[Blender] Summary of Blender Built-in Add-ons

Add-ons are a mechanism for further extending Blender’s functionality and making a wide variety of features available. In addition to externally available add-ons, Blender has many built-in add-ons that can be used free of charge and without additional downloads.

This article describes those built-in add-ons.

What are add-ons?

As mentioned above, Blender’s add-ons are a mechanism that allows you to extend Blender’s functionality and add new features.

Because of their nature, add-ons are managed separately from Blender itself and include functions that are specialized for a particular task.

Many functions of add-ons are not translated and may be unstable, and since it is rarely assumed that add-ons are enabled in books and online articles, the actual screen may differ from the description; as a result, the use of add-ons is recommended for advanced users only.

However, there are many add-ons that are useful in certain usage scenarios, and add-ons can increase the potential of Blender, so let’s take advantage of them!

 

Add-on Settings

All add-ons can be activated from a dedicated menu. To open the Preferences screen, go to “Edit” and select “Preferences.”

 

Next, click on the “Add-ons” button.

Check the checkbox next to the name of the add-on you wish to use to activate it.

In the case of Blender, the add-on will be loaded and enabled immediately without requiring a restart.

However, in some cases, errors or other problems may occur, so we recommend restarting Blender just in case you have enabled or disabled the add-on.

Press the “▶” button on the add-on to display the add-on information, and you will see the following items:

 

• Description: Add-on overview.
• Location: Locations of menus and other areas where add-on functions can be found
• File: Location of the script where the add-on was installed
• Author
• Version
• Warning: Any warnings, such as unstable operation of the add-on
• Internet: Buttons to open links to the documentation, bug report form, etc.

In some cases, the add-on’s individual settings and other information may be displayed below.

Add-on Status

There are three main add-on statuses. You can press button 1 to toggle between “Official,” “Community,” and “Testing.”

You can also specify multiple categories by holding down Shift and pressing the button.

• Official
  Add-ons provided by Blender.
  “3D View: Math Vis (Console)” in 2 above is an official add-on.
• Community
  Add-ons provided by third parties.
  “3D View: Precision Drawing Tools (PDT)” in 3 above is a community add-on.
• Testing
  There are no built-in add-ons currently being tested, but in some cases there may be add-ons that belong in this category, in which case it will appear as a dedicated category.
• WarningWarnings are not a dedicated category, but if there is some kind of warning, such as “3D View: VR Scene Inspection” in 4 above, a dedicated icon will appear.

In the case of this add-on, it is a development version, indicating that it is a preview release.

Built-in add-ons

3D View

This series of add-ons is mainly related to 3D display.

• 3D Navigation
  Adds a button to the sidebar to control the display.
• Math Vis (Console)
  Adds functionality for generating shapes based on mathematical formulas.
• MeasureIt
  Displays the length, area, angle, etc. of the object. Similar functions are also built into Blender itself.
• Precision Drawing Tools (PDT)
  Provides functions that can be used to perform modeling with a high degree of accuracy and to perform modeling based on CAD-like numerical values.
• Stored Views
  Allows you to save multiple views and switch between them at the touch of a button.
• VR Scene Inspection
  Provides the ability to view scenes and perform simple editing using VR goggles (HMD). A separate compatible VR device is required.

Add Curve

This series of add-ons includes adding curve patterns and shapes that can be generated using curves.

• Assign Shape Keys
  Adds the ability to define other curves for a curve, such as morphing.
• BTracer
  Adds a feature to add a curve-following motion similar to Cinema 4D’s C4D Tracer.
• Curve Tools
  Adds functions to add or change curves, similar to Cinema 4D’s C4D Tracer.
• Extra Objects
  Adds several curved objects.
• IvyGen
  Adds the function to generate ivy-like objects.
• Sapling Tree Gen
  Adds the ability to generate trees based on presets or create new ones.
• Simply Curves+
  Adds features to simplify curves.

Add Mesh

This series of add-ons provides additional mesh types.

• A.N.T. Landscape
  Adds the ability to create objects suitable for the terrain based on random noise
  

  [Blender] Using the ANT Landscape Add-on for Simple Terrain Generation
• Archmesh
  Adds specialized functionality for modeling buildings
  
  

  [Blender 2.8] Using Archimesh as an Add-on for Architecture (1), “Let’s make a base room.”
  

  [Blender 2.8] Using Archimesh Add-on for architecture (2) “Inside the room. Let’s make it!”
• BoltFactory
  Adds the ability to make screws, nuts, etc. You can also set the shape of the head and the number of grooves.
• Discombobulator
  Adds the ability to attach a science fiction-like representation to the surface of an object.
• Extra Objects
  Adds numerous object shapes, such as gemstone and honeycomb shapes.
• Geodesic Domes
  Adds the ability to create dome shapes based on many types of geodesics.

Animation

This series of add-ons provides functionality for creating animations.

