Blend File Presets - Add-on Documentation

Overview

Blend File Presets is a Blender add-on developed by Off the Clock Studios. This tool helps users manage and organize .blend file presets with specific configurations and settings, ideal for users who frequently switch between setups. These setups can include add-on configurations, themes, or project checkpoints, allowing users to quickly return to previously saved states.

Key Features

• Preset Management: Load and save .blend files with associated user preferences.
• Custom Directory Setup: Organize presets in user-defined folders within a root directory.
• Intuitive UI for Loading and Saving: Simple menus to manage preset configurations.
• Icon Customization: Assign unique icons to folders and files in the interface for easy organization.

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Installation

1. Download the Add-on: Obtain the add-on .zip file from your provider.
2. Install in Blender:
   • Go to Edit > Preferences > Get Extensions.
   • Click the Dropdown Arrow in the top-right and select Install from Disk.
   • Choose the downloaded .zip file and enable the add-on in the list.

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User Guide

Setting Up Preset Directory

1. In the Main Header Bar, click Presets.
2. Use Preset Management Setup to designate your primary preset directory, known as the “Root.”
3. Organize Subfolders: Create different subfolders within the root for each preset type or project.
4. Suggested Structure:
   • The preset directory acts as the root, containing multiple preset folders.
5. Visibility:
   • When saving, all folders are visible for selection.
   • When loading, only folders with .blend files are shown, reducing unnecessary searches through empty folders.

User Interface Settings

You can customize the add-on interface to streamline prompts and reduce UI clutter:

• Skip Unsaved File Warning: Disables prompts to save unsaved changes before loading a preset.
• Auto Fallback Without Preferences: If the .prefs file is missing, the preset loads automatically without prompting. If disabled, the prompt will ask if you’d like to proceed.
• Use Default for Save Mode: Enables the default save option without user input.
• Use Default for Load Mode: Enables the default load option without user input.
• Default Save and Load Fields:
  • If defaults are set for save/load, only the primary Load Preset option appears in the menu, eliminating other options (e.g., Load Blend File or Load Preferences).
  • This minimizes the UI for workflows where defaults are consistently used, creating a single-purpose UI for preset loading.

Recommended Folder Structure

Creating a logical folder structure within your root directory helps keep presets organized by type, project, or stage. For example:

Root Directory (Preset Directory)
│
├── Hard Surface Modeling
│   ├── Hard Surface Modeling Setup_1.blend
│   ├── Hard Surface Modeling Setup_2.blend
│
├── Animation
│   ├── Character Rig Starting Point.blend
│   ├── Vehicle Rig Starting Point.blend

Loading a Preset

The add-on offers three ways to load a preset: Preset (full preset), Blend File only, or Preferences only. Follow these steps for each method:

1. Preset: Loads both the .blend file and associated .prefs file (if available).

   • Go to Presets > Load Preset.
   • Select a folder.
   • Choose the .blend file name.

2. Blend File Only: Loads only the .blend file without preferences.

   • Go to Presets > Load Blend File.
   • Select a folder.
   • Choose the .blend file name.

3. Preferences Only: Loads only the .prefs file associated with a .blend file.

   • Go to Presets > Load Preferences.
   • Select a folder.
   • Choose the .blend file name.

Managing Missing Preferences

When loading a Full Preset, if the associated .prefs file is not found, a prompt will appear:

• The prompt notifies you that the .prefs file is missing and asks if you want to continue loading the .blend file without preferences.
• This may happen if files were moved, deleted, or if the preset was not saved using this add-on's Save Preset feature.

To bypass this prompt, enable Auto Fallback Without Preferences in the settings, allowing the .blend file preset to load without the .prefs file automatically.

Loading Preferences without a .prefs File

If the .prefs file is missing when attempting to load Preferences Only, the add-on will return you to the file selection menu. This allows you to try selecting a different .blend file with the required .prefs file.

Loading a Blend File Directly

Selecting Load Blend File opens the .blend file directly. The add-on verifies the file’s existence in the menu, ensuring that any file shown is available to load.

Tip: Use the Switch Folder button to return to folder selection at any time without restarting the loading process.

Saving a Preset

To save a new preset:

1. Go to Presets > Save Preset.
2. Choose or Create a Folder: Select an existing folder or create a new one for your preset. Newly created folders are auto selected for the next step.
3. Enter a Name: Type a name for the new preset.
4. Confirm Overwrite if Necessary: If a preset with the same name exists, confirm whether to overwrite it.
5. Complete the Save.

Saving a Blend File Only

Saving a Blend File only (without preferences) follows a similar process:

• Go to Presets > Save Blend File.
• This option saves only the .blend file, excluding preferences. It’s ideal for users who do not need to save preferences as part of their presets but still want to organize files.

Restore Startup File

To restore Blender to its default settings:

1. Go to File > Defaults > Load Factory Settings.

This operator restores Blender’s preferences and scene to the original state. For convenience, consider saving a preset of the factory settings so you can easily revert without a full reset.

Switching Directories (Advanced Uses)

At any time, you can click the Set Preset Directory button in the settings prompt. This opens the file browser with the current directory (if set) and allows you to easily navigate between different preset directories.

This enables you to have a "main" folder containing multiple "preset folders." Simply navigate up or down in the directory structure to select the desired preset folder.

Issues That May Occur

1. Login-Required Add-ons: When switching presets, if a preset includes an add-on that requires a login, you will need to log in again after each connection break. To avoid this, consider keeping such add-ons enabled across all presets.

2. Add-ons Not Found: While switching presets or importing preferences, you may encounter warnings about add-ons being expected but not found. This is typically not an issue. If you’ve told Blender not to use certain add-ons, it’s expected they will no longer be active. If other issues arise, feel free to reach out. This add-on has been tested with many other add-ons, though some may handle switches differently.

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Final Notes

This documentation outlines the essential steps to install, set up, and use Blend File Presets. For any additional assistance, feel free to reach out for support. We're here to help!