Create and drive shape key in Python

Question

I am trying to create an drive a shape key using Python. I used this answer to create a shape key: Creating shape keys using Python I have been able to use this answer to create a shape key in Python and I can modify it in the shape key panel.

I would like to be able to change the shape key value in a custom menu or panel, so I tried this answer to add a driver: Python: drive a shape key with scripting

The driver Python script works if I create a shape key in Blender using the GUI, but I can not get it to work if I create the shape key using Python. I tried to incorporate the corrections in the comments related to creating the shape key, but I still can not use the shape key driver to change the value of a shape key created in Python.

Here is the code I am using the create the shape key:

import bpy
import bmesh

context = bpy.context
obj = context.object   # add a shape key to the active object

# now set up shape key in Blender
mesh=obj.data
sk_basis = obj.shape_key_add(name='Basis',from_mix=False)
sk_basis.interpolation = 'KEY_LINEAR'
obj.data.shape_keys.use_relative = False

# create new shape key
sk = obj.shape_key_add(name='Deform',from_mix=False)
sk.interpolation = 'KEY_LINEAR'
sk.slider_min = 1
sk.slider_max = 2

bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
bm=bmesh.new()
bm=bmesh.from_edit_mesh(mesh)
bm.faces.ensure_lookup_table()

for face in bm.faces:
# make sure the zeros are actually zero by rounding 
   curr_normal=[round(face.normal[0]*1000)/1000,round(face.normal[1]*1000)/1000,round(face.normal[2]*1000)/1000]
   if curr_normal==[0,0,1]:  # find the top face
       print('this is the face: ',face.index)
       for vert in face.verts: 
           vert.co.z=vert.co.z+2
bmesh.update_edit_mesh(mesh,True)
bm.free()

bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='OBJECT')

Can anyone tell me why the value of a this shape key created in Python can not be changed using a shape key custom property driver.

Answer 1

After you set the mode back to "OBJECT" change the shape key to relative mode if you want to adjust the key with its .value property:

obj.data.shape_keys.use_relative = True

If you're not in relative mode you must adjust the key with

bpy.data.shape_keys["Key"].eval_time

Edit: This version of your script builds a working shapekey:

import bpy
import bmesh

context = bpy.context
obj = context.object   # add a shape key to the active object

# now set up shape key in Blender
mesh=obj.data
sk_basis = obj.shape_key_add(name='Basis',from_mix=False)
sk_basis.interpolation = 'KEY_LINEAR'
# must set relative to false here
obj.data.shape_keys.use_relative = False

# create new shape key
sk = obj.shape_key_add(name='Deform',from_mix=False)
sk.interpolation = 'KEY_LINEAR'
sk.slider_min = 0
sk.slider_max = 2

bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
bm=bmesh.new()
bm=bmesh.from_edit_mesh(mesh)
bm.faces.ensure_lookup_table()

for face in bm.faces:
# make sure the zeros are actually zero by rounding 
   curr_normal=[round(face.normal[0]*1000)/1000,round(face.normal[1]*1000)/1000,round(face.normal[2]*1000)/1000]
   if curr_normal==[0,0,1]:  # find the top face
       print('this is the face: ',face.index)
       for vert in face.verts: 
           vert.co.z=vert.co.z+2
bmesh.update_edit_mesh(mesh,True)
bm.free()

bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='OBJECT')
# Switching to relative must be after
# switching back to Object mode:
obj.data.shape_keys.use_relative = True