• AnimAll
  Adds functionality to assist in creating animations for vertices, surfaces, etc.
• Bone Selection Sets
  Adds the ability to create and edit selection sets of bones. Selection Sets is a feature that can be used to organize multiple bones for easier animation editing.
• Copy Global Transform
  Adds the ability to copy the deformation of a global and paste it into another object.
• Corrective Shape Keys
  Adds the ability to adjust the shape keys for the edited model.
• Pose Library
  This add-on is enabled by default and adds the ability to save and load model poses.
• Turnaround Camera
  Adds the ability to easily attach animations to cameras that show the entire model, such as a camera rotating around an object.

Camera

This add-on provides settings for the camera.

• Add Camera Rigs
  Adds the ability to set up rigs that can control the camera from a 3D view.

Development

The add-ons in this series provide functionality primarily for Python development with Blender and for Blender on its own.

• Dependency Graph Debug
  Adds functionality for debugging dependency graphs.
• Edit Operator Source
  Adds the ability to display the source code from Blender operator names.
• Icon Viewer
  Adds the ability to list icons used in Blender and copy their names.
• Is Key Free
  Adds the ability to check if a hotkey is being used in Blender.

Import-Export

The add-ons in this series provide functionality for input and output in a variety of formats. Depending on the format, input only, output only, or both will be supported.

• 3D Coat Applink
  Adds the ability to exchange data with 3DCoat, a sculpting software.
• Atomic Blender PDB/XYZ
  Adds the ability to read the format PDB/XYZ, which is used for modeling molecular structures, etc.
• BioVision Motion Capture (BVH) format
  This add-on is enabled by default and supports the import of BVH formats, which are commonly used in motion capture.
• Export AutoCAD DXF Format (.dxf)
  Adds the ability to output in the DXF format used in AutoCAD.
• Export Camera Animation
  Adds the ability to output cameras and markers in the .py format.
• Export Paper Model
  Objects can be printed out as images that can be used to create paper crafts.
• Export Pointcache Format(.pc2)
  Adds the ability to output in the Pointcache format consisting of vertex information.
• FBX format
  This add-on is enabled by default. The FBX format is widely used for file exchanges such as Unity.
• Import Brushset
  Adds the ability to input texture images as brushes.
• Import Images as Planes
  This add-on allows Blender to import corresponding images pasted on a flat surface. It is useful when you want to bring images into your environment in a poster-like form since the aspect ratio will be imported in the correct form.
• Import Palettes
  Adds the ability to read color palette information from Krita and Photoshop.
• NewTek MOD format
  Adds the ability to input and output in the format used in LightWave.
• Nuke Animation Format (.chan)
  Adds the ability to input and output camera information that is compatible with Nuke, a video editing application.
• STL format
  This add-on is enabled by default. It adds input/output capabilities for the STL format, which is widely used mainly in CAD and 3D printers.
• Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) 1.1 format
  This add-on is enabled by default. SVG is a widely used vector image format that can be loaded in the form of curves.
• Stanford PLY format
  This add-on is enabled by default. The PLY format adds input and output capabilities in a format that is primarily used by 3D scanners.
• UV Layout
  This add-on is enabled by default. It adds the ability to input and output UV development images to allow them to be edited in an external editor.
• Wavefront OBJ format
  This add-on is enabled by default. Since many platforms support the OBJ format, it is often used as an interchange format. This add-on provides input and output functions.
• Web3D X3D/VRML2 format
  This add-on is enabled by default. This format is used to display 3D in a browser and supports X3D input/output and WRL (VRML file) input.
• glTF 2.0 format
  This add-on is enabled by default. It adds the ability to input and output in the glTF format, which is often used for exchanging 3D model files.

Interface

The add-ons in this series add functionality to the interface.

• 3D Viewport Pie Menus
  Adds the ability to use the pie menu in the 3D viewport.
• Amaranth Toolset
  Adds useful features to increase productivity.
• Collection Manager
  Adds features such as pop-up screens to manage and manipulate collections.
• Copy Attributes Menu
  Extends the functionality of the [Ctrl+C] key and adds various types of copy functions.
• Dynamic Brush Menus
  Adds additional features to the Paint and Sculpt menu to improve work efficiency.
• Dynamic Context Menu
  Adds additional menus to the header and other menus according to the state of operation.
• Modifier Tools
  Adds functions such as batch application of Modifier to the menu.

Lighting

This series of add-ons provides light source settings.

• Dynamic Sky
  Adds the ability to easily create natural sunlight, etc.
• Sun Position
  Adds the ability to place light sources that simulate the position of the sun in the real world.
• Tri-lighting
  Adds the ability to set a three-point light source centered on the selected object.

Material

This series of add-ons adds functionality to select and configure materials.

 

• Material Library
  Adds the ability for material libraries to be used across projects.
• Material Utilities
  Adds features such as easy assignment of materials to objects.

