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Boxcutter Power-Key

by Galaxy Studios·Workflow

Images © Galaxy Studios. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Earns its place in the superhive library as a small, focused utility: it folds two Boxcutter keymaps into one power-key, and the developer points to reassigning the original shortcuts as a way to tweak your workflow.

What is Boxcutter Power-Key?

Boxcutter Power-Key is a Blender add-on from Galaxy Studios that reduces two Boxcutter operations to a single hotkey. When Boxcutter isn't active, pressing the power-key activates it from anywhere. Press the power-key again while Boxcutter is active, and it opens the d-key helper menu so you can start making cuts immediately.

By default the power-key is Ctrl+Q, and you can change it in Preferences under keymapping. The key combines two Boxcutter operations whose default keymappings are Alt+W and D. The developer suggests thinking about how you might reassign those two original hotkeys to adjust your workflow further. Boxcutter is required for the add-on to function.

Installation follows the standard Blender path: download the zip, open Preferences, go to Add-on install, and select the file. The 2.0.1 update from November 14, 2023 added support for Blender 4.0+ along with bug fixes and performance improvements, and the add-on is listed for Blender 3.0 through 4.0. It is released under the GPL license, and a demo video is available.

Who is Boxcutter Power-Key best for?

Boxcutter Power-Key is best for blender artists using Boxcutter who want to trigger its activation and d-key helper menu from a single reassignable hotkey.

How much does Boxcutter Power-Key cost?

Boxcutter Power-Key is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Single power-key that activates Boxcutter from anywhere when it isn't already active
  • Second press opens Boxcutter's d-key helper menu to start cutting
  • Default power-key of Ctrl+Q, reassignable in Preferences under keymapping
  • Combines two Boxcutter operations (default keymaps Alt+W and D) into one hotkey
  • Requires Boxcutter and supports Blender 4.0+
  • Installs as a zip through Preferences > Add-on install
  • Documentation available

Tags

#Boxcutter#Blender#hotkey#add-on#cutter#workflow#modeling

Frequently asked questions

Does Boxcutter Power-Key work with Blender 4.0?

Boxcutter Power-Key supports Blender 4.0 and up, following the 2.0.1 update on November 14, 2023 that added 4.0+ compatibility alongside bug fixes and performance improvements. The add-on is listed for Blender versions 3.0 through 4.0, covering the 3.x series as well. Because it drives Boxcutter directly, you will also need Boxcutter installed and active in your Blender setup for the power-key to function. If you run a newer Blender build, check the developer's page to confirm current version support before installing.

How do I install Boxcutter Power-Key?

Boxcutter Power-Key installs like a standard Blender add-on. Download the zip file, then open Preferences, go to the Add-on section, choose Install, and select the downloaded zip. Once enabled, the power-key is ready to use with its default keymapping. Boxcutter itself must be installed for the add-on to do anything, since the power-key triggers Boxcutter operations rather than working on its own. For questions, suggestions, or bug reports, the developer lists an email contact on the product page.

What hotkey does Boxcutter Power-Key use, and can I change it?

Boxcutter Power-Key uses Ctrl+Q as its default power-key. You can reassign it by opening Preferences and going to the keymapping section. The power-key combines two Boxcutter operations, whose default keymappings are Alt+W and D, into a single hotkey. The developer suggests thinking about how you might reassign those two original hotkeys to adjust your workflow further. Whether you keep Ctrl+Q or map it to something more comfortable, the behaviour stays the same: one key to activate Boxcutter, then to open the d-key helper menu.

Is Boxcutter Power-Key free to use?

Boxcutter Power-Key is listed as free in this catalog, and it is released under the GPL license. For current licensing terms or any changes to how it is distributed, check the developer's page. Keep in mind that Boxcutter is a separate requirement and is not included, so you will need that add-on in place for the power-key to work. The listing also notes that a demo video is available if you want to see more before installing.

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