Smart Asset Utilities

Comprehensive Blender Add-on Documentation

Version: 1.0
Last Updated: [18/06/2025]

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Installation
3. Features
   • LOD Generator
   • Smooth Assets
   • Delete Assets
   • Clone Assets
   • Rename Assets
   • Smart Export
   • Asset Cleaner
4. Detailed Feature Guide
5. Best Practices
6. Troubleshooting
7. System Requirements
8. Support
9. License

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Introduction

Smart Assets Utilities is a powerful and comprehensive Blender add-on designed to improve asset management workflows. With tools for mesh optimization, naming, export preparation, and cleanup, this utility is indispensable for:

• Game developers
• 3D artists
• Technical artists

This tool excels when dealing with large libraries of 3D assets prepared for real-time engines and virtual production pipelines.

Installation

Follow these steps to install the add-on in Blender:

1. Download the Smart Assets Utilities .zip package.
2. Open Blender.
3. Go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
4. Click Install, then select the downloaded file.
5. Check the box to enable the add-on.
6. The add-on will now appear in the 3D Viewport sidebar under the SmartAssets tab (press N to open sidebar).

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Features

LOD Generator

A system for automatic Level of Detail generation for performance optimization across various platforms.

Usage Guide

1. Access Panel
   N Sidebar > SmartAssets > LOD Generator
2. Mesh Statistics
   • View polygon and vertex counts of the selected mesh
   • Use these stats to determine optimal LOD levels
3. LOD Setup
   • Configure 1 to 8 levels
   • Define reduction % per level:
     • LODO = 100% (original)
     • LOD1 = 70%, LOD2 = 50%, LOD3 = 30% (recommended)
     • LOD4–LOD7 = custom
4. Optimization Methods
   • Collapse: General purpose
   • Un-Subdivide: For grid-like meshes
   • Planar: For flat surfaces
5. Preservation Settings
   • ✅ Preserve UVs
   • ✅ Preserve Volume
   • ✅ Preserve Materials
   • Optional: Use Vertex Groups to protect key areas
6. Preview
   • ✅Enable Distance Preview
   • ✅ Adjust preview distance
   • ✅ Click Preview LODs
   • ✅ Exit with Exit Preview
7. Generate
   • ✅ Click Generate LODs
   • ✅Wait for processing
   • ✅ Confirm results in viewport

Smooth Assets

Automated and manual smoothing system with full control over angle thresholds and group-based smoothing.

Usage Guide

1. Apply Smooth Shading
   • ✅ Select mesh
   • ✅ Open Smooth Assets
   • ✅ Set Angle Threshold (0–180°)
   • ✅ Click Apply Smooth
2. Smoothing Groups (Edit Mode)
   • ✅ Select faces
   • ✅ Assign groups (1–32)
   • ✅ Use Select By SG or Clear All
3. Auto Smooth Settings
   • ✅ Adjust Auto Smooth Angle
   • ✅ Higher = smoother, Lower = sharper
   • ✅ Experiment to find ideal threshold

Delete Assets

Powerful object deletion with search, filter, and selection controls.

Usage Guide

1. Search
   • ✅Type keywords
   • ✅ Search modes:
     •  Contains, Starts With, Ends With, Equals, Regex, Not Contains
   • ✅ Case sensitivity toggle
   • ✅ Option to filter selected objects only
2. Filter by Type
   • Mesh, Light, Camera, Empty, Curve, Armature, Text, Surface, Meta, Lattice, Speaker, GPencil
3. Collection Filter
   • Filter by collection names
4. Manage Results
   • List view of results
   • Use Select All or select manually
   • Click Delete Selected

Clone Assets

Create duplicates or instances of objects with flexible naming options.

Usage Guide

1. Setup Clone Options
   • Add Prefix / Suffix
   • Choose Mode:
     • Copy = Full duplicate
     • Instance = Linked duplicate
2. Execute
   • Select objects
   • Click Clone Selected

Rename Assets

Bulk renaming with options to add, remove, or modify names efficiently.

Usage Guide

1. Setup Rename
   • Add Prefix / Suffix
   • Enter string to remove
2. Execute
   • Select objects
   • Click Rename Selected

Smart Export

Export 3D assets tailored for real-time engines like Unity, Unreal, and AR/VR platforms.

Usage Guide

1. Export Setup
   • Choose engine:
     • Unity, Unreal, AR/VR
   • Choose format:
     • FBX, GLB, OBJ
2. Engine-Specific Options
   • Unity: Add LODGroup, generate prefab
   • Unreal: Use LOD system, generate blueprint
   • AR/VR: Optimize for mobile, generate manifest
3. Advanced Export Settings
   • Set export path
   • Toggle:
     • Bake Transforms
     • Preserve Hierarchy
     • Group LODs
   • Name LOD group
4. Export
   • Click Prepare & Export
   • Check output files

Asset Cleaner

Clean and optimize assets for export or scene performance.

Usage Guide

1. Setup Cleaning Options
   • Remove extra UV channels
   • Reset Transforms
   • Collapse Stack
   • Center Pivot
   • Freeze Transform
   • Convert to Mesh
2. Run Cleaner
   • Select objects
   • Click CLEAN...
   • Review results
3. Channel Info
   • Click Show Channel Info
   • Inspect:
     • UV Maps
     • Vertex Colors
     • Other Channels

Best Practices

LOD Generator

• Use clean meshes
• Test methods (Collapse, Planar, Un-Subdivide)
• Protect key features with vertex groups
• Always preview before final LOD generation

Smooth Assets

• Use smoothing groups for precise control
• Experiment with angle thresholds
• Match shading to material needs
• Use auto smooth for uniform look

Delete Assets

• Refine search with filters
• Always preview before deletion
• Use collections to isolate objects

Clone & Rename

• Use naming schemes for clarity
• Be aware of hierarchy impact
• Test on few objects first

Smart Export

• Select format suitable to the engine
• Enable engine-specific options
• Test in target environment
• Double-check materials and textures

Asset Cleaner

• Always backup files before use
• Clean one object at a time for complex assets
• Verify cleanup using channel info

Troubleshooting

Common Issues & Fixes

Issue	Solution
LOD Generation is slow	High-poly meshes need more time. Try reducing original density.
UV issues after LOD	Enable Preserve UVs option
Sharp edges not smoothing	Adjust angle threshold or reassign smoothing groups
Export failed	Check format compatibility with engine
Wrong material export	Verify shaders, textures, and engine-specific material setup

System Requirements

• Blender: Version 2.93 or later
• Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum
• Graphics: GPU with OpenGL 3.3 support
• Storage: 500 MB free disk space

Support

For technical support, bug reports, or feature requests, please email at:
[email protected], [email protected]