Documentation — Matching Actions

Overview

Matching Actions is a Blender add-on that helps create seamless transitions between two animation Actions by aligning the start of Action 2 to the end of Action 1 using a chosen reference bone. It is designed to improve NLA blending results for mocap/Mixamo-style clips and similar workflows.

Installation

1. Download the add-on as a ZIP file.

2. In Blender: Edit → Preferences → Add-ons → Install…

3. Select the ZIP file and confirm installation.

4. Enable the add-on in the Add-ons list.

5. Open the add-on panel in the 3D Viewport → N Sidebar.

Basic workflow (step-by-step)

1. Import or create your character/rig and make sure you have at least two Actions you want to connect (Action 1 → Action 2).

2. Select the armature (skeleton) in the scene.

3. In the add-on panel:

   • Set Action 1 (the first clip).

   • Set Action 2 (the next clip that should start where Action 1 ends).

4. Choose bones:

   • Parent / Root bone: the bone that represents the character’s overall/root transform.

     • Typical rigs: use Hip (or the rig’s main root).

     • Root-motion rigs: use the root motion bone (true root).

   • Align bone: the bone used as the reference for matching.

     • Best practice: choose a bone that is “planted” at the transition moment (often a foot).

5. Optionally enable Match Z Rotation:

   • Enabled: matches both position and facing direction.

   • Disabled: matches position only, while preserving the original heading/direction of Action 2.

6. Click Match Actions.

7. In the NLA Editor, place strips for Action 1 and Action 2 and blend them—Action 2 should now align much more cleanly at the transition.

Tips for best results

• Use an align bone that is stable at the transition (e.g., the foot that is on the ground at the end of Action 1 and the start of Action 2).

• When working with root motion, always set the correct root bone as Parent/Root to avoid unexpected offsets.

• Keep action names clear (e.g., “Walk_End”, “Walk_Start”, “Idle_To_Walk”) so selecting pairs is quick.

What the add-on changes (important)

• Matching Actions modifies Action 2 by offsetting its transforms so the animation begins at the end point of Action 1.

• Because Action 2 gets modified, a backup copy is automatically created (same name with a “copy” suffix). Use the copy if you need the original, unmodified version again.

Walk cycles & longer sequences

For multiple forward steps or repeating cycles:

1. Duplicate the Action as needed (you’ll typically need several copies).

2. Place the Actions sequentially.

3. Run Matching Actions for each adjacent pair (Action A → Action B, then B → C, etc.).

4. After assembling the final sequence, delete unused/extra Actions to keep the file tidy.

Compatibility

• This version works with Blender 5 and higher.

Pricing / support

• This add-on is offered on SuperhiveMarket for users who want to support development and thank the creator.

• A free Gumroad mirror is available for “try-first” use; the link is provided in the video description.