Instant Asset Addon Documentation

Introduction:

The "Instant Asset" addon for Blender provides a convenient way to export objects, materials, collections, and geometry node groups directly as assets to the Asset Browser. This addon streamlines the asset creation process, making it easier to manage and reuse assets across different projects.

Features:

1. Make Asset:
   • Exports the selected objects as a collection to a blend file.
   • Marks the collection as an asset.
   • Moves the objects to the world origin.
   • Generates a preview image for the asset.
2. Import As Linked Instance:
   • Similar to "Make Asset," but imports the exported collection as a linked instance into the current scene.
3. Object Asset:
   • Exports the active object as a single asset to a blend file.
   • Marks the object as an asset.
   • Generates a preview image for the asset.
4. Material Asset:
   • Exports the active material of the selected object as an asset to a blend file.
   • Generates a preview image for the asset.
5. Geometry Node Group Asset:
   • Exports the geometry node group attached to the active object as an asset to a blend file.
   • Marks the geometry node group as an asset.

User Interface: The addon adds an "Instant Asset" panel to the 3D View's N-Panel (sidebar). This panel contains buttons for accessing the addon's main functions:

• Object Asset
• Make Asset
• Import As Linked Instance
• Material Asset
• Geometry Node Group Asset

Usage:

1. Select the objects, materials, or geometry node groups you want to export as assets.
2. Open the "Instant Asset" panel in the 3D View's N-Panel.
3. Click on the corresponding button for the type of asset you want to create (e.g., "Object Asset," "Material Asset," etc.).
4. Choose a location and filename for the exported asset blend file.
5. The addon will process the asset, generate a preview image (if applicable), and export it to the specified file.
6. The exported asset will be available in the Asset Browser for use in other projects.

Note: For the "Geometry Node Group Asset" function, the active object must have a geometry nodes modifier with a valid node group attached to it.

Installation:

1. Download the "instant_asset_addon.py" file.
2. Open Blender and go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
3. Click on the "Install" button and navigate to the location of the "instant_asset_addon.py" file.
4. Select the file and click "Install Add-on."
5. Enable the "Instant Asset" addon by checking the checkbox next to its name.

Conclusion: The "Instant Asset" addon provides a streamlined workflow for creating and managing assets in Blender. By simplifying the process of exporting objects, materials, collections, and geometry node groups as assets, this addon can save time and improve efficiency in your Blender projects. The intuitive user interface and straightforward functionality make it accessible to both novice and experienced Blender users.