The Blender add-on CamKeys, developed by BeyondDev (Tyler Walker), automates ShapeKeys according to camera or viewport angles. It enables an object to deform differently depending on how it is viewed, a method commonly used in stylised animation, anime-inspired facial rigs, or forced-perspective effects. Formerly known as CamShapeMatic, CamKeys 3.0 introduces a redesigned interface, multilingual documentation, and expanded animation baking tools.

ShapeKeys with eyes

CamKeys connects one or more ShapeKeys (Blender’s morph targets) to the relative angle between a camera and an object. When the camera moves, the mesh interpolates between ShapeKeys based on the configured angular falloff. Each “CamKey” entry defines a camera angle, target ShapeKey, and blending range. Updates occur in real time during playback, scrubbing, or rendering. For rigged characters, the effect can also be driven by bone rotation instead of the entire object’s orientation, allowing deformation of specific body parts such as heads or torsos.

What’s new in version 3.0

Version 3.0 adds refined bone tracking, improved multi-object handling, and support for linked assets. sers can employ CamKeys to imitate per-object field-of-view (FOV) shifts, producing perspective distortion variations between characters or props. However, the official Beyond-3 documentation does not describe any FOV modification feature. Technically, CamKeys does not alter Blender’s projection system. It drives ShapeKeys by camera angle, which can visually approximate FOV changes but does not constitute a real optical override. Artists may creatively repurpose it for such effects, but this behaviour is not documented or officially supported.

Inside the interface

The CamKeys panel is divided into three areas:

• Select Camera – Defines the active camera or viewport. Baking requires an actual camera.
• Mesh Objects – Lists meshes affected by CamKeys, each optionally tied to a bone.
• Camera Angles & ShapeKeys – Captures current view angles, assigns ShapeKeys, sets blending width, enables or disables entries, and bakes driven animation curves into keyframes.

All parameters update live, and tooltips in multiple languages (English, Japanese, Spanish) are provided throughout the interface.

Pricing and licensing

CamKeys is sold via Gumroad with three pricing tiers: Indie (1 user) at 19.99 USD, Studio (3–5 users) at 69.99 USD, and Studio (6+ users) at 199.99 USD. Purchases include lifetime updates. Redistribution or modification of the add-on is prohibited, but commercial use is permitted with credit to the creator.

Typical use cases

According to the official documentation, CamKeys is suited for:

• 2D/3D hybrid animation and stylised facial deformation
• Perspective “cheat” effects without rig scaling
• Real-time mesh updates during playback
• Automatic deformation across camera switches
• Baking ShapeKey-driven animation for export

BeyondDev’s examples show anime-style characters that morph smoothly between front and side views, preserving proportions through angular interpolation.

Production caveats

No independent tests have yet confirmed how CamKeys behaves with advanced setups such as depth-of-field, motion blur, or multi-camera rigs. Blender’s dependency graph can behave unpredictably when properties depend on camera-driven transformations. While users label CamKeys 3.0 as enabling “per-object FOV,” BeyondDev’s own documentation explicitly describes ShapeKey automation by camera angle only. This difference is important when planning for camera-matched compositing or depth-based rendering workflows. Artists should run small validation tests before deploying the add-on in production pipelines or automated rigging setups.

Final frame

CamKeys remains a technically clear, niche utility: it automates mesh deformation relative to viewing direction, offering stylised animators precise control over how geometry reads from different angles. Whether it truly supports “per-object FOV” depends entirely on user interpretation, not on the add-on’s code.

For those seeking controlled, angle-driven morphs without complex rig logic, CamKeys provides a practical and well-documented solution that Blender still lacks natively. As always: test before production.

The post Shapekeys: The angle on your mesh first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Stylized rendering workflows often suffer when meshes don’t behave politely with shading—usually thanks to dirty, broken normals. The free Blender add-on “Shading Normal Editor” steps into this mess with one clear mission: clean up shading normals to create cleaner, more intentional stylized shading effects.

Developed by “wrljet,” this tool allows artists to interactively edit face normals within Blender itself, without having to perform a destructive normal transfer from other meshes. The tool simplifies shading workflows especially when custom, stylized shading is a central visual requirement—as often needed in games, animations, and stylized VFX assets.

