Getting Started
This section is for first-time users of Crowd Mixer. It provides a step-by-step guide to help you understand the core workflow—from setup, character customization, to crowd creation—so you can start using the add-on efficiently.
Tips for Efficient Workflow
Use Presets to save time when working on multiple characters or themes
Use Crowd Presets when you want a quick result with full crowd and animation setup
Combine multiple Crowd Types in the same scene for complex behavior
1. Enable the Add-on
Install the .zip file in Edit > Preferences > Add-ons > Install, search for “Crowd Mixer,” and enable it.
2. Set Up the Asset Folder
Before using the add-on, set the Asset Path to character and animation library:
Go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons
Search for Crowd Mixer and expand the add-on settings
In the Preferences section, set the Folder Path to the directory containing your models and animations
3. Turn ON (Customize ON)
Precautions When Using Customize ON
Do NOT enable Customize ON when creating Source or Crowd items.
Avoid saving the scene while Customize ON is active.
Doing so may lead to character data conflicts or overwriting errors.
Please switch off Customize ON before proceeding with source creation or saving your scene.
Click "Customize ON" to load the active character. This will unlock the character editing menus and load necessary assets.
4. Customize Your Character
Use the Character Customize panel to design a unique character with full control over appearance and behavior. Each section provides detailed options and sub-controls for variety
Head Adjust hairstyles and hair colors, choose different face shapes, and fine-tune facial features to match the character’s style or personality.
Body Customize body shape (thin, muscular, or full-bodied) and select from a wide range of skin tones.
Clothing Choose outfits that best fit the scene, with options to randomize clothing combinations. You can also toggle individual items (shirts, pants, accessories) on or off for precise control.
Animation Assign animations categorized by type—such as walking, standing, or special movements. Mixamo animations are organized into categories, making it easy to preview and select the right one for your project.
5. Save as Preset
Once the character is customized:
Click the ( + ) icon next to the character preview to save it as a Preset
Presets store all visual and animation settings
Organize multiple presets into Preset Collections (e.g. "Office Workers", "Performers", "Festival Set")
Presets can later be used:
To quickly reapply a saved look
As sources for generating crowds
6. Explore Preset Collections
From the Preset Collection menu:
Browse built-in or user-made character sets
Click Apply to load one as your active character
These presets are optimized to be compatible with different Crowd Types and random distribution systems
7. Load Source Characters
To prepare for crowd creation:
Open the Source List and click ( + )
Select a Preset Collection to load multiple characters at once
These characters will be used by the crowd system for variation
After loading, adjust animation settings such as:
Start Frame and Random Start Frame for varied animation timing.
Anim Speed and Random Anim Speed for playback speed diversity.
8. Create a Crowd
Now that sources are ready:
Open the Crowd List and click ( + )
Choose the desired Crowd Type:
Standing – Static or lightly randomized placement for open spaces and exhibitions.
Stadium – Uses curves to define first-row seating and section divisions, ideal for tiered layouts.
Flow Curve – Characters follow a defined path, perfect for walking or moving groups.
Use the modifier panel to control density, randomness, animation speed, and more.
9. Use Built-in Crowd Presets ( Optional but Recommended )
Crowd Presets are ready-made crowd setups that let you instantly generate complete scenes with characters, layout systems, and animation settings—all in one step.
These presets are built for real-world use cases and include themed character collections, animation styles, and optimized crowd layouts. They’re designed to save time and provide a strong visual foundation for your project.
You can still modify every part of the preset after loading—swap source characters, adjust density, or refine placement to better fit your scene.
Included Presets
SportsStadium (cheer/calm)
Seated audience for sports or large events with cheering or idle animation
UrbanStreet
Street-level scene with walking and standing pedestrians
Seminar
Seated audience in a seminar, classroom, or conference
Exhibition
Groups of people casually standing and talking indoors
TransportStation
Characters moving or waiting in a station-like environment
ProtestMarch
Marching protest scene with signs and dynamic flow
ProtestStanding
Stationary protest with a dense and unified formation
Concert
Large crowd facing a stage, ideal for performances
Beach
Relaxed scene with scattered people along a shoreline
How to Use
Go to the Crowd Manager section in the Crowd Mixer panel
Select a preset from the Preset Preview Panel
Click Load Preset Crowd
The add-on will generate both the character source and crowd layout
These presets offer a quick starting point for populating your scene. You can always fine-tune the result afterward using all of Crowd Mixer’s tools.
10. Snap to scene
For precise placement: Activate Snap to 3D Cursor to place characters manually. Adjust characters for art-directed scenes, such as architectural visualization, and then use Snap to Scene.
Last updated