Python

Creating Blender Add-ons variables with values saved in blend-files

Nikita

All user-defined classes (panels, operators), registered in Blender API, exists only during Blender runs. After program close they are deleted from memory. Therefore, if some variables are defined in user classes, all of them will be reset after Blender restart.

However, sometimes it is necessary to use in Blender add-on variables with values that not be lost in the process of program restarting. To retain variables values, it needs to wrap them into special class – property, and attach to any object whose properties are stored in * .blend file.

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Variables in Blender API operator classes

Nikita

User defined operator classes, inherited from bpy.types.Operator, are static. Accordingly, only static variables can be defined in them.

Static variable sampleVar definition in SampleClass class:

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Creating panels for placing Blender add-ons user interface (UI)

Nikita
3 Comments / Blender 3D / /

One of the essential conditions of comfortable work is the convenience and speed of accessing add-ons functional. It is not enough to write an add-on and register it in Blender API system. Be sure to give the easy call add-on functions ability to the user. So, any add-on should determine a place to put interface buttons that provide access to its functionality.

This tutorial is for Blender 2.79 and older. For the last Blender versions, please see this tutorial.

All available Blender user interface located on panels. Three panels are the most used: T-bar – opens/hides by pressing the t keyboard button, N-bar – opens/hides by pressing the n button, and the Properties panel – called in the main menu of any window, typed it as Properties.

Blender API allows defining users panels to place add-on functional buttons on any of these three main panels.

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Creating Blender add-on

Nikita
3 Comments / Blender 3D / /

Blender scripting system provides lots of opportunities to simplify and accelerate the workflow, allowing to outsource routine operations to the system and expanding work opportunities through access to the scripting language. However, writing a good script which can be used frequently in various projects, uncomfortable each time to reconnect it to each new project. In addition, this script can be improved with some windows and editable parameters fields. Making complete add-on from the script, you can expand it with additional functionality and connect to the Blender add-ons system.

User-created Blender add-on
User-created Blender add-on

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Using external IDE PyCharm for writing Blender scripts

Nikita

Blender has an internal text editor to write scripts on Python language. However, this editor is much inferior to specially designed for writing code IDEs. There is no satisfactory autocomplete, comfortable syntax lighting, possibility to organize projects in Blender internal text editor – all those things that determine the speed and ease of code writing. However, it is not difficult to connect and use an external IDE for writing Blender scripts.

External IDE for scripting in Blender
External IDE for scripting in Blender

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