Mesh

This series of add-ons adds the ability to generate meshes and deform them.

• 3D Print Toolbox
  Adds useful features for creating models for 3D printers that will help identify problems when outputting models on a 3D printer.
• Auto Mirror
  Adds functionality to easily perform tasks such as cutting and mirroring meshes.
• Bsurfaces GPL Edition
  Adds the ability to perform modeling and retopology work in conjunction with grease pencils.
  
  

  [Blender 2.8] Manual retopology using BSurfaces
• Edit Mesh Tools
  Adds a variety of functions for editing meshes.
• F2
  Expands the functionality of the [F] key shortcut for creating surfaces to allow surfaces to be created in more cases.
• Inset Straight Skeleton
  Extends the ability to split and inset polygons.
• LoopTools
  Adds functions related to loops, such as bridging two distant vertices as a loop shape.
• Snap_Utilities_Line
  Adds the ability to snap the cursor to a face, vertex, etc., to streamlines your work.
• Tissue
  Adds features such as generating geometry based on calculations.
  
  

  【Blender】How to create organic objects Tissue Tools
• tinyCAD Mesh tools
  Adds features such as the joining of contact points, as commonly found in CAD.

 

Node

This series of add-ons adds functionality to the node’s interface.

• Node Arrange
  Adds functionality to organize nodes for easier viewing.
• Node Presets
  Adds the ability to load another blend file with defined nodes so that the node groups present in that file can be used.
• Node Wrangler
  Adds functions to make the node screen easier to use.

Object

This series of add-ons adds functionality to manipulate and modify objects.

 

• Align Tools
  Adds the ability to align to the active object.
• Bool Tool
  Adds functions such as defining masks and performing Boolean processing.
• Carver
  Adds the ability to perform processes such as carving out objects.
• Cell Fracture
  Adds the ability to split objects into random shapes to create a cracked look.
• Edit Linked Library
  Adds the ability to edit linked objects.
  Normally, linked objects cannot be edited, but this tool makes it possible.
  
  

  [In-depth Explanation] Mastering Data Types in Blender
• Grease Pencil Tools
  Adds useful functions for drawing with grease pencils, etc.
• Object Color Rules
  Adds for the ability to edit the display colors on objects and wireframe displays.
• Real Snow
  Adds the ability to make snow fall on top of objects.
• Scatter Objects
  Adds the ability to dust objects.
• Skinfy Rig
  Adds functionality for creating objects from bones.

Paint

This series of add-ons adds functionality to Paint.

 

• Paint Palettes
  Adds the ability to set palettes and output when painting.

Render

This series of add-ons adds support for rendering engines and more.

 

• Copy Render Settings
  Adds the ability to copy rendering settings so they can be used in multiple sessions.
• Cycles Render Engine
  This add-on is enabled by default. It enables the use of the Cycles renderer, which comes standard with Blender.
• Freestyle SVG Exporter
  Allows Freestyle output to be output as an SVG file. Freestyle is a feature that allows line drawings to be rendered.
• POV@Ble
  Adds functionality for using the Persistence of Vision ray tracer.
• UI Animation Render
  Adds the ability to render the Blender UI as an animation.

Rigging

This add-on adds functionality related to rigging.

• Rigify
  Adds functionality to automate rigging based on objects.

Sequencer

This add-on adds functionality to the sequencer.

• Power Sequencer
  Expands video editing functions, adds menu items, etc.

System

This series of add-ons adds features to Blender as a whole.

• Blender ID authentication
  This add-on provides functionality for logging into Blender Studio (formerly Blender Cloud). It cannot be used by itself; it is used in conjunction with a dedicated add-on. Some functions require a fee.
• Demo Mode
  Adds the ability to repeatedly play multiple Blend files. This add-on is mainly used when you want to repeatedly play back Blend files for demonstration purposes.
• Manage UI translations
  Adds useful features to translate Blender and add-ons.
• Property Chart
  Adds functionality to facilitate the editing of object properties.
• Scene Information
  Adds a panel to the scene properties item that allows you to reference the number of objects in the Blend file, etc.

UV

This add-on adds functionality to the UV editor.

• Magic UV
  Extends the ability to edit UVs.

Video Tools

This add-on adds functionality to the video editor.

• Refine tracking solution
  Allows for more accurate tracking by taking projection errors into account when performing motion tracking.

Install additional add-ons

You can download or purchase additional add-ons for Blender to add even more diverse functions.

Many authors have released add-ons on Blender Market, Gumroad, and more recently BOOTH, and these add-ons are also available as source codes on GitHub and other sites.

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For questions about STYLY, bug reports, and requests for improvements, please contact at STYLY FORUM.
https://en.forum.styly.cc/support/discussions

By using add-ons, you can customize and use Blender in your own way.
We encourage you to start with the built-in add-ons and explore the configuration of your own.

Edited by SASAnishiki
Translated by passerby1