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Is there some way how to instance objects along path/curve without deformation? All forums and questions I've found are related to 2.79 and they are all using dupliframes, however there is no such option in 2.8.

I can't believe that such a basic feature is so hard to do or at least so hard to find.

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  • $\begingroup$ What version do you have? Because I see dupliframes in v2.8 from november build $\endgroup$
    – Serge L
    Commented Apr 9, 2019 at 19:22
  • $\begingroup$ I downloaded it one or two weeks ago. I found solution using animation nodes anyway $\endgroup$
    – ligazetom
    Commented Apr 9, 2019 at 19:24
  • $\begingroup$ blender.stackexchange.com/a/198523/2952 $\endgroup$
    – Mentalist
    Commented Apr 27, 2021 at 20:12

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It is really easy using animation nodes.

enter image description here

Here is version with orientations set

enter image description here

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  • $\begingroup$ Can you add an explanation on what those nodes are doing? $\endgroup$
    – user1853
    Commented Apr 12, 2019 at 1:30
  • $\begingroup$ I believe it will be way easier to understand if you copy the nodes and play with different values. The first picture will make object follow the path, but depending on what you want to achieve, in my case I wanted to place cones on a road I wanted them to be aligned with the road and also be on top of it. So try to disable few of the nodes and you ll see what will happen then $\endgroup$
    – ligazetom
    Commented Apr 16, 2019 at 12:00
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It is true, Dupliframes are gone for 2.8

Dupliframes have been removed. This was a hack added before there were more powerful features like the array modifier.

https://developer.blender.org/rBS7400aa7e595063510ce9f29fa1b02ebd3f9296e2

As alternative I can suggest using Dupliface(verts) on a Plane with Array modifier along Curve.

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  • $\begingroup$ Yea, the thing is I really wanted to make instances, not more real objects, like array modifier does. $\endgroup$
    – ligazetom
    Commented Apr 10, 2019 at 11:11
  • $\begingroup$ Array is only for a plane, actual dupli-object will be a plane's child. AN's Instancer is also creating real object, replicating ALT-D behaviour. $\endgroup$
    – Serge L
    Commented Apr 10, 2019 at 11:15
  • $\begingroup$ Yes I know, but plane is real. $\endgroup$
    – ligazetom
    Commented Apr 11, 2019 at 11:36
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    $\begingroup$ There are a lot of quirks though, I mean ...first dupliverts are not working with single vert, or at least array modifier doesn't and you cannot hide the original object which sucks. You are still creating real object with array using planes (I know it is a lot less than actual object you want to instance but anyway)...there is really not the best solution to this yet. Animation nodes at least provide great control over everything $\endgroup$
    – ligazetom
    Commented Apr 11, 2019 at 12:07
  • $\begingroup$ I'll just add that for anyone wanting to commit mesh deformations, creating a new object at each frame position, it can by done with a python script. $\endgroup$
    – Mentalist
    Commented Oct 8, 2020 at 5:53
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You can export the objects in .obj format to version 2.79 where you have the option to duplicate them, do the duplication and export it again at 2.80. If you press Ctrl + Shift + A the duplicates will be real objects (instances) in case exporting as dupliframes did not work in 2.80.

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  • $\begingroup$ Hah, there is difference between instance and object. So doing this would create a whole set of objects, not a single instance. $\endgroup$
    – ligazetom
    Commented Jul 29, 2019 at 12:28
  • $\begingroup$ To transform all objects into real objects, first Shift-Ctrl-A to Make Duplicates Real. All objects are now real objects, but still linked copies. To change this, use U shortcut or Object ‣ Make Single User ‣ Object & Data ‣ All. This I would meant :- ) $\endgroup$
    – Manuel
    Commented Jul 30, 2019 at 15:43

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