Figaro is a tool designed for creating base meshes for characters and creatures quickly and easily. This is achieved by allowing users to add volumes around vertices, edges, and faces, with the shape of the volumes being determined by interpolating each radius assigned to each vertex.  It is based on tools like ZBrush's ZSpheres and Blender's Skin modifier while extending their core concepts to allow for more complex shapes.

Installation instructions are available within the provided files and at the bottom of this page.

If you prefer to get the add-on in Blender Market, check it out here: https://blendermarket.com/products/figaro

Compatible with Blender 4.1+.

Features

Stick Figure Modeling

Use points and edges to define shapes and adjust volumes. Each point has a radius and each edge will interpolate between the radii of neighboring vertices.  Press Shift + R to change the radius on selected vertices in Edit Mode.

Solid Faces

In addition to points and edges, Figaro supports the creation of faces for more complex shapes while retaining the simplicity of stick-figure modeling.

One-Click Voxelization

Convert your object into a voxel mesh and begin sculpting. Control voxel size, smooth shading vs. flat shading, all in the Figaro side panel.

Quick Display Options

The Figaro side panel has convenient options for displaying the Figaro object in different ways for both Solid Mode and Material Preview / Rendered Mode.

Seamless Modifier Integration

Figaro objects integrate seamlessly with Blender's modifier stack system, thus allowing for more flexibility and creative possibilities.

Installation Instructions

You will see two zip files:

• The_3DMage_AddonWrangler.zip
• Figaro.zip

DO NOT UNZIP THESE TWO ZIP FILES

Follow the installation instructions according to your version of Blender:

Blender 4.2+

1. Go to Edit  > Preferences.
2. Click the Add-ons tab.
3. Click the Add-ons Settings button on the top right corner of the window.
   1. Click Install from Disk
   2. Select The_3DMage_AddonWrangler.zip and then click Install from Disk.
4. Click the Add-ons Settings button on the top right corner of the window.
   1. Click Install from Disk
   2. Select Figaro.zip and then click Install from Disk.
5. Save your preferences.

Blender 4.1

1. Go to Edit  >  Preferences.
2. Click the Add-ons tab.
3. Click the  Install button.
   1. Select The_3DMage_AddonWrangler.zip and then click Install Add-on. 
   2. Enable System: 3D Mage Addon Wrangler if not already enabled.
4. Click the Install button.
   1. Select Figaro.zip and then click Install Add-on. 
   2. Enable Mesh: Figaro if not already enabled.
5. Save your preferences.

Quick Start Guide

1. In Object Mode, open the Figaro Side Panel menu by clicking the Figaro tab.
2. Click Create Figaro Object to create a new Figaro object.  Make sure it is selected.
3. Go to Edit Mode:
   • Extend edges and fill faces to build a shape.
   • Press Shift + R on selected vertices to enter Radius Mode:
     • Move mouse right to increase radius.
     • Move mouse left to decrease radius.
     • Left-click or press Enter to confirm.
     • Right-click or press Esc to cancel.
4. When the Figaro object is finished, go to Object Mode and in the side panel menu, convert the object to a mesh either by:
   • Clicking Convert to Voxel Mesh for a voxel-based model.
   • Clicking Convert to Mesh for a standard mesh.

You can learn more about the Add-On in the Figaro Docs page.

Changelog

Update - February 15, 2025

• Added new Add Object context menu item called "Figaro Templates", which will allow you to insert pre-made Figaro objects into the scene.  However, some issues dealing with the new Figaro Templates code caused compatibility for Blender 4.0 to be dropped.
• Added ability to"split" a vertex that is only connected to one edge.

• Added two new "Apply" operations Scale (Figaro) and Apply Transforms (Figaro), which will take into the account vertex radius values if scaling a Figaro object in Object Mode.

• Fixed a bug dealing snapping, particularly the "Include Active" setting.

Update - January 16, 2025

• Added new required dependency (The_3DMage_AddonWrangler_1_0_0) to allow for better shortcut management with other 3D Mage add-ons.  However, issues with how Blender manages add-on detection has caused compatibility for Blender 3.6 LTS to be no longer available.
• Added ability to apply the Figaro Geometry modifier directly.  This is done via checking the "ManualApplyModifier" checkbox within the modifier itself before applying the modifier directly.
• Rearranged side panel items for clarity.
• Fixed minor bugs.