I am getting double controls whenever I append a rigify rig. Anyone know why or how to avoid this? Thank you!
Your description of the problem is a little brief, but when you append a character with a rig, it’s normal to be able to see the original rig controls which can’t be edited, and then when you add a proxy for the rig this shows separately.
If this is the problem then in the file with the original model, make sure the rig is on a layer by itself. Group the character mesh(s) and the rig if you haven’t already. In the object tools panel, find the groups sub panel which has a section for dupli visibility. In this section, deselect the layer containing the rig. This way the original rig will not be visible. However, you can still create a proxy for it which is vivisible.