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BLBlender

Color Id Composer

by David Edwards·Workflow

Images © David Edwards. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Color Id Composer stands out in the Superhive library for gathering several ID-assignment methods into one Blender addon, and it comes from a developer working in film and VFX.

What is Color Id Composer?

Color Id Composer brings together a range of tools and workflows for assigning IDs in Blender into a single place. An ID is a solid unique color used in other programs such as Nuke, Photoshop and Substance Painter for selecting specific areas of an image. The addon gives you multiple ways to assign IDs across a scene, with options to control how those IDs are applied.

You can assign IDs to all or selected objects, filter by object type including mesh, curves, fonts, surfaces and meta, and assign random color IDs in emissive, shaded or contrasting styles. Assignment methods include axis direction, distance from the camera, FOV, poly count, parent/child relationships and proximity to another object, alongside varying selection methods.

Built by David Edwards, the tool was created as an alternative approach to color ID assignment for film and VFX work. It is not intended to replace crypto mattes but offers another option for the task. Documentation is included, and a demo video is available for an in-depth overview of the tools.

Who is Color Id Composer best for?

Color Id Composer is best for blender artists working in film and VFX who need to assign color IDs to objects.

How much does Color Id Composer cost?

Color Id Composer is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Assign IDs to all or selected objects, with the option to limit IDs to a selection and to a set amount
  • Filter by object type: mesh, curves, fonts, surfaces and meta
  • Assign random color IDs in emissive, shaded or contrasting styles
  • Assign IDs by poly count, parent/child relationship or proximity to another object
  • Assign color IDs by camera FOV
  • Varying methods of selecting objects
  • Documentation included

Tags

#Blender#color id#VFX#materials#addon#film

Frequently asked questions

Which Blender versions does Color