Retargify v1.1.16 Addon for Blender Full Version Free Download

What It Is

Retargify is an advanced add-on built on top of Blender’s built-in rigging system Rigify. Its core purpose: streamline rig generation, improve animation data workflows, and make rigs more export-friendly (for engine, game, or cross-software use). According to its documentation, it supports recent Blender versions and retains full compatibility with Rigify’s modular system.

Version 1.1.16 is a maintenance update that fixes rig type list ordering, duplicate bone entries in the rig type list and some user interface refinements. (Changelog reference from unofficial post)

Key Features

Rigify-based generation with enhancements: You still get the familiar structure of Rigify but with added modular rig types, improved UI and faster setup.
Controller rig + base export rig workflow: Retargify uses a non-destructive workflow: animations are applied to a controller rig and then mapped to a base (export) armature. This helps maintain animation data when updating or regenerating rigs.
Flexible armature editing: You can add, move, or remove bones from the rig and still maintain compatibility and animation continuity—good for custom character types, animals, creatures.
Automatic clean-ups and rig organization: Bones are automatically placed in collections according to type; rig types list is improved; the UI gives you better clarity when controlling complex armatures.
Engine compatibility: The add-on claims export readiness for major engines such as Unity, Unreal and Godot by simplifying rig structure and baking workflows. Retargify
Animation baking tools: Allows you to bake controller rig animations into export rig, preserving motion data and easing the transition to engine or other software workflows.

Why It’s Useful

If you rig characters in Blender and also export them to game engines or share rigs across platforms, Retargify reduces repetitive manual steps and improves rig reliability.
For studios or freelancers working with many character types (human, animal, hybrid), the flexibility to alter bone count or layout while preserving animations is a huge plus.
The workflow saves time: instead of rebuilding rigs or re-targeting animations when you adjust skeletons, Retargify keeps continuity and allows regenerate without losing data.
Helps standardise rig structure across projects, making it easier for teams to maintain consistency, file hand-off, or version control.

Ideal Use Cases

Character rigging for games: creation of export-ready rigs, animations, bake workflows.
Animation studios using Blender for character asset pipeline and needing quick rig adaptation for different skeleton types.
Freelancers who need to deliver rigs + animations across platforms and want a faster, safer rig setup.
Artists who use Rigify but find its UI or export workflow limiting and want a more polished experience.

Things to Consider

Retargify is a rigging add-on, not a modelling tool: you still need clean mesh topology, proper skeleton construction and animation skill. The add-on improves workflow, but fundamental rig/animation knowledge remains essential.
While it supports many features, you should check compatibility with your Blender version and export targets—some users mention upcoming updates required for new Blender versions (e.g., Blender 4.4).
Custom rigs with unusual skeletons or non-standard bone naming/structure may require manual adjustments—add-on helps but may not fully automate everything in extremely custom cases.
As with any advanced rigging system, there is a learning curve. Understanding the controller/export rig distinction, baking workflows, bone collection presets, etc., will maximise benefit.
Licensing and updates: verify what license you need (commercial vs personal, seat count) and ensure the version you buy is supported for your intended pipelines.

Quick Workflow Overview

Enable Rigify in Blender (required).
Install Retargify add-on and activate it via Edit → Preferences → Add-ons.
Select your base armature and open Retargify panel (usually in Object Properties when armature is selected).
Enter the Armature Builder mode: select rig type, set bone collection presets, define widget configuration, bone naming rules.
Generate the controller rig; Retargify sets up export base armature automatically with constraints linking your controller to it.
Animate your controller rig as usual—the export rig remains intact for engine export or use in other software.
When ready, use the baking tools to bake animation from controller rig to base armature or prepare for export.
If you later modify the skeleton (e.g., add a tail bone, remove fingers), you can regenerate without losing your existing animation data.

Final Thoughts

If character rigging and animation export are part of your Blender pipeline, Retargify v1.1.16 is a strong tool to add. It builds on Rigify’s foundation while solving some of its pain points—especially around animation continuity, rig regeneration, export readiness and workflow efficiency.

It’s not a shortcut to rigging skills, but for users who already rig and animate, it significantly reduces mechanical overhead and quirks. For freelancers, studios or any artist delivering characters across platforms, it offers both time-savings and improved rig robustness.