Getting Started

1. Install SlothNodeVault

Install like any Blender extension. Go to Edit → Preferences → Get Extensions, search for SlothNodeVault, and click Install. Or use Install from Disk and select the downloaded .zip file.

2. Set your library folder

Open the SlothNodeVault panel in the N-sidebar — available in both the 3D Viewport and the Node Editor. Expand Settings at the bottom and set your Library Folder path.

This is the folder where all your node groups will be saved as individual .blend files. You own this folder completely.

Tip: Point it to a Dropbox or iCloud folder and your entire library syncs automatically to every machine you use.

3. Save your first node group

1. Open the Node Editor (Shader, Geometry Nodes, or Compositor)
2. Select or enter a node group
3. Click Save at the top of the panel
4. Give it a name, category, and tags
5. Click OK

The node group is saved as a .blend file in your library folder and appears in the panel immediately.

4. Load a node group

Browse or search your library, then click Load on any item.

• If a compatible Node Editor is open (Shader → Shader Editor, Geometry → Geometry Nodes, Compositor → Compositor), the node group is placed directly as a node in your active tree. Connect and use immediately.
• If no Node Editor is open, the node group is appended to your file's data. Find it via Shift+A → Group in any compatible editor.

Cloud Sync

Dropbox

In Settings, click Set Dropbox. Enter a folder name (default: Node Library). The addon sets your library path to that folder inside your Dropbox directory. Any machine with the same Dropbox account installed automatically has access to your full library.

iCloud

Same process. Click Set iCloud in Settings. Works on macOS and Windows with iCloud Drive enabled.

Any folder

You can set the library to any path — a shared network drive, a USB drive, a OneDrive folder, or a plain local folder. Just type or paste the path directly into the Library Folder field.

Features

Search & Tags

Type any word in the search bar to filter your library in real time. Results match against item names and tags. Tags support multiple keywords — separate them with commas when saving. Example: gold, pbr, metal, reflective

Categories

Items are organized by category. You choose the category when saving. Filter by category using the dropdown. Create any category name you want — just type a new name when saving and it is created automatically.

Sort Order

Sort your library by:

• Name — A to Z
• Date — most recently saved first
• Type — grouped by node type (Geometry, Shader, Compositor)
• Most Used — the node groups you load most often rise to the top

Starred Items

Star any item to pin it to the top of the list. Use the star button on the right side of each row.

Export & Import Library Packs

Export Pack: In Settings, click Export Library Pack. This creates a .zip file containing your entire library. Use this to back up your library, share it with a team, or move it to a new machine.

Import Pack: Click Import Pack to install a library pack from someone else. Choose whether to merge with your existing library or replace it.

Your Files, Your Control

The library is just a folder of .blend files. Each saved node group is one file. You can browse, rename, move, or delete them directly in your OS file manager. The addon reads the library on demand — it does not lock or wrap your files.

Reinstalling, updating, or uninstalling SlothNodeVault never touches your library folder. Your node groups are yours.

Compatibility

• Blender 4.1 through 5.x
• Windows, macOS, Linux
• Geometry Nodes, Shader Nodes, Compositor Nodes
• Works in both the 3D Viewport sidebar and the Node Editor sidebar

Support

Found a bug or have a feature request? Contact: [email protected]