Skip to content

Beyond Channel Packer

by tyler.tofu·Workflow

Images © tyler.tofu. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

A compact add-on at 21.6 KB that keeps channel-packing tasks inside Blender's Image Editor.

What is Beyond Channel Packer?

Beyond Channel Packer works inside Blender's Image Editor, accessed through the N-panel's Channel Packer tab. It offers three modes for handling image channels. RGB + Alpha combines an RGB image with an optional alpha mask, where the alpha is flattened to a single greyscale channel and used as output alpha. The 4-Channel mode merges up to four separate images into an RGBA output, with each image supplying one channel; missing color channels default to black and missing alpha defaults to opaque.

The Split Channels mode takes a 3-channel RGB or 4-channel RGBA image and saves individual greyscale images as Non-Color files, using default names based on the source. The alpha name field appears only when the source has an alpha channel. Advanced options for the 4-channel mode include Auto Scale to Largest for resampling inputs of differing size but similar aspect ratio, an Aspect Tolerance setting, and Gamma, Contrast and Brightness tuning.

Outputs are saved to a chosen Save To folder and shown in the Image Editor. Version 1.0.2 added a batch tab. The add-on requires no special permissions and is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later.

Who is Beyond Channel Packer best for?

Beyond Channel Packer is best for blender users who need to pack or split RGBA texture channels without leaving the Image Editor.

How much does Beyond Channel Packer cost?

Beyond Channel Packer is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • RGB + Alpha mode combines an RGB image with an optional alpha mask, flattened to one greyscale channel for output alpha
  • 4-Channel mode merges four separate images into RGBA, one channel per image, with missing colors defaulting to black and missing alpha to opaque
  • Split Channels mode separates a 3- or 4-channel image into individual greyscale Non-Color files
  • Auto Scale to Largest resamples inputs of differing size but similar aspect ratio, with an adjustable Aspect Tolerance
  • Gamma, Contrast and Brightness tuning for the 4-channel output
  • Batch tab added in version 1.0.2
  • Runs directly in Blender's Image Editor via the N-panel Channel Packer tab

Tags

#Blender#channel packing#textures#Image Editor#RGBA#add-on#texturing

Frequently asked questions

Does Beyond Channel Packer work with Blender 4.2?

Beyond Channel Packer lists compatibility with Blender 4.2 LTS. Blender versions 5.9 and above are marked as unsupported. The add-on is accessed inside Blender's Image Editor: open the N-panel on the right sidebar, then select the Channel Packer tab and Beyond Channel Packer. If you run a version outside the stated range, check the developer's page for current compatibility details before installing.

How do I install Beyond Channel Packer in Blender?

Beyond Channel Packer can be added by dragging and dropping the extension into Blender, or by downloading the file and using Install from Disk. Once installed, open the Image Editor and access the tool from the N-panel's Channel Packer tab. The extension is small at 21.6 KB and requires no special permissions, so it does not request additional access when you enable it.

What license is Beyond Channel Packer released under?

Beyond Channel Packer is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. It is listed as free here in the catalog, so no price is set on this page. For current licensing terms, downloads, and to report bugs or request features, refer to the developer's page on GitHub. The add-on is currently at version 1.0.2, was published in January 2026, and lists compatibility with Blender 4.2 LTS. It requires no special permissions when installed in Blender.

How does Beyond Channel Packer handle images of different sizes?

Beyond Channel Packer includes an Auto Scale to Largest option in its 4-Channel mode. If inputs differ in size but have similar aspect ratios, they are resampled to the largest image. An Aspect Tolerance setting controls the allowed aspect ratio difference for this auto scaling. These controls sit under the Advanced Options section, which is collapsed by default, alongside Gamma, Contrast and Brightness tuning for the output.

Alternatives to Beyond Channel Packer

Also in Workflow for Blender.

Similar plugins