A Blender addon that helps you quickly generate the 52 ARKit-compatible shape keys (blendshapes) required for facial animation workflows (Unity, Unreal, iOS ARKit).
It guides you step-by-step with preview reference images, so you can pose your rigged face and bake each shape key.
- Works with Rigify (free) or AutoRig Pro (paid).
- Supports multiple meshes: select them all, and the addon merges them for the baking session.
- Automatic Basis shape key creation.
- Step-by-step posing with Next and Previous navigation.
- Preview reference images for each ARKit blendshape to guide posing.
- Auto-detection of the armature so you’re left in Pose Mode ready to sculpt.
- At the end of the session, the meshes are split back automatically.
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Download the latest release ZIP:
👉 ARKit Blendshape Baker – Download ZIP -
Install in Blender:
- Open Blender.
- Go to
Edit → Preferences → Add-ons. - Click Install… and select the downloaded ZIP file.
- Enable ARKit Blendshape Baker from the list.
- Blender 4.4.x or newer
- A generated rig (Rigify or AutoRig Pro).
- If using AutoRig Pro, make sure to export the FBX using AutoRig Pro’s export option, otherwise Unity/Unreal may not detect the bones correctly.
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Install the addon:
- Download the ZIP of this repository.
- In Blender:
Edit → Preferences → Add-ons → Install…, select the ZIP. - Enable ARKit Blendshape Baker.
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Prepare your model:
- Rig your face with Rigify or AutoRig Pro.
- Select all face meshes (eyes, teeth, skin, etc.).
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Start the session:
N-panel → ARKit Baker → Start ARKit Bake Session.- Your meshes are merged, and you are switched into Pose Mode.
- A reference image appears for the first shape.
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For each ARKit shape:
- Pose the rig to match the reference image.
- Click Bake Shape Key.
- Move to the next shape with Next.
- Repeat until all 52 are completed.
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Export:
- Once finished, the addon splits meshes back (if needed).
- Export to FBX.
- For AutoRig Pro: use ARP Export FBX to preserve bone naming.
- Reference images are bundled in the addon ZIP.
- If you don’t see them in the sidebar, check your console for debug logs (the addon prints when loading images).
This addon is licensed under the MIT License.
You are free to use, modify, and distribute with proper attribution.
Created by Michael Tsikerdekis — writer, developer, and indie game creator.
Check out more of my work at Northshore Press.
🎮 Games:
💡 If you find this tool useful, consider supporting my projects or checking out my games. Your support keeps indie tools like this alive!