GAME DEV BATCH RENDER & EXPORT

User Guide & Documentation

Version: 4.2

Compatibility: Blender 3.0+ (Tested up to Blender 4.5+)

License: GPL-2.0-or-later

1. OVERVIEW

GameDev Batch Render & Export is a streamlined pipeline tool designed for 3D Artists, Technical Artists, and Game Developers. It eliminates repetitive manual tasks by automating studio-quality transparent PNG thumbnail rendering, batch multi-format exporting with engine-specific coordinate presets, automated LOD chain generation, and batch origin alignment.

2. INSTALLATION

1. Open Blender and navigate to Edit > Preferences.

2. Select the Add-ons tab on the left menu.

3. Click the Install... button at the top right.

4. Locate and select the gamedev_batch_render_export.py file.

5. Check the box next to Import-Export: GameDev Batch Render & Export to enable it.

6. Press the N key in the 3D Viewport to reveal the Sidebar panel. Click on the GameDev Suite tab.

3. FEATURES & HOW TO USE

Module 1: Batch PNG Render (Studio Light)

Renders individual transparent .png thumbnails for each selected mesh asset with automated framing and dynamic 3-point studio lighting (Key, Fill, and Rim lights).

• Resolution (px): Sets the output thumbnail resolution (default: 512px).

• Batch Render PNG Studio Shots: Opens a folder dialog. Select a target directory to automatically render and save all selected meshes as _thumb.png.

Module 2: Batch Export Engine

Exports selected assets into separate files using preset coordinate systems tailored for major game engines.

• Target Engine:

• Unreal Engine: Configures export axes to Z-Up / Y-Forward with Unit Scale 1.0.

• Unity: Configures export axes to Y-Up / Z-Forward.

• Custom: Uses default Blender coordinate orientation settings.

• Format: Choose between .fbx, .obj, or .glb (GLTF).

• Collection Folders: When enabled, automatically creates subfolders named after the Blender Collection each object belongs to.

• Export Selected Assets: Opens a folder picker to execute the batch export process.

Module 3: LOD Generator

Generates non-destructive Level of Detail (LOD) chains using Blender's Decimate modifier.

• Extra LODs: Number of lower-detail mesh copies to generate (1 to 4).

• Poly Ratio: Reduction factor per LOD step (e.g., 0.5 reduces polycount by 50% per level).

• Generate LOD Chains: Renames the base object to _LOD0 and generates _LOD1, _LOD2, etc., in place.

Module 4: Pivot & Scene Alignment

Tools to quickly sanitize transform data and organize scene layouts prior to export.

• Origin to Bottom Center (Batch): Relocates the pivot point (origin) of all selected objects individually to the exact bottom-center of their respective bounding boxes.

• Gap Distance: Spacing distance (in meters) applied between objects during alignment.

• Align X / Align Y: Sorts selected objects and places them sequentially along the X or Y axis without geometry overlap.

• Reset Location (0,0,0): Moves all selected objects back to the world center origin (0,0,0).

4. SUPPORT & CONTACT

For bugs, feature requests, or questions regarding this add-on, please contact via the official BlenderMarket product page support portal.