To rig a 3D model with add-ons, install a rigging-focused tool (e.g., Blender’s Rigify, Maya’s HumanIK), then use its features to build a bone skeleton, assign vertex weights, and test mesh deformations.
Add-ons simplify rigging by automating tasks—like Rigify’s auto-generated humanoid rigs or HumanIK’s joint movement tools—cutting down manual work. Match the add-on to your model type (character vs. prop) to avoid unnecessary complexity.
For beginners, Blender’s free Rigify is ideal: it provides a pre-built rig, so you can skip manual bone setup and focus on adjusting weights or testing animations to learn the workflow efficiently.