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BLBlender

Blender Depth Map Generator

by Milad_Kambari·Workflow

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

Why we like it

Earns its place in the Superhive library for producing clean 16-bit depth maps through BVH raycasting alone, skipping render setup and compositor nodes entirely.

What is Blender Depth Map Generator?

Blender Depth Map Generator turns a 3D model into a grayscale depth map with a single click. It relies on BVH raycasting for pixel-perfect accuracy, so no render engine is needed, and it works non-destructively without modifying your model. Output is true single-channel 16-bit grayscale, with a pure black background for clean alpha separation.

The add-on covers six projection directions — Front, Back, Top, Bottom, Left, and Right — plus a Smart Auto-Align option that finds the largest flat surface and aligns tilted or rotated models. Resolution runs from 256x256 up to 4096x4096 with adjustable padding, and depth maps export as EXR, PNG, or PSD 16-bit, one format or all at once. You can also save the model itself as OBJ, FBX, GLB, or BLEND, and invert the map between white=close and white=far.

It handles high-poly meshes of 500K+ faces and requires no external dependencies.

Who is Blender Depth Map Generator best for?

Blender Depth Map Generator is best for game-ready displacement and height maps, brush alpha creation for ZBrush or Blender sculpting, reference depth images for AI generation workflows, 3D printing height map preparation, texture painting reference, and concept art depth passes.

How much does Blender Depth Map Generator cost?

Blender Depth Map Generator is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • One-click depth bake via BVH raycasting, with no render engine required
  • Six projection directions: Front, Back, Top, Bottom, Left, and Right
  • Smart Auto-Align finds the largest flat surface and aligns tilted or rotated models
  • Resolution control from 256x256 up to 4096x4096 with adjustable padding
  • True single-channel 16-bit grayscale output as EXR, PNG, or PSD, exportable simultaneously
  • Model export alongside the depth map as OBJ, FBX, GLB, or BLEND
  • Invert toggle between white=close and white=far; non-destructive and handles 500K+ face meshes

Tags

#depth map#brush alpha#bake#displacement#height map#raycasting#grayscale#Blender addon

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does Blender Depth Map Generator support?

Blender Depth Map Generator is listed as working on Blender 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0+, with the developer's requirements noting Blender 5.0 or newer. It carries no external dependencies and needs no additional software to run, which keeps setup minimal. If you are on a specific build, check the developer's page to confirm the exact supported range before installing, since the stated compatibility and requirements are your best reference for whether your version will work.

Does Blender Depth Map Generator need a render engine or external dependencies?

Blender Depth Map Generator uses pure BVH raycasting, so it has no render engine dependency and no external dependencies at all. You do not need to configure a render setup or wire up compositor nodes to produce a depth map. The workflow is to select your mesh, choose a projection direction, adjust resolution and padding, then hit Bake. The result appears in the Image Editor and saves to your chosen folder, and the process is non-destructive, leaving your model unchanged.

What output formats can Blender Depth Map Generator export?

Blender Depth Map Generator saves depth maps as EXR 16-bit, PNG 16-bit, or PSD 16-bit, and you can select one format or all of them to export simultaneously. Output is true single-channel grayscale with a pure black background for clean alpha separation. Beyond the maps themselves, it can also export the model alongside them as OBJ, FBX, GLB, or BLEND. An invert option lets you toggle between white=close and white=far depending on your workflow.

Is Blender Depth Map Generator free to use?

Blender Depth Map Generator is listed as free here in the catalog, and it is published under a GPL license. Licensing and pricing can change over time, so for the current terms and the latest version it is best to check the developer's page directly. That listing also carries the full feature details, compatibility notes, and any updates the creator has posted since this card was written, which makes it the most reliable source for what you will actually receive.

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