SceneHelm 1.0.0 - Installation and tool reference

SceneHelm brings scene diagnostics, organization, modeling utilities, material workflows, animation, rendering and export into Blender. This reference covers the 65 documented panels and workflows in version 1.0.0. It includes a settings reference and explains the actions that change scene data or write files.

Supported Blender line: 5.2 LTS, beginning with 5.2.0. The extension manifest declares a minimum of 5.2.0; this is not a promise of compatibility with every later Blender release. SceneHelm runs locally, with no account, activation, telemetry or dependency on another add-on. Rendering and export use Blender's native operators.

Install the extension

1. Download scenehelm-1.0.0.zip. Keep this installer compressed. If you downloaded the documentation archive or seller publication kit, extract that outer archive first and locate the installer.
2. Open Blender > Edit > Preferences > Extensions. In the upper-right menu, choose Install from Disk and select scenehelm-1.0.0.zip. Enable SceneHelm if necessary.
3. In the 3D Viewport, press N and open the SceneHelm tab.
4. Choose Doctor > Extension Health & Support > Run Extension Health. The expected result is 8/8 checks passed.
5. Save a test .blend, restart Blender and check that the panel is available again.

Update or remove

The documented direct migration is from 0.95.0 to 1.0.0. Save a backup before updating and restart Blender afterward. For older Beta builds or packages with a different extension identifier, disable or uninstall the older package, restart Blender, then install 1.0.0. If Blender reports an already-registered RNA class, disable SceneHelm, restart, enable it again and rerun Extension Health. Disable or uninstall it from Preferences when no longer needed.

Find the tools

The six top-level buttons are Doctor, Model, Material, Animate, Render and Export. Scene Tools, snapshots, collection variants, selection sets and scene budgets are inside Doctor. The numbered sections below follow the Spanish manual's numbering so the two references can be used together.

Scope and data

Selected uses the current selection; Active uses the active object or material where offered; Collection uses the tool's chosen or active collection; Scene uses the current scene. Choose scope before running an action. Linked data comes from another .blend; shared data can affect more than one object. SceneHelm skips or blocks unsupported read-only or shared cases instead of assuming they can be edited safely.

Paths and undo

A path beginning with // is relative to the saved .blend. Save the project before using relative paths. Read-only scans can create diagnostic text reports but do not repair or alter production assets. Blender Undo applies to the scene changes documented by each operator. It does not remove renders, exports, checkpoints, manifests, generated textures or support archives from disk. Check the output folder and overwrite options before writing files. Purge and replacement actions require particular care.

First workflow

Save a copy, run SCAN SCENE, then Run Production Readiness. Read the blockers and warnings, select affected objects and decide which changes are appropriate. Make a Versioned Project Checkpoint before significant edits. After the changes, repeat the audit. Run CHECK RENDER SETUP or CHECK EXPORT SETUP before delivering. A readiness score is an aid to review, not a guarantee that an artistic or technical brief has been met.

Reading the settings tables

Defaults refer to a fresh SceneHelm 1.0.0 state; saved scenes can retain different values. Distances follow Blender's scene units and unit scale. Table labels and enum options use the extension's own English names. A setting that chooses a mode prepares an operation; it does not by itself run a render, export or generator.

Tool index

1. 4.1 Scene Doctor
2. 4.2 Production Readiness
3. 4.3 External Dependency Portability
4. 4.4 Versioned Project Checkpoints
5. 4.5 Persistent Selection Sets
6. 4.6 Extension Health & Support
7. 5.1 Scene Tools
8. 5.2 Scene Snapshots
9. 5.3 Collection Variant View Layers
10. 5.4 Scene Budget Analyzer
11. 5.5 Safe Orphan Data Cleanup
12. 6.1 Model Tools
13. 6.2 Model Generators
14. 6.3 Fence Generator
15. 6.4 Cable / Pipe Generator
16. 6.5 Shelf / Modular Structure
17. 6.6 LOD Generator
18. 6.7 Modular Building Generator
19. 6.8 Modular Boolean Cutters
20. 6.9 Kitbash Scatter
21. 6.10 Scale Reference & Check
22. 6.11 Game / 3D Print Preparation
23. 7.1 Material Tools
24. 7.2 Triplanar Mapping
25. 7.3 ORM Channel Packing
26. 7.4 Texel Density
27. 7.5 Texture Relinker
28. 7.6 Material Audit & Safe Repair
29. 7.7 Reversible PBR Tuning
30. 7.8 Editable Material Variants
31. 7.9 Exact Material Consolidation
32. 7.10 UDIM Set Audit & Loader
33. 8.1 Animate Tools
34. 8.2 Motion Presets
35. 8.3 Action Loops
36. 8.4 Retime & Reverse
37. 8.5 Secondary Motion
38. 8.6 Follow Path Rig
39. 8.7 Tempo & Beat Markers
40. 8.8 Camera Shot Manager
41. 8.9 Advanced Easing Profiles
42. 8.10 NLA Clip Builder
43. 8.11 Animation Range Tools
44. 9.1 Render Tools
45. 9.2 Camera Framing & Focus
46. 9.3 Three Point Studio Rig
47. 9.4 Camera Turntable
48. 9.5 Output Profiles
49. 9.6 Multi-Camera Batch Render
50. 9.7 Managed Shot Render Queue
51. 9.8 View Layer Pass Profiles
52. 9.9 Selection Render Region
53. 9.10 Reversible Camera Overscan
54. 9.11 View Layer Variant Render
55. 10.1 Export Tools
56. 10.2 Pipeline Profiles
57. 10.3 Temporary Export Pivot
58. 10.4 Format Options
59. 10.5 Collection Batch Export
60. 10.6 Export Manifest
61. 10.7 Asset Package Builder
62. 10.8 LOD Set Export
63. 10.9 Collision Set Export
64. 10.10 Animation Clip Delivery
65. 10.11 Incremental Collection Export

4.1 Scene Doctor

Inspect unapplied object rotation/scale, non-manifold mesh edges and missing external image files.

