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Addon Dev Tools

by MarkSeam·Workflow

Images © MarkSeam. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Distributed under the GPL license and compatible with Blender 4.2 through 5.1. Multi-file add-on support has not been extensively tested with complex or deeply nested module structures, so caution is advised on larger projects.

What is Addon Dev Tools?

Addon Dev Tools is a Blender extension built to support the development and maintenance of Blender add-ons by automating common tasks. Its Auto Reload feature monitors a specified development directory and reloads the add-on within Blender automatically when files change, reducing manual intervention and improving iteration speed. It supports both single-file and package-based add-ons, and monitoring can be enabled or disabled with a single click.

The extension integrates with Blender's UI under the Addon Dev Tools tab in the 3D Viewport sidebar. A packaging tool is included that creates a ZIP archive of the add-on, excluding temporary and unnecessary files such as __pycache__ and .pyc, and outputs to a dedicated release directory. This makes it suitable for preparing add-ons for distribution or submission to platforms such as Blender Market.

Note that while multi-file (package) add-ons are supported, this has not been extensively tested with complex or deeply nested module structures, so caution is advised on larger projects. Distributed under the GPL license, Addon Dev Tools is compatible with Blender versions 4.2 through 5.1. A demo video is available.

Who is Addon Dev Tools best for?

Addon Dev Tools is best for blender add-on developers automating reload and packaging tasks during add-on development and maintenance.

How much does Addon Dev Tools cost?

Addon Dev Tools is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Auto Reload monitors a specified development directory and reloads the add-on within Blender automatically upon file changes
  • Supports both single-file and package-based add-ons
  • Integrates with Blender's UI under the Addon Dev Tools tab in the 3D Viewport sidebar
  • Monitoring can be enabled or disabled with a single click
  • Packaging tool creates a ZIP archive that excludes temporary files such as __pycache__ and .pyc
  • Outputs to a dedicated release directory, suitable for distribution or submission to platforms such as Blender Market

Tags

#blender#add-on development#auto reload#developer workflow#packaging#python#extension

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does Addon Dev Tools support?

Addon Dev Tools is compatible with Blender versions 4.2 through 5.1 and is a Blender extension of the add-on type. It integrates with Blender's UI under the Addon Dev Tools tab in the 3D Viewport sidebar. For the most current compatibility details, check the developer's page before installing, especially if you work across multiple Blender releases during your add-on development.

Does Addon Dev Tools work with multi-file package add-ons?

Addon Dev Tools supports both single-file and package-based add-ons, so multi-file projects can be monitored and reloaded. However, this multi-file support has not been extensively tested with complex or deeply nested module structures, and caution is advised when using it in larger projects. For smaller or straightforward package layouts it handles reloading automatically upon file changes within the specified development directory.

How does the Auto Reload feature in Addon Dev Tools work?

Addon Dev Tools uses its Auto Reload feature to monitor a specified development directory and reload the add-on within Blender automatically when files change. This reduces the need for manual intervention and improves iteration speed. Monitoring can be enabled or disabled with a single click from the Addon Dev Tools tab in the 3D Viewport sidebar, keeping the reload workflow accessible while you develop.

Is Addon Dev Tools free to use?

Addon Dev Tools is listed as free in this catalog and is distributed under the GPL license. Because licensing terms and any current pricing can change, check the developer's page for the latest details before downloading. There you can also find the documentation and a demo video covering how the extension handles automatic reloading and add-on packaging.

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