Visual Bone Limits (one-click Blender add-on, Rigify compatible)
This powerful tool allows you to easily constrain the rotation of bones to mesh surfaces with just one click. It provides a clear visual representation of the rotation limit space and is compatible with the Rigify rigging system.
One of the most frequently asked questions about Visual Bone Limits is whether it works with Rigify. The answer is yes! It's compatible with Rigify's spines.super_head, limbs.super_limb, limbs.arm, limbs.leg, basic.super_copy types. However, please note that the spine type is not currently supported. It will be added in the upcoming versions.
Another frequently asked question is whether users can add their own meshes as Limit Types. The answer is yes! Simply add them to the Visual_Bone_Limits/Mesh_Templates collection. For the best results, it is recommended to use smooth sphere (or parts of a sphere) objects and avoid jaggy edges.
You may be wondering why you should use Visual Bone Limits instead of Blender's Limit Rotation constraint or IK Lock feature. While the Limit Rotation constraint works well for one or two axes, it is extremely hard to make it work as desired for all three axes, and it doesn't provide a visual representation of the limit space. As for the IK Lock feature, it only works with IK and is extremely hard/impossible to set up correctly.
To use the add-on:
Open the N-panel and find the Visual Bone Limits tab
In the Limit Type drop-down list select the limit type you want to use
In Pose Mode select the bone (or multiple bones) and click Add a limit(s) to selected bone(s). When using Rigify, the bone should be an ORG- bone
Overall, the Visual Bone Limits add-on for Blender is a must-have for any animator or rigger looking to add more control and precision to their characters. So, give it a try and see the difference it can make in your animation workflow!
Get it here ($18):
Blendermarket: blendermarket.com/products/visual-bone-limits