Quick Image Scale Add-on

Overview

Quick Image Scale is a Blender add-on that simplifies importing multiple images as individual strips in the Video Sequencer. It allows you to select a folder containing images and import them with customizable scaling options and frame durations. The add-on is designed for video editing workflows, offering flexibility in how images are scaled to fit the scene resolution.

• Version: 1.0.5

• Blender Compatibility: 3.2.0 to 5.1.0

• Location: Sequencer > Add > Import Image Folder

• Default Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + I (customizable)

• Category: Sequencer

• Author: Blender.Fun

• License: GPL-3.0-or-later

Installation

1. Download the Add-on:

   • Obtain the quick_image_scale.zip file from the Blender Extensions Platform or the add-on's repository (if available).

2. Install in Blender:

   • Open Blender and go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.

   • Click Install, select the quick_image_scale.zip file, and click Install Add-on.

   • Enable the add-on by checking the box next to Sequencer: Quick Image Scale.

   • (Optional) Save your preferences to keep the add-on enabled across Blender sessions.

3. Permissions:

   • The add-on requires file access to read images from a folder. When prompted, grant permission to allow file operations.

Usage

The Quick Image Scale add-on adds a new operator to the Video Sequencer for importing images as strips. Follow these steps to use it:

1. Open the Video Sequencer:

   • Switch to the Video Editing workspace or open the Sequencer area in any workspace.

2. Access the Operator:

   • In the Sequencer, go to Add > Import Image Folder (or press Ctrl + Shift + I).

   • Alternatively, use the Add menu in the Sequencer header and select Import Image Folder.

3. Select a Folder:

   • A file selection dialog opens. Navigate to the folder containing your images.

   • Supported formats: .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, .tiff, .tif, .exr, .hdr, .webp.

4. Configure Import Options:

   • Scale Mode:

     • Scale to Fit: Scales the image to fit within the scene resolution while maintaining the aspect ratio.

     • Aspect Fill: Scales the image to fill the scene, potentially cropping edges to maintain the aspect ratio.

     • Stretch to Fill: Stretches the image to fill the scene resolution, ignoring the aspect ratio (may distort the image).

     • Original Size: Imports the image at its original resolution without scaling.

   • Frame Duration: Set the number of frames each image strip should last (default: 1, range: 1–100).

   • Choose your desired options and click OK.

5. Import Images:

   • The add-on imports all supported images from the selected folder as individual strips in the Sequencer.

   • Strips are placed sequentially starting at the current frame, with each strip using the specified frame duration.

   • All imported strips are automatically selected for further adjustments.

6. Review the Import:

   • A message in the status bar indicates the number of imported strips (e.g., "Imported 10 image strips from [directory]").

   • If no images are found or no folder is selected, an error or warning message appears.

Customizing the Shortcut

The default shortcut for Import Image Folder is Ctrl + Shift + I. You can customize it in the add-on's preferences:

1. Open Preferences:

   • Go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.

   • Find Sequencer: Quick Image Scale and expand its preferences.

2. Access Hotkeys:

   • Click the arrow next to Hotkeys to expand the section (controlled by the Show Hotkeys checkbox).

   • The current shortcut (e.g., Ctrl Shift I) is displayed, with an interactive UI to change it.

3. Change the Shortcut:

   • Click on the displayed shortcut to enter a new key combination.

   • Press the desired keys (e.g., Ctrl + I or Shift + I) to set a new shortcut.

   • The change is saved automatically and persists across Blender sessions.

4. Remove or Reset Shortcuts:

   • To remove or modify the shortcut further, go to Edit > Preferences > Keymap, search for "Import Image Folder," and adjust or remove the keymap entry manually.

Features

• Batch Import: Import all images from a folder as individual sequencer strips in one operation.

• Flexible Scaling: Choose from four scaling modes to control how images fit the scene:

  • Scale to Fit: Preserves aspect ratio, fits within scene resolution.

  • Aspect Fill: Preserves aspect ratio, fills the scene (may crop edges).

  • Stretch to Fill: Ignores aspect ratio, stretches to fill the scene.

  • Original Size: Retains the image's original resolution.

• Frame Duration Control: Set the duration of each image strip (1–100 frames).

• Undo Support: The import operation supports Blender's undo system (Ctrl + Z).

• Shortcut Customization: Adjust the operator's shortcut directly in the add-on preferences.

• Compatibility: Works with Blender 3.2.0 to 5.1.0, supporting both older and newer Sequencer APIs.

Troubleshooting

• "No directory selected" Error:

  • Ensure you select a folder in the file dialog before confirming.

• "No image files found" Warning:

  • Check that the selected folder contains supported image formats (.png, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, .tiff, .tif, .exr, .hdr, .webp).

  • Verify that the files are not corrupted or hidden.

• Shortcut Not Working:

  • Confirm that the shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + I by default) is not conflicting with other keymap entries in Edit > Preferences > Keymap.

  • Check the add-on preferences to ensure the shortcut is correctly set.

• Scaling Issues:

  • If Stretch to Fill or Original Size do not work as expected in Blender 3.2, it may be due to API limitations. These modes are fully supported in Blender 5.0+.

  • Adjust the scene resolution or strip properties in the Sequencer for fine-tuning.

• Preferences UI Not Showing:

  • Ensure the add-on is enabled in Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.

  • If the hotkey section does not display, toggle the Show Hotkeys checkbox.