bmidi is a Python-based automatic keyframing tool for MIDI data, allowing users to create smooth MIDI-driven animations in Blender.

Installing bmidi

bmidi is not currently available as a full Blender addon, so creating a clone of this repository is necessary for usage.

1. Clone The Repo

Clone this repository into the desired folder with:

git clone https://github.com/ktechhydle/bmidi.git

2. Install The Python Requirements

Find the Blender Python executable's path using bpy.app.binary_path in the console, then input the following into a new terminal (located in this repositories root):

'<your blender python path>' -m pip install -r requirements.txt

You may have to ensure pip actually exists by first using:

'<your blender python path>' -m ensurepip

Then upgrading it with:

'<your blender python path>' -m pip install --upgrade pip

3. Run main.py

Create a new Blender project inside the root of this repository, and open the main.py file inside the "Script" tab. Run the file with Alt-P or use the run button located right next to the file name, and you're done!

Using bmidi

bmidi's user interface is just a single panel with controls for frame generation.

• You can add or remove items with the "+" or "-" buttons located in the top right of the panel.
• Items can either be compositions or controllers, depending on what you select in "Type".
• Compositions represent a collection of instrument(s) that map notes to object names. For example, an object named Key_25 might be triggered whenever note 25 is played in the midi file. Given an object prefix x and note y the format for objects in compositions is xy
• Controllers represent a unique individual instrument like a robotic arm.

For all items, there is a Channel selector for selecting the specific channel that controls the objects. Note Range Start and Note Range End will allow notes between that range. Additionally, if Use Block List is selected, you can create a comma seperated list of notes to block from being generated (e.g. 24, 52, 60) or a range of notes with the syntax x-y.

Clicking "Generate Keyframes" will set the timeline to -1, reset the animation data for all composition and controller objects, then generate the frames.

Capabilites

There are a collection of demo videos in this YouTube playlist showcasing what bmidi is capable of. Additionally, all music is original.