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BLBlender

Blocksurfaces-References-Tool

by AitToolsB·Workflow

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

Why we like it

Part of the Blocksurfaces range of Blender add-ons aimed at character modeling workflows, with a video manual and example videos available.

What is Blocksurfaces-References-Tool?

Blocksurfaces-References-Tool is a Blender add-on from AitToolsB built to set up reference material before starting a 3D model. You can drag and drop images into the Blender scene and position them as front and side references with a single click, or draw your own references directly in the 3D view using the Grease Pencil tool.

The options panel gives control over how references are configured. A distance setting adjusts the space between references and the center of the model, while separate opacity controls handle the highlighted object, the front reference and the side reference. An opacity-link option lets you adjust both references at once. For Grease Pencil references, a Mirror modifier can create symmetry, and an Apply Mirror and Join action combines a selected object with the active Grease Pencil object into one.

References can be shown or hidden by type, image or Grease Pencil, and locked to prevent accidental changes. Keyboard shortcuts cover showing and hiding references. It is part of the Blocksurfaces range of add-ons for character modeling workflows.

Who is Blocksurfaces-References-Tool best for?

Blocksurfaces-References-Tool is best for blender artists setting up image and drawn references ahead of character or 3D modeling.

How much does Blocksurfaces-References-Tool cost?

Blocksurfaces-References-Tool is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Drag and drop images into the 3D scene and position them as front and side references with a single click
  • Draw custom references directly in the 3D view using the Grease Pencil tool
  • Distance setting to adjust the space between references and the center of the model
  • Separate opacity controls for the highlighted object, front reference and side reference, with an option to link both together
  • Mirror modifier for Grease Pencil references to create symmetry, plus an Apply Mirror and Join action
  • Show or hide references by type and lock them to prevent accidental modifications
  • Keyboard shortcuts for showing and hiding references

Tags

#Blender#reference images#Grease Pencil#character modeling#add-on#3D modeling#AitToolsB#Blocksurfaces

Frequently asked questions

How do I add reference images with Blocksurfaces-References-Tool?

Blocksurfaces-References-Tool lets you drag and drop your images directly into the Blender scene. Once dropped, you position them as reference points with a single click, placing them for the front and side views. Beyond imported images, you can also draw custom references directly in the 3D view using the Grease Pencil tool, adapting them to your specific needs. The add-on's options panel then lets you configure how those references are assigned to front or side positions before you begin modeling.

Can Blocksurfaces-References-Tool adjust reference opacity?

Blocksurfaces-References-Tool includes separate opacity controls in its options panel. You can set the opacity of the highlighted object relative to the rest, adjust the front reference opacity, and adjust the side reference opacity independently. An opacity-link option ties both references together so you can adjust them simultaneously. A distance setting also controls the space between the references and the center of the model, helping you arrange the setup during the modeling process.

What does the Grease Pencil mirror feature do in Blocksurfaces-References-Tool?

Blocksurfaces-References-Tool can apply a Mirror modifier to a Grease Pencil object to create symmetry within that object, and an Apply action confirms those changes. An Apply Mirror and Join action combines a selected object with the active Grease Pencil object into a single one, applying the Mirror modifier and equalizing their opacities if needed. It also offers a preset background color option for the remaining references when you draw a new reference, to help create cleaner strokes.

Is Blocksurfaces-References-Tool free?

Blocksurfaces-References-Tool is listed as free in this catalog. Licensing terms can change over time, so check the developer's page on Superhive for the current details before downloading. The add-on comes from AitToolsB, and support is available by email. A video manual and example videos showing the modeling workflow with the tool are also available, along with a demo video on the developer's YouTube channel.

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