How to use it

1. Open Doctor and press SCAN SCENE; no selection is required.
2. Expand Details and use Select or Select All Problem Objects to locate an issue.
3. Use Apply R&S only when applying transforms is appropriate for the selected object, rig and instance workflow. Correct non-manifold geometry manually in Edit Mode.
4. Use Find Missing Files to locate moved textures, then scan again. Create a Text Report when you need a record.

Limits and behavior

Scanning does not fix geometry. Open boundaries can be intentional. The missing-file search needs the original texture filenames; moving a file while preserving its name is a valid test, renaming it is not an equivalent test. Apply R&S skips linked and shared geometry cases. Results describe the last scan.

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4.2 Production Readiness

Run a cross-module audit of the saved project, Blender compatibility, transforms, topology, dependencies, materials, camera, resolution and frame range.

How to use it

1. Save the .blend and configure the camera, frame range and output for the intended delivery.
2. Press Run Production Readiness.
3. Read Blockers, then Warnings and Passes. Use Select Problem Objects where available.
4. Open the named Text Report in Blender's Text Editor and review the evidence for each check.

Limits and behavior

This is a read-only audit. A warning may describe an intentional choice; a blocker needs resolution before the corresponding workflow. The score does not replace review of the report.

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4.3 External Dependency Portability

Audit images, linked libraries, fonts, sounds, movie clips, caches and volumes for missing, absolute, relative and packed paths.

How to use it

1. Save the project and press Audit.
2. Resolve Missing entries first; converting a path cannot recover an absent file.
3. Use Make Relative... and confirm to convert existing, editable local absolute paths.
4. Audit again and retain the intended folder structure when transferring the project.

Limits and behavior

Make Relative does not move or package files. It leaves missing, packed, linked and already-relative entries unchanged. A relative path is portable only when its referenced folder structure travels with the .blend.

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4.4 Versioned Project Checkpoints

Write the next numbered .blend copy without changing the active working file.

How to use it

1. Save the main project, then set Checkpoint Folder. //checkpoints/ is relative to it.
2. Optionally set Project Name; leave it empty to reuse the .blend name.
3. Choose Write JSON Manifest and Compress .blend Copy as needed.
4. Press Create Next Checkpoint and check the created path.

Limits and behavior

SceneHelm finds an unused _v001, _v002 and later suffix. The optional JSON records the version, scene, object count and dependency summary. The files persist independently of Undo; a checkpoint is not an off-device backup.

Settings reference

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4.5 Persistent Selection Sets

Store named selections and their active object inside the .blend.

How to use it

1. Select the objects, leave the desired active object active, enter Set Name and use + to capture.
2. Select the saved record and press Recall.
3. Use Update to replace the record with the current selection; edit its name when required.
4. Use the trash control to delete the record.

Limits and behavior

Sets retain references rather than copies. Recall skips deleted, unavailable or hidden objects. Deleting a set does not delete its objects; renaming a referenced object does not require rebuilding the set while its datablock remains available.

Settings reference

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4.6 Extension Health & Support

Check the installation, module files, registration, persistent load handler and scene data schema; prepare diagnostics when needed.

How to use it

1. Press Run Extension Health after installing, updating or reopening a project.
2. Expect 8/8 checks passed. Inspect the Text Report if a check fails.
3. Set Support Folder, then use Create Support ZIP when a support request needs diagnostics.
4. Inspect the ZIP before sharing it through the product's support channel.

Limits and behavior

The support archive contains scenehelm_support.json, production_readiness.txt, extension_health.txt and dependencies.txt. It excludes the .blend and project assets. Paths are redacted, but scene and datablock names can still disclose project information. Restart after an interrupted update before generating a fresh report.

Settings reference

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5.1 Scene Tools

Batch rename, organize objects by type, select matching object types and remove empty local collections.

How to use it

1. For renaming, choose Scope, Base Name or Use Object Type, Prefix, Suffix, Start and Digits; review the pattern and use Rename Objects....
2. Choose Add Links to retain existing collection memberships, or Move to remove previous local memberships; press Organize Objects.
3. For selection, choose Scope, Object Type and Extend Selection, then Select Matching Objects.
4. Review the collection tree before Remove Empty Collections....

Limits and behavior

Add Links is the less disruptive organization mode. Move changes collection membership. Empty-collection removal targets empty local collections in the scene tree; it is not an object-deletion operation.

Settings reference

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5.2 Scene Snapshots

Retain high-level scene states: camera, world, frame/range, resolution, engine, units, visibility, selection and active object.

How to use it

1. Prepare the state to preserve and enter Snapshot Name.
2. Press Capture New Snapshot, then select the saved record.
3. Use Restore to recall it or Update to overwrite the record with the current state.
4. Use the trash control to remove a snapshot record.

Limits and behavior

Snapshots live in the .blend and do not duplicate geometry, materials or animation. Missing and read-only datablocks are skipped. Use a checkpoint when the complete project, including geometry and shader changes, must be preserved.

Settings reference

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5.3 Collection Variant View Layers

Create a managed view layer for each direct child of a parent collection, displaying one alternative per layer.

How to use it

1. Place alternatives as direct children of one parent collection. Keep shared scene content outside the alternatives.
2. Choose Variant Parent and Layer Prefix.
3. Press Create / Update and inspect every resulting view layer.
4. Use Remove to delete only the view layers recorded as owned by this system.

Limits and behavior

Nested structure belongs inside an alternative. Unrelated collections and manually created view layers are preserved. The resulting records can drive View Layer Variant Render.

Settings reference

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5.4 Scene Budget Analyzer

Measure object/modifier counts, evaluated triangles, unique materials, referenced images and aggregate texture megapixels.

How to use it

1. Choose Scope and set Object Limit, Triangle Limit and Texture MP Limit for your target.
2. Press Analyze Budget and inspect totals and the heaviest meshes.
3. Use Create Text Report to retain the analysis.
4. Analyze again after changing LODs, subdivision or textures.

Limits and behavior

The tool does not optimize the scene automatically. Triangle counts reflect evaluated geometry after modifiers. Exceeding a user-defined budget calls for review and does not necessarily indicate an error.

