decrypt Key File field to the FbxKey file exported in step 4 previously.
  2. Click the OK button. All blend-shapes in the FBX files will be imported and replace the current ones embedded on the character.
  3. Find the modified slider or sliders and drag to different value to view the modification.

    The following image compares the expression results before and after modification with same value of "100".