Apply default weights

User Guide > Rigging > Maya Muscle > Skin Deformation >

The Default Weights tool lets you set initial weighting on your mesh. Normally, connecting a node or creating a Muscle deformer does not set any default weights. This tool allows you to set or re-set initial values based either on the nodes connected in (for multi-weight types), or based on other factors such as curvature or direction (for single weight types like Jiggle and Relax).

The tool operates on selected points or on all points if a mesh is selected. In this way, you can re-set or apply default weights to just part of your model, even if you have already weighted another part of it.

ImportantIn many cases, you want to have only certain Muscle Objects used during Sticky or Sliding weight defaults. For example, you may make a capsule/bone that you plan on using for Sliding, but not for Sticky. However, when you apply default weights it may apply weights. To correct this, cMuscleObject nodes have an affectSticky and affectSliding attribute. If you set this before applying default weights, this information is used to cull those nodes as needed.

For example, you can set the bone to have affectSticky set to off or 0, so that object is not used when setting sticky weights.

To apply default weights

Select Muscle > Weighting > Apply Default Weights from the main menu bar.
The Default Weights tool appears. There are several options available, depending on the selected Weight type. See Default Weights tool for a detailed description.
Select the type of Weight you want to apply defaults for. Depending on the type of weight, different options appear.
Set the Smooth value as desired. The Default Weights tool decides which point is applied to which node, or to what value, then applies a Smooth operation to the weights. The Smooth value sets how many iterations the smooth operation applies.
Select the mesh you want to apply default weights for. If you want to apply default weights for a part of the mesh, select only those points.
TipIf the Muscle Paint tool is open, you can see the weights when the operation is complete.
Click Apply Default Weights.