Settings reference

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5.5 Safe Orphan Data Cleanup

Audit and optionally purge unprotected local datablocks with zero users.

How to use it

1. Save the project and make a checkpoint.
2. Choose Recursive Cleanup, then press Audit Only.
3. Read the candidate list immediately before Purge Audited Orphans... and confirm only the intended cleanup.
4. If the state changed and the audit refreshes without deletion, review the new list before trying again.

Limits and behavior

Linked data, assets, embedded/runtime data and Fake User-protected datablocks are excluded. Recursive cleanup can expose new orphans after earlier dependencies are removed. The purge changes the Blender project.

Settings reference

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6.1 Model Tools

Place object origins, add modifiers in a batch and perform confirmed mesh cleanup.

How to use it

1. Select editable local objects. Use Origin to Base or Origin to Center for the intended local bounds position.
2. Choose Bevel, Solidify or Subdivision in Batch Modifier, set its parameters and Skip Existing Type, then Add to Selected.
3. Choose Merge by Distance and/or Recalculate Face Normals.
4. Use Clean Selected Meshes... and inspect the resulting topology and silhouette.

Limits and behavior

Modifiers remain editable; cleanup changes mesh data. Unsupported linked/shared data and shape-key cases are skipped where geometry changes would be unsafe. A large merge distance can remove useful detail.

Settings reference

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6.2 Model Generators

Create straight, L-shaped, U-shaped or spiral stairs, with optional separate railings.

How to use it

1. Place the 3D Cursor, choose Layout and a non-spiral Style where applicable.
2. Set Steps, Width, Tread and Riser. L/U steps are per flight; configure the landing and flight gap where shown.
3. For Spiral, set inner/outer radii, Turns, Direction, Arc Segments, Step Thickness and the central column.
4. Choose railing sides, height, section, post frequency and optional bevel; press the Create button for that layout.

Limits and behavior

Straight stairs advance along +Y and rise along +Z. Outer Radius must exceed Inner Radius; Turns must be less than Steps. Spiral/floating step thickness cannot exceed the rise. The output is a new editable mesh; major design changes usually call for regeneration. Optional railings are a separate _Railing mesh.

Settings reference

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6.3 Fence Generator

Create one straight fence mesh with evenly distributed posts, horizontal rails and optional pickets.

How to use it

1. Place the 3D Cursor and set Object Name, Length and Height.
2. Set Post Spacing/Size and the rail count and dimensions.
3. Enable Add Pickets when required and choose their spacing and section.
4. Set optional Bevel and press Create Fence.

Limits and behavior

Post and picket spacing are maximum intervals used for even distribution. The generator creates a straight mesh, not a curve-following fence. Check thin sections for bevel overlap; use sections or edit the mesh for a curved route.

Settings reference

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6.4 Cable / Pipe Generator

Create a circular-profile curve or copy selected curves and add a cable/pipe profile.

How to use it

1. Choose New Straight Path or Selected Curves.
2. Set Diameter, Path Resolution, Roundness and Fill End Caps.
3. For a new path, set its name and length at the 3D Cursor; for selected curves, set Name Suffix.
4. Press Create Cable / Pipe and edit the resulting curve points to refine the route.

Limits and behavior

Selected-curve mode preserves source curves and works on duplicates. Higher resolution increases viewport/render cost. Check physical diameter before converting the curve to a mesh.

Settings reference

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6.5 Shelf / Modular Structure

Build a new shelf/grid mesh from overall dimensions and compartment counts.

How to use it

1. Place the 3D Cursor and set overall Width, Height and Depth.
2. Choose Rows and Bays.
3. Set Panel Thickness and optional Back Panel/Back Thickness.
4. Choose Bevel and press Create Shelf Unit.

Limits and behavior

Dimensions describe the overall structure, not each opening. Many divisions combined with thick panels leave small openings. Inspect the back panel and final depth when the structure must fit a specific space.

Settings reference

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6.6 LOD Generator

Create independent LOD0, LOD1 and LOD2 mesh copies, with Decimate Collapse modifiers on the reduced levels.

How to use it

1. Select the source meshes and choose Collection Name.
2. Set LOD1 Ratio and LOD2 Ratio, retaining less detail in LOD2.
3. Optionally enable Arrange Side by Side and set Preview Spacing.
4. Press Generate LOD0 / LOD1 / LOD2; inspect silhouettes, UVs, normals and deformation before export.

Limits and behavior

Sources remain unchanged. Ratios describe approximate retained geometry, not fixed triangle counts. The generated naming is suitable for LOD Set Export. Side-by-side placement is for comparison: inspect final transforms and the chosen export pivot before delivery.

Settings reference

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6.7 Modular Building Generator

Create a multi-floor building mesh with wall/slab thickness, geometric window and door openings, optional roof and editable bevel.

How to use it

1. Place the 3D Cursor and set the footprint, Floors and Floor Height.
2. Set Wall Thickness, Slab Thickness and Facade Bays.
3. Fit windows, Sill Height and the ground-floor door within the available bays and floor height.
4. Choose Roof Slab and Bevel, then Create Modular Building.

Limits and behavior

Openings are geometry rather than painted textures. Impossible dimensions are blocked or reported. Treat the output as a modeling base; separate or refine elements when materials or per-floor variation require it.

Settings reference

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6.8 Modular Boolean Cutters

Create an editable grid of cutters and optionally add an Exact Boolean Difference modifier to the active mesh.

How to use it

1. Make the target mesh active and set the cutter name, dimensions, rows, columns and gaps.
2. Enable Add Boolean to Active Mesh if the modifier should be created automatically.
3. Keep Hide Cutters in Render enabled unless the cutter volumes should be visible.
4. Press Create Modular Cutters, then refine the cutter object or its placement.

Limits and behavior

The modifier remains unapplied. Render-hidden cutters still need to exist for the Boolean to work. Review coplanar intersections, normals and scale if the result contains artifacts.

Settings reference

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6.9 Kitbash Scatter

Distribute copies of selected source objects in an area around the 3D Cursor using a repeatable seed.

