FrameFormer
Unlock sculpting on your Alembic animations. FrameFormer converts Alembic mesh caches into a flexible shape key system, enabling frame-specific and global sculpting, all non-destructively, right inside Blender.
See It in Action
Watch how FrameFormer transforms a locked Alembic cache into a fully sculptable mesh, with per-frame and global editing capabilities.
The Animator's Dilemma
Alembic files are the industry standard for transferring animated geometry, but once they're in Blender as a Mesh Sequence Cache, they're a "look but don't touch" asset.
Need to add a subtle wrinkle for a character's expression? Sculpt a persistent battle scar? Fix a small animation glitch on a specific frame? Traditionally, this meant going back to the source application, re-exporting, and re-importing.
Not anymore.
Your Alembic Sculpting Toolkit
FrameFormer intelligently converts your Alembic mesh sequences into a flexible, non-destructive shape key system. This unlocks two powerful sculpting workflows:
✨ Frame-Specific Sculpting
- Each frame gets its own dedicated sculpt layer
- Changes on frame 15 only affect frame 15
- Perfect for expressions, impact deformations, cloth wrinkles, or quick fixes
- Fine-tune intensity with the "Frame Blend" slider
🌍 Global (Overall) Sculpting
- Create "Overall Shape Keys" that influence all frames
- Ideal for persistent features: scars, muscle definition, stylistic adjustments
- Control overall intensity independently
Before & After
See the difference FrameFormer makes, from locked Alembic cache to fully sculpted result.
Before: Original Cache
After: Sculpted with FrameFormer
Why You'll Love FrameFormer
Effortless Conversion
Select your Alembic objects, click "Convert," and you're ready to sculpt. No complex setup required.
Non-Destructive Power
Toggle between your sculpted version and the original animation instantly. Revert with a single click, no commitment issues.
Multi-Object Mastery
Multi-Edit Mode lets you sculpt one object and see changes on all selected objects in real-time. Batch add/remove shape keys across multiple objects at once.
Smart UI
The FrameFormer panel adapts to your selection, only showing the tools you need, when you need them.
Custom Frame Ranges
Convert the entire animation or just a specific range for faster iteration and focused editing.
Automatic Sync
No manual keyframing of shape keys needed. FrameFormer handles keeping your per-frame sculpts active on the correct frame.
The Interface
FrameFormer integrates directly into Blender's sidebar with a clean, context-aware panel.
Conversion Panel
Conversion Dialog
Who Is FrameFormer For?
Character Animators
Add nuanced secondary motion, expressions, and details directly in Blender after importing Alembic caches.
VFX Artists
Make quick fixes or enhancements to cached simulations without re-exporting from the source application.
Motion Graphics Designers
Add sculpted detail to animated Alembic assets for enhanced visual quality in motion design projects.
Pipeline TDs
Anyone working with Alembic caches who needs direct, in-Blender artistic control over cached geometry.
Technical Specifications
Mesh Sequence Cache modifiers (Alembic .abc imports)What You Get
- The FrameFormer Blender Addon (ZIP file)
- Clear documentation and access to community support via GitHub
- Future updates with improvements and new features
Frequently Asked Questions
What Blender versions are supported?
FrameFormer requires Blender 4.4 or newer. It is tested and confirmed working with Blender 4.4 and 4.5.
Does FrameFormer work with any Alembic file?
FrameFormer works with objects that have a Mesh Sequence Cache modifier, typically created when importing Alembic (.abc) files containing animated geometry.
Is the process destructive?
No. FrameFormer is fully non-destructive. You can toggle between your sculpted version and the original Alembic animation, or revert completely with a single click.
Can I sculpt on multiple objects at the same time?
Yes! Multi-Edit Mode lets you sculpt on one object and see the changes appear on all other selected, converted objects in real-time. You can also batch-add and batch-remove shape keys.
Where can I get support?
For questions, bug reports, or feature requests, please visit the GitHub Issues page.
Get FrameFormer
Stop fighting your Alembic caches and start sculpting them.