API Guide > Writing a Deformer Node >

# Overview of Deformers

Deformers are nodes that allow you to modify input geometry in order to create different output geometry. Writing a deformer plug-in allows you to implement your own deformation algorithm to suit your application.

Deformer nodes are created from a proxy class in the Maya API. Some examples of deformers are lattices, blendShapes, clusters, and skinning.