The @getfondant Custom Normals v1.0.0 addon for Blender is finally out! Now you can fix most topology issues in your 3D anime and toon shading. Can be used directly in Blender, or as Custom Vertex Normals for game and vtuber models. Link in the next message.

The basic addon is… pic.twitter.com/efEa2uY4CK

— aVersionOfReality (@AversionReality) April 23, 2025

Interactive Face-Normal Editing

Once installed, “Shading Normal Editor” provides an editor interface directly inside Blender. Artists can select faces, tweak the normal directions interactively, and immediately see the shading results in the viewport. This avoids tedious export-import loops or the dark art of manually hacking vertex normals in external tools. Wrljet’s tool also emphasizes non-destructive workflows: normal edits can be modified at any time without wrecking the underlying mesh structure, which is particularly critical for iterative production work.

There is also a roadmap for upcoming features HERE

Toolchain Integration and Availability

The add-on is distributed through GitHub or through Superhivemarket with the complete source code openly available. Installation follows standard Blender add-on procedure: download the .zip file, install it via Blender’s Add-ons menu, and enable it. Current compatibility details were not specified in the source, so testing in production environments is recommended before relying on it in live projects—especially for studios handling pipeline-critical assets.

Pricing and Accessibility

The best part? “Shading Normal Editor” is completely free. Open-source enthusiasts and pragmatic shading artists alike can download, modify, and use the tool without reaching for the studio credit card. Pricing information remains unchanged even under extreme stress tests: free.

A Word to the Cautious

While the functionality looks highly practical for stylized projects, as always: new tools should be thoroughly tested for stability and compatibility with existing pipelines before being rolled into professional projects. Production is no place for surprises, unless you’re running a birthday party.

The post Normal Problem? Normal Solution: Free Blender Add-on “Shading Normal Editor” Now Available first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Creating professional VFX breakdowns for showreals in Blender has never been easier. Breakdown Maker, a $25 add-on available on the Blender Market, simplifies the process of exporting and visualizing complex scenes. Designed with VFX artists, animators, and post-production professionals in mind, this tool eliminates tedious manual tasks, enhancing productivity and ensuring consistent results.

Automated Render Pass Exports

One of Breakdown Maker’s standout features is its ability to export render passes effortlessly. Instead of exporting each asset manually, users can define and export multiple passes in just a few clicks. This saves time and ensures consistency across layers, a critical factor in compositing workflows. The tool applies clear naming conventions, helping maintain organization in multi-layered projects.

Animation Presets for Professional Showcases

The add-on includes six animation presets inspired by industry standards. These presets allow users to animate and showcase the construction of a scene step-by-step, revealing the creative process. Combining multiple animation styles is straightforward, offering flexibility in how each element appears.

For those who need detailed turntables, Breakdown Maker simplifies the setup process. Users can select from customizable preset animations and lighting options to create polished, high-quality demos that highlight their models effectively.

Lighting and HDRI Options

Lighting is critical in presenting 3D assets, and Breakdown Maker doesn’t disappoint. It offers various preset lighting schemes that can be applied with a single click, providing users with a range of moods and styles to suit their projects. These presets are editable, ensuring compatibility with any model. Additionally, the add-on supports HDRIs (High Dynamic Range Images). Users can upload their own or choose from a library of presets, with a Rotate HDRI option available to test lighting interactions from all angles. For advanced users, the asset browser includes studio light setups. These lights emulate professional environments, providing realistic and customizable lighting for turntables and scene breakdowns.

Texture Switching and Calibration Tools

Breakdown Maker includes options to switch between standard, wireframe, and solid color textures during turntable creation. This feature ensures optimal visualization from every perspective.

For industry-standard calibration, the add-on lets users integrate ColorChecker charts and reflective spheres into their scenes. These tools ensure accurate lighting and color fidelity, crucial for professional reels.

Testing for Pipeline Integration

For $25, Breakdown Maker offers an affordable solution tailored to the demands of modern VFX and post-production workers. By automating tedious processes and enhancing visualization capabilities, this Blender add-on simplifies the creation of detailed, professional VFX breakdowns, making it a valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit – and the showreel.

The post Breakdown Maker for Blender: Get your showreel ready! first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.