Batch Layer Render – Documentation

Overview

Batch Layer Render is a simple yet powerful add-on for rendering multiple collection setups in complete isolation. It is especially useful for artists who need clean, layered PNG outputs (e.g., background illustrators separating flat-color passes, architects creating material passes, or VFX artists preparing multi-layer composites).

The add-on works entirely within a single .blend file and automatically detects only collections linked to the current scene.

Installation

1. Download the __init__.py file (or the .zip containing it).
2. In Blender: Edit > Preferences > Add-ons > Install…
3. Select the file and click Install Add-on.
4. Enable the add-on by checking the box next to Render: Batch Layer Render.

The panel will appear in the 3D Viewport sidebar under the tab Batch Render.

User Interface

Main Button

• Render Current Frame (large button at the top) Executes all jobs sequentially, rendering the current frame for each job.

Output Settings

• Folder – Output directory (relative or absolute path). Default: //Render/ (relative to the .blend file).
• Transparent Background – Uses the scene’s Film > Transparent setting.

Job Queue

• List of saved jobs.
• Buttons on the right: + (Add Job), – (Remove Job), ↑↓ (Reorder jobs).

Selected Job Settings (appears when a job is selected)

• Name (File Suffix) – Custom name used in the output filename.
• Target Collections area
  • Reload – Syncs the list with current scene collections (preserves existing active/viewport states).
  • Select Obj Colls – Instantly enables all collections that contain currently selected objects in the 3D Viewport (Object Mode only).
• Collection List (custom UI List)
  • Left checkbox □/☑ – Render Active (checked = included in render).
  • Collection name.
  • Right eye icon 👁/👁̶ – Viewport Visibility toggle (instantly hides/shows the collection in the 3D Viewport).
• Info labels below the list explain the icons.

Workflow Example (Background Illustration)

1. Organize your scene into collections (e.g., Sky, Mountains, Trees, Ground, Props).
2. Open the Batch Render tab.
3. Click + to create jobs (e.g., “Sky only”, “Ground + Props”, “Full scene”).
4. For each job:
   • Use the eye icons to quickly preview what you want to see.
   • Check the boxes for collections you want to render.
   • Optionally select objects in the viewport and click Select Obj Colls for fast setup.
5. Set output folder and enable Transparent if needed.
6. Click Render Current Frame.

Output files will be saved as: YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS_001_JobName.png (001 = job order)

Important Notes

• The add-on forces PNG format with RGBA during batch rendering for consistent layered output.
• All original collection visibility states (both render and viewport) are fully restored after rendering.
• Only collections directly linked to the active scene are shown (library or unlinked collections are ignored).
• Master Collection (scene root) is never hidden or excluded.

Troubleshooting

• No collections appear → Make sure collections are children (direct or indirect) of the scene’s master collection.
• Output folder not created → Use a valid path; relative paths (//) are resolved from the .blend file location.
• Viewport toggle feels slightly delayed → This is normal Blender behavior on complex scenes; the add-on applies changes instantly.

Enjoy cleaner, faster layered renders! If you encounter any issues or have feature suggestions, feel free to contact the author.

Author: Hugu Compatible with Blender 3.0+ (tested up to 4.x)