Lazy Shapekeys [Shape Keys Folder & Utility]

Shape key folders when the list starts to sprawl

Lazy Shapekeys [Shape Keys Folder & Utility] focuses on a common problem: once a model accumulates many shape keys, the list becomes harder to read and harder to edit one action at a time. The add-on brings a folder system into that space so related keys can be grouped, collapsed, and handled together instead of being treated as a long, flat stack of entries.

On the Default tab, folders stay inside the regular list and can be folded away with the ▼ button. On the Folders tab, the interface splits into two columns: List of Folders and Shape Keys in Folders. That gives two ways to work. A simple one-column view is there for straightforward edits, while the two-column layout is better when the structure of the shape keys needs more organization. The folder function is not just about tidiness; it gives a way to manage shape keys collectively by adding shape key items for folders.

Batch keyframes from the folder level

The keyframe batch insert / batch delete button sits above the list on the Folders tab. With that control, keyframes can be inserted into every shape key in the folder at once. When all the shape keys in a folder already have keyframes on the current frame, the same button deletes those keys for that frame. That keeps a group of related keys in sync without opening each one separately.

The folder also includes a bulk value reset button marked X. It resets the values of all items in the folder at once. In practice, that makes the folder behave like a single control surface when a set of shape keys needs to be cleared before another pass, or when a group of values has to be brought back to a known state before continuing work.

Splitting shape keys into separate objects

Create Objects for All Shape Keys generates a new object for each shape key. That is useful when a shape is easier to judge on its own than inside a long list of keys on one object. The function also fits a process where each shape is edited individually and then combined again as shape keys. Instead of staying locked to one combined object during every change, each key can be seen as its own edit target for a while.

When there are many shape keys, the resulting objects can stretch out into a long arrangement. The add-on accounts for that by allowing numbers on the Z axis, so the layout can wrap and organize by column count. The same function can also be paired with a mask modifier in advance when only part of the mesh should be shown. If the body and face are integrated into one mesh and only the head should be displayed, the mask modifier can be used first, then the object creation can be run after that.

Forced transfer, modifier handling, and left-right separation

The utility set also includes shape forced transfer, applying modifiers while holding shape keys, and separate shape keys left and right. Those functions point toward more technical cleanup work. Shape information can be transferred directly when needed, modifiers can be applied without losing the shape-key context, and a shape can be split into left and right parts when side-specific editing is required.

There is also shape key synchronization of objects by the same name. That keeps matching objects aligned through their shared shape-key names, which is helpful when multiple pieces need to respond together. Rather than treating each object as an isolated case, the add-on gives several ways to keep related data moving in step.

Jumping into the graph editor for one key at a time

A dedicated button opens a new graph editor window for adjusting the shape key’s F-curve. The window automatically adds the shape key name to the graph editor search filter, which makes it easier to focus on one key when it needs a more exact timing or motion adjustment. If the window is already displayed, only the search filter is toggled. The search also shows the F-curve item with the same name.

The window size matches the size of the editor that was executed, so the transition into curve work stays tied to the current editor rather than forcing a different setup. That small detail matters when shape key management moves from list cleanup into fine-tuning animation on a specific key. In a character pass, the add-on fits naturally where shape keys need to be sorted, grouped, keyed, split, or inspected without losing track of which shape is being adjusted.

Visual Breakdown