How to use it

1. Select the local source objects and place the 3D Cursor at the area center.
2. Set the destination collection name, Instances and area dimensions.
3. Choose Seed, Minimum/Maximum Scale and Maximum Z Rotation.
4. Choose Linked Geometry, then press Scatter Selected Kitbash.

Limits and behavior

Source objects are preserved. Linked Geometry shares mesh data, so editing one linked mesh can affect other copies. The tool does not prevent intersections; inspect placement and collisions yourself.

Settings reference

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6.10 Scale Reference & Check

Create non-rendering size references and compare selected objects with human, door, chair or custom dimensions.

How to use it

1. Confirm the scene Unit System and Unit Scale.
2. Choose Reference, set custom dimensions if applicable and press Create Reference at 3D Cursor.
3. Select the objects to assess; choose Height Only or Full Bounds and Tolerance %.
4. Enable Select Mismatches if useful, then Check Selected Scale.

Limits and behavior

This reports differences; it does not automatically resize models. Full Bounds is sensitive to orientation and transforms. The reference is a guide and is not intended to appear in renders.

Settings reference

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6.11 Game / 3D Print Preparation

Create prepared mesh copies for games or 3D printing while preserving source objects.

How to use it

1. Select the source meshes and choose Game Asset or 3D Print and a destination collection.
2. Choose Bake Evaluated Modifiers and Bake World Transforms for the intended pipeline.
3. Set Triangulate Copies and Merge Distance.
4. Press Create Prepared Copies and inspect the report and resulting meshes.

Limits and behavior

Baked modifiers lose editability in the copies, not in the sources. For printing, review scale, thickness, units and manifold results; a failed manifold check needs manual correction. Preparation does not guarantee printability or engine readiness.

Settings reference

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7.1 Material Tools

Import PBR texture folders, batch-assign materials, make active materials unique and clean unused slots.

How to use it

1. Prepare recognizable Base Color, Roughness, Metallic, OpenGL Normal, Height and AO filenames; select destination objects if assigning on import.
2. Set Material Name, Assign to Selected and Bump settings, then Choose PBR Folder....
3. For an existing material, choose Target Material and Assign Mode, then Assign to Selected.
4. Use Make Active Materials Unique before per-object edits; use Remove Unused Slots... only after reviewing the intended cleanup.

Limits and behavior

The importer creates a Principled material. AO is loaded and labeled for manual connection; ambiguous packed maps and DirectX normal maps are not automatically wired. Replace All Slots is broader than changing an active slot and requires confirmation. Inspect shading and normal orientation.

Settings reference

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7.2 Triplanar Mapping

Apply reversible Box projection to suitable Image Texture nodes using managed Generated and Mapping nodes.

How to use it

1. Choose the active-material or selected-material scope.
2. Set Scale and Blend, then Apply / Update.
3. Inspect texture scale and transitions in Material Preview or Rendered mode.
4. Use Remove to remove owned nodes/links and restore the previous projection settings.

Limits and behavior

Custom Vector links and Normal/Height maps are skipped. Do not insert unrelated nodes inside the managed setup if you need clean automatic removal. Box projection is not a replacement for directional artwork that needs a specific UV unwrap.

Settings reference

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7.3 ORM Channel Packing

Write one PNG with R=Ambient Occlusion, G=Roughness and B=Metallic.

How to use it

1. Choose Source Folder... or assign the loaded AO, Roughness and Metallic images manually. Inputs must share the same resolution.
2. Set default values for omitted channels, Output Folder, Output Name and Overwrite.
3. Choose Assign to Active Material and use Replace Existing Links only when replacing connections is intended.
4. Press Pack ORM Texture and inspect the output channels and material connections.

Limits and behavior

The output is a disk file and is not removed by Undo. Existing names receive a safe suffix unless overwrite is enabled. Principled has no dedicated standard AO input; the AO channel is normally used in the destination pipeline or combined with Base Color as appropriate. Keep the source maps.

Settings reference

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7.4 Texel Density

Measure and normalize active UV texel density in pixels per scene unit, using world-space area.

How to use it

1. Select local mesh objects with active UV maps.
2. Set a reference Image or manual resolution and Target Density.
3. Press Analyze, inspect the values, then Set Target when uniform UV rescaling is intended.
4. Analyze again and inspect UV tile boundaries.

Limits and behavior

Geometry is unchanged. Linked data, unsafe multi-user meshes and meshes without UVs are skipped during modification. UV rescaling can move islands outside 0-1; repack afterward if a conventional atlas is required.

Settings reference

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7.5 Texture Relinker

Find missing image files by exact filename, accepting only one unambiguous match.

How to use it

1. Keep the original image filenames and choose Scope.
2. Enable Recursive for subfolders; save the .blend before choosing Make Relative.
3. Press Choose Search Folder & Relink... and select the search root.
4. Review the found, ambiguous and unresolved counts, then repeat the relevant material or dependency audit.

Limits and behavior

Two matching filenames remain ambiguous and are left unchanged. The tool does not guess renamed files. Move textures without renaming them when testing this workflow; reorganize duplicate matches or relink manually.

Settings reference

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7.6 Material Audit & Safe Repair

Find missing outputs/images, unsuitable PBR color spaces and image nodes connected directly to Principled Normal.

How to use it

1. Choose Active, Selected or Scene scope and make a checkpoint before broad repairs.
2. Press Audit and read the per-material text report.
3. Review custom or ambiguous shader networks manually.
4. Use Safe Repair... for unambiguous corrections, confirm, then Audit again.

Limits and behavior

Safe Repair preserves custom Surface topology and reports changed/skipped cases. Missing textures cannot be reconstructed by this tool; use Texture Relinker or Find Missing Files. A custom non-PBR shader may be valid despite a conventional PBR warning.

Settings reference

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7.7 Reversible PBR Tuning

Add editable tint, roughness, metallic and normal-strength adjustments while retaining original links and defaults.

How to use it

1. Choose Scope and check whether objects share their material.
2. Set Tint, Tint Strength, roughness/metallic multipliers and offsets, and Normal Strength.
3. Press Apply / Update and inspect the result under suitable lighting.
4. Use Remove to restore the retained material state.

Limits and behavior

Use local materials with a recognizable Principled setup. Upstream Normal Map strength is adjusted when available. Avoid manually deleting or renaming owned nodes. Strong offsets can produce implausible material values; review the result rather than relying on defaults.

Settings reference

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7.8 Editable Material Variants

Create independent Warm, Cool, Wet, Dry or Matte copies of the active material.

How to use it

1. Choose a local object with an active material.
2. Set Variant Preset and Variant Name, then choose Assign to Active Object if required.
3. Press Create Variant and refine the editable copy.
4. Use Restore Source to reassign the original material.

Limits and behavior

Restore Source keeps the variant available. Assignment is blocked for unsafe linked or shared object data. Presets are starting points, not final physical material definitions.

Settings reference

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7.9 Exact Material Consolidation

Remap conservative exact duplicates of local node graphs to a deterministically selected canonical material.

How to use it

1. Make a checkpoint and choose Scope and Canonical preference.
2. Press Scan and inspect the duplicate groups.
3. Decide whether Remove Unused should delete remapped zero-user duplicates.
4. Press Consolidate..., confirm, then review material slots and appearance.

Limits and behavior

Matching names alone are insufficient. Linked, animated or non-equivalent materials are skipped. Remove Unused only deletes duplicate datablocks that have no remaining users after remapping; assignments can still change across many objects.

Settings reference

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7.10 UDIM Set Audit & Loader

Recognize exact sibling 1xxx tiles and load or update one Blender tiled image with a path.

How to use it

1. Use a coherent channel set such as body_basecolor.1001.exr, with consistent format/resolution.
2. Press Choose Any UDIM Tile... and select a tile from that set.
3. Review found tiles, gaps and missing-1001 warnings; choose Add to Active Material and Target if needed.
4. Press Load / Update UDIM and inspect the image and shader node.

Limits and behavior

Other version numbers in filenames must not be mistaken for tile numbers. Adding an image node does not replace occupied Principled inputs. Connect it manually when the relevant input already has a custom link.

Settings reference

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8.1 Animate Tools

Insert transform keys, set interpolation, offset or stagger active actions, and clear selected objects' animation data.

How to use it

1. Select local objects and check their assigned Action Slots.
2. Choose Location, Rotation and/or Scale, then Insert Transform Keys at the current frame.
3. Choose Bezier, Linear or Constant and Apply to Active Actions. Use Frame Offset or Stagger Step for the intended timing change.
4. Use Clear Animation Data... only when removing the selected objects' Action assignment, drivers and NLA is intended.

Limits and behavior

Use independent actions when objects need different timing. Stagger skips ambiguous shared-action edits. Clearing animation data does not necessarily delete the Action datablock itself. Timing offsets preserve keyframe handles.

Settings reference

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8.2 Motion Presets

Create Float, Bounce, Spin or Pulse transform animation with configurable range, amplitude/axis, turns/scale and stagger.

How to use it

1. Place the selected objects at their intended initial transforms.
2. Choose Preset and its parameters, with Start before End.
3. Set Stagger and optionally Loop Preset to create SH Loop Cycles modifiers.
4. Press Create Motion Preset and inspect playback.

Limits and behavior

Presets write transform keys. Work on copies or review affected channels when preserving existing animation matters. Linked or ambiguously shared actions are not safe targets. Loop closure returns to the starting state where the preset requires it.

Settings reference

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8.3 Action Loops

Loop assigned Action Slot F-Curves using owned Cycles modifiers without duplicating keys.

How to use it

1. Select objects with assigned animated Action Slots.
2. Choose Repeat, Repeat + Offset or Mirror, Before First Key, After Last Key and Cycles.
3. Press Apply / Update Loop.
4. Use Remove SH Loops to remove only SceneHelm's named loop modifiers.

Limits and behavior

Cycles=0 is unlimited. Repeat + Offset accumulates the first-to-last difference for continuous travel; Mirror alternates forward and reverse. The modifiers remain editable in the Graph Editor.

Settings reference

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8.4 Retime & Reverse

Fit active action keys and handles to a new time range or reverse their timing.

How to use it

1. Select objects with suitable independent actions and preserve a copy if you need the original timing.
2. Set New Start and New End; choose Set Scene Range if the timeline should follow.
3. Use Fit Actions to Range to scale time.
4. Alternatively, use Reverse Active Actions to reverse keys within their existing action range.

Limits and behavior

This edits action keys and handles, not NLA strips. Retiming changes duration/speed. Linked or ambiguous shared-slot cases are skipped. Reversal swaps handles to preserve curve shape.

Settings reference

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8.5 Secondary Motion

Add editable SH Noise F-Curve modifiers to existing Location, Euler Rotation or Scale channels.

How to use it

1. Create base keys first if the desired channels have no F-Curves.
2. Choose Channel and X/Y/Z axes, then Strength, Speed Scale, Seed/Phase and Detail.
3. If Restrict Frame Range is enabled, set Start, End and Blend Frames.
4. Press Add / Update Motion; use Remove SH Noise to remove the owned modifiers.

Limits and behavior

Base keyframes are retained. Rotation needs Euler mode. Higher Speed Scale produces slower noise. Different phases help prevent objects from moving identically.

Settings reference

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8.6 Follow Path Rig

Use the active curve as a route for the other selected objects, with managed constraints and linear fixed-position progress.

How to use it

1. Select the followers and make the local Curve object active.
2. Set Start, End, Follower Stagger and distinct Forward/Up axes.
3. Choose Follow Curve Rotation, Clear Follower Location and Set Scene Range as appropriate.
4. Press Set Up Follow Path. Use Remove SH Follow Path to remove the owned constraints and animation.

Limits and behavior

Clear Follower Location changes the follower location to place it on the curve. Check the Forward axis if the model faces the wrong direction. Staggered followers finish later, so inspect the complete timeline range.

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8.7 Tempo & Beat Markers

Create a musical timing grid from the scene's exact FPS, BPM, bars, beats and subdivisions.

How to use it

1. Set scene frame rate and time base first.
2. Choose BPM, Start, Bars, Beats per Bar, Subdivisions and Prefix.
3. Choose Set Scene Range, then Create / Update.
4. Use Remove to delete only the markers recorded as owned by this grid.

Limits and behavior

Unrelated markers are preserved. Non-integer beat timings use frame rounding based on the real FPS. Set the tempo before building animation against the grid.

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8.8 Camera Shot Manager

Save named shots with a camera, inclusive frame range and owned camera-bound marker.

How to use it

1. Assign the scene camera, enter Shot Name and valid Start/End values.
2. Press Capture New Shot.
3. Select a record and use Activate to recall its camera/range, or Update to save revised values.
4. Delete a shot record only when it is no longer needed.

Limits and behavior

Deleting a shot does not delete cameras or unrelated markers. Both start and end frames are included. Saved records drive Managed Shot Render Queue and persist in the .blend.

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8.9 Advanced Easing Profiles

Apply Smooth, Ease In, Ease Out, Ease In/Out, Overshoot, Bounce or Elastic profiles to assigned Action Slot keys.

How to use it

1. Select objects with active actions and choose Easing Profile.
2. Set the additional Overshoot or Elastic parameters when shown.
3. Choose Restrict Frame Range and Start/End if only part of the action should change.
4. Press Apply Easing Profile and inspect playback and the Graph Editor.

Limits and behavior

The range is inclusive. Shared slot references are processed once. These profiles modify keyframe interpolation/easing; duplicate an action first when you need an untouched comparison. Bounce and Elastic can be unsuitable for physically neutral motion.

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8.10 NLA Clip Builder

Create an editable NLA strip from each selected object's assigned Action Slot.

How to use it

1. Choose Clip Mode, Track Name and Clip Name.
2. Set Start, Stagger, Scale and Repeat.
3. Set Blend Type, Extrapolation and Auto Blend.
4. Press Create NLA Clips and inspect tracks/strips in the NLA Editor.

Limits and behavior

Push Down transfers active playback into NLA; the non-destructive stash stays muted to avoid double playback. Scale above 1 lengthens and slows the clip; below 1 shortens it. The correct Action Slot handle is retained.

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8.11 Animation Range Tools

Fit the scene range to assigned Actions, NLA strips or both, with optional handles and preview range.

How to use it

1. Choose selected-object or scene Scope and Sources.
2. Decide whether Include Muted NLA should contribute.
3. Set Handle Before and Handle After, Set Preview Range and Move to New Start.
4. Press Fit Scene to Animation and inspect the resulting range.

Limits and behavior

This does not retime or move keys. Handles add timeline margin. With no valid actions or strips, the range is left unchanged.

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9.1 Render Tools

Prepare the active camera, output size and quality, then run Blender image or animation rendering.

How to use it

1. Assign the scene camera, or select a camera and use Use Selected Camera.
2. Apply a Resolution Preset and a Draft, Preview or Final quality preset for the selected Eevee or Cycles engine.
3. Set Output Format, Film Transparency and Save Rendered Image, then run Check Render Setup.
4. Use Render Image for the current frame or Render Animation for the full scene range.

Limits and behavior

Resolution presets use square pixels at 100%. Quality presets do not switch render engines. With Save Rendered Image off, a still remains in Render Result; animation writes its output files. Review the output path before rendering.

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9.2 Camera Framing & Focus

Frame selected subjects with a managed target and optional depth of field.

How to use it

1. Select the subjects to frame.
2. Choose Use Existing Scene Camera or a new Camera Name, then View, Lens and Framing Margin.
3. Set Composition Guides, Depth of Field and F-Stop as needed.
4. Press Frame Selected with Camera, then inspect camera view and adjust the SH_CameraTarget if necessary.

Limits and behavior

The target is editable and can drive focus. Linked or shared camera data can block edits. Lens and perspective affect the result; inspect the framing rather than treating the bounds fit as a final composition.

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9.3 Three Point Studio Rig

Create editable Area lights for key, fill and rim lighting around a subject.

How to use it

1. Select the subject, or place the 3D Cursor where the rig should be centered.
2. Choose Color Style, Rig Distance and Key Energy.
3. Adjust Fill Ratio, Rim Ratio and Light Size.
4. Press Create Three Point Rig and refine the separate lights and target in the scene.

Limits and behavior

Existing lights are preserved. The generated root, target and lights remain editable. Exposure, material response and scene scale still need artistic adjustment.

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9.4 Camera Turntable

Orbit the active camera around selected subjects or the 3D Cursor.

How to use it

1. Assign an active scene camera, then select the subject or position the 3D Cursor.
2. Choose Start, Unique Frames, Clockwise and Loop in Viewport.
3. Choose Set Scene Range, then Create / Update the rig.
4. Preview the orbit. Use Remove Rig to remove the managed orbit without deleting the camera.

Limits and behavior

The visible loop runs from Start through Start + Unique Frames - 1. A closing key sits on the next frame to avoid a duplicate rendered endpoint. Check collisions, framing and the loop before rendering.

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9.5 Output Profiles

Apply a coordinated file-format profile for stills, sequences, compositing or movie output.

How to use it

1. Choose PNG Transparent, PNG Sequence, OpenEXR Multilayer or MP4 H.264.
2. Press Apply Output Profile.
3. Review the output folder, scene range and Film Transparency where relevant.
4. Run Check Render Setup before starting a render.

Limits and behavior

Profiles do not change resolution or engine and do not render immediately. Multilayer EXR uses half-float (16-bit) ZIP output. PNG sequences let you recover individual frames; movie output is less convenient for interrupted jobs. Transparency also depends on the scene settings.

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9.6 Multi-Camera Batch Render

Render one still at the current frame for each selected camera or every scene camera.

How to use it

1. Choose Selected Cameras or All Scene Cameras.
2. Set Output Folder, Prefix and Overwrite Existing.
3. Review camera naming and the current frame.
4. Press Render Cameras and confirm the batch.

Limits and behavior

This is a still-image batch, not a frame-range render. Output names are sanitized and collisions are handled. Scene camera and output path are restored after the batch, including failures. Existing-file behavior follows Overwrite Existing.

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9.7 Managed Shot Render Queue

Render the named camera shots stored by Animate > Camera Shot Manager.

How to use it

1. Create and review shot records in Camera Shot Manager first.
2. Choose Selected Shot or All Managed Shots.
3. Set Output Folder, Prefix and Overwrite Existing; verify the output profile.
4. Press Render Managed Shots and confirm the queue.

Limits and behavior

Each shot includes both Start and End. Image sequences use a folder per shot; movie output uses a file per shot. Camera, current frame, scene range, overwrite and output path are restored even after a failure. Check shot ranges to avoid unintended duplicate frames between shots.

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9.8 View Layer Pass Profiles

Configure standard render passes for beauty, technical data, compositing or Cryptomatte.

How to use it

1. Choose Beauty Only, Technical Data, Full Compositing or Cryptomatte.
2. Choose the active view layer or all enabled view layers.
3. Set Cryptomatte Depth where relevant.
4. Press Apply Pass Profile and inspect the view layer pass settings.

Limits and behavior

The tool manages standard passes, not custom AOVs or Light Groups. Use a suitable output format, usually multilayer EXR, to retain passes in saved files. Pass availability can depend on the render engine.

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9.9 Selection Render Region

Set the camera render border from selected objects' projected bounds.

How to use it

1. Assign the active camera and select the subjects.
2. Set Margin and Crop to Region.
3. Press Set from Selection and review the border and pixel estimate.
4. Use Clear to return to the full frame.

Limits and behavior

World-space bounds are projected and clamped to the camera frame. Subjects behind the camera cannot define a useful region. Crop to Region changes the resulting image dimensions, so check downstream compositing requirements.

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9.10 Reversible Camera Overscan

Expand camera coverage and resolution from a saved base composition.

How to use it

1. Use a local, single-user perspective or orthographic scene camera.
2. Set the base framing and resolution first.
3. Choose Overscan and press Apply / Update.
4. Use Remove to restore the saved lens or orthographic scale and resolution.

Limits and behavior

Repeated updates are calculated from the same base rather than accumulating overscan. Additional pixels increase render cost. Linked, shared or unsupported camera configurations require correction before applying the tool.

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9.11 View Layer Variant Render

Render still-image variants for the active layer, all enabled layers or SceneHelm collection variants.

How to use it

1. Choose a still-image output format, then the view layer scope.
2. For SH Collection Variants, first create variants with Doctor > Collection View Layer Variants.
3. Set Output Folder, Prefix and Overwrite Existing.
4. Press Render View Layers and confirm.

Limits and behavior

Movie formats are not supported for this still batch. All Enabled skips disabled layers. Filenames are collision-aware and the output path is restored. Review each layer's collection exclusions before rendering.

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10.1 Export Tools

Deliver selected objects, a collection or the scene with Blender's native exporters.

How to use it

1. Choose FBX, GLB, separate glTF, OBJ or STL.
2. Choose Scope and set Output Folder, File Name, Apply Modifiers, Include Animation and Overwrite Existing.
3. Run Check Export Setup and resolve its findings.
4. Use Export Combined for one delivery, or Export Scope Individually for a per-object batch.

Limits and behavior

Hidden or unsupported objects are skipped as applicable. Names are sanitized and collisions are handled. Temporary selection, transforms and frame changes are restored. OBJ and STL are static formats; animation requires a compatible format and setup.

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10.2 Pipeline Profiles

Start from coordinated export settings for a common delivery target.

How to use it

1. Choose Unity FBX, Unreal FBX, Godot GLB, Web GLB or 3D Print STL.
2. Press Apply Pipeline Profile.
3. Review format, axes, pivot, modifiers and the format-specific options.
4. Run export preflight and inspect a sample file in the destination application.

Limits and behavior

Applying a profile changes settings but does not export. Web GLB compression needs Draco support in the receiving viewer. A preset cannot guarantee that every project-specific shader, rig or engine convention will transfer unchanged.

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10.3 Temporary Export Pivot

Temporarily offset static delivery geometry without permanently moving the Blender scene.

How to use it

1. Choose Keep World, Bounds Center, Bounds Base, Active Object or 3D Cursor.
2. Set the active object or cursor position when that mode needs it.
3. Run Check Export Setup.
4. Export and inspect the origin in the destination application.

Limits and behavior

Temporary offsets are restored after export. Animated exports must use Keep World to avoid mismatched animation coordinates. Pivot choices affect delivery coordinates, not the permanent source-scene origin.

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10.4 Format Options

Tune the native exporter options exposed for the selected format.

How to use it

1. Choose valid Forward and Up axes where available.
2. For FBX, review Add Leaf Bones; for glTF, review Draco Compression and its level.
3. For STL, review Use Scene Unit and ASCII.
4. Run preflight, then export a representative sample.

Limits and behavior

Forward and Up must not be the same or opposite axis. Draco requires compatible consumers. Binary STL is generally smaller than ASCII. These controls configure the next export; they do not create a file on their own.

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10.5 Collection Batch Export

Export direct asset collections as separate delivery files.

How to use it

1. Choose the active collection's direct children or scene top-level collections.
2. Set output location and Overwrite Existing.
3. Optionally enable Write JSON Manifest and set Manifest Name.
4. Press Export Collections and inspect the generated files.

Limits and behavior

Each collection export includes its nested descendants; hidden or excluded contents are omitted as applicable. Source selection is restored. Organize asset boundaries before running the batch, especially when objects belong to more than one collection.

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10.6 Export Manifest

Describe the current delivery scope and its dependencies in a JSON manifest.

How to use it

1. Choose export Scope, format and output location.
2. Set Manifest Name and the manifest option as needed.
3. Use Create Scope Manifest.
4. Review objects, materials, actions, statistics, texture paths and planned output files.

Limits and behavior

A scope manifest does not export geometry. Regenerate it after relevant scene changes. It can contain local file paths; review the information before sharing it outside the project. Packed and missing textures are identified.

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10.7 Asset Package Builder

Build an asset-delivery folder with export files, optional textures and a portable manifest.

How to use it

1. Run export preflight on the intended asset scope.
2. Set Package Name and Output Folder.
3. Choose Copy External Textures and Block Missing Textures.
4. Press Build Asset Package and inspect the package in the target application.

Limits and behavior

The builder uses a collision-safe folder and records SHA-256 file checksums. Texture name collisions receive distinct names. It does not permanently relink image paths in the source .blend. Inspect packed-image handling and missing dependencies before handing off the package.

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10.8 LOD Set Export

Validate and export mesh level-of-detail sets using Asset_LOD0, Asset_LOD1 and similar names.

How to use it

1. Name the objects consistently and choose One File per Set or One File per Level.
2. Set Require LOD0 and Continuous Levels as required by the pipeline.
3. Run Scan and correct duplicate levels or gaps.
4. Press Export LOD Sets and inspect the result.

Limits and behavior

Recognized Blender duplicate suffixes are handled during name parsing. This tool organizes existing LOD meshes; it does not generate or decimate them. Source geometry is retained.

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10.9 Collision Set Export

Pair render meshes with named collision helpers for organized delivery.

How to use it

1. Use supported UCX, UBX, UCP, USP or COL/COLLIDER/COLLISION naming tied to the exact render-mesh name.
2. Keep the required meshes visible and choose Block Unpaired Colliders.
3. Run Scan, review pairings and correct mismatches.
4. Press Export Collision Sets to export each render mesh with its helpers.

Limits and behavior

The scan checks supported naming and pairing; it does not certify physical collision quality or convexity. Verify collision behavior in the target engine. Unpaired helpers can block delivery when that option is enabled.

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10.10 Animation Clip Delivery

Export compatible action, NLA or scene-timeline animation through FBX or glTF.

How to use it

1. Choose FBX, GLB or glTF and use Keep World for Temporary Export Pivot.
2. Choose the supported Animation Mode: Active Actions, Action Library, NLA Tracks or Scene Timeline.
3. For glTF, review Limit to Scene Range and Slide Clips to Frame 0 where available.
4. Use Export Animation Library and verify names, timing and playback in the destination.

Limits and behavior

Available modes depend on the format. Export-time timing options do not retime the source actions. The current Blender state is restored. Native-format limitations still apply to constraints, materials and unsupported animation data.

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10.11 Incremental Collection Export

Export changed asset collections using a persistent comparison cache.

How to use it

1. Choose direct asset collections and keep a stable Cache Name between runs.
2. Choose Versioned output or Replace Stable and the manifest option.
3. Use Force Reexport All when a complete refresh is required.
4. Press Export Changed Collections and review the changed/skipped report.

Limits and behavior

Fingerprints include geometry, active UVs, transforms, modifiers, materials, animation, texture timestamps and export settings. Versioned output retains older files; Replace Stable can overwrite them after confirmation. Keep the cache with the project and re-export if a dependency changes outside the tracked state.

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Troubleshooting and frequently asked questions

Which Blender version is supported?

SceneHelm 1.0.0 targets Blender 5.2 LTS, starting with 5.2.0. Compatibility with other Blender lines is not claimed.

Where do I find SceneHelm?

In the 3D Viewport, press N and open the SceneHelm tab. The main buttons are Doctor, Model, Material, Animate, Render and Export. Scene organization tools are inside Doctor.

Do I need an account, activation or another add-on?

No. SceneHelm runs locally without an account, activation, telemetry or another add-on. Rendering and export use Blender native operators and their available components.

Does SCAN SCENE repair everything automatically?

No. Scans identify issues and provide reports and selection helpers. You decide which changes suit the project. Non-manifold boundaries or unapplied transforms may be intentional.

Can I use SceneHelm commercially?

Yes. The software is distributed under GPL-3.0-or-later. Using SceneHelm does not by itself place your renders, exports or original project assets under GPL.

Who maintains SceneHelm?

SceneHelm is maintained by Diego Contreras Martínez. Copyright (C) 2026 Diego Contreras Martínez. The software is licensed under GPL-3.0-or-later.

Is Python source included?

Yes. The installable ZIP contains readable Python files and the full GPL license. A separate source-code download is not required to obtain this source.

Can a team use the same SceneHelm edition?

Yes. SceneHelm is offered as one complete edition for creators and teams under GPL-3.0-or-later. There are no software seat, device or installation limits. Product support and update coverage follow the terms displayed at purchase.

Are demo models, textures or finished scenes included?

No. The photographed bottle and other demonstration assets shown in the gallery are presentation examples. The purchase contains the addon and its documentation, not those assets.

Is everything reversible with Undo?

No. Blender scene edits support Undo where the operator provides it, but files written to disk remain. Review overwrite options and use project checkpoints before significant changes.

What should I send with a support request?

Use the Superhive product support channel. Include exact Blender and SceneHelm versions, operating system, short reproduction steps and the complete error message. Run Extension Health and review the optional path-redacted Support ZIP before sharing it. The ZIP does not contain your .blend or external project assets.

What if the panel disappears after an update?

Disable SceneHelm, restart Blender, enable it again and rerun Extension Health. Keep a backup before updating. Direct migration from 0.95.0 to 1.0.0 preserves SceneHelm schema-1 records.

Why does an export look different in another application?

SceneHelm uses native FBX, glTF, OBJ and STL export. The destination application must support the chosen features. Check axes, units, materials, animation mode and compression using a representative sample.

What language is the documentation?

The interface and this online reference are in English. The download also includes the existing Spanish user manual, quick-start guide and technical support documents.

What is the refund policy?

Refund requests are handled under Superhive’s current refund policy and any applicable mandatory rights. Contact the creator through the product support channel with the issue and order information.

License and support

Copyright (C) 2026 Diego Contreras Martínez. SceneHelm is maintained by Diego Contreras Martínez. The installer contains readable Python source and GPL-3.0-or-later notices. Keep the license notices when redistributing. The full GPL text is included in the download. SceneHelm is offered as one complete edition for creators and teams. Product support and update coverage follow the terms displayed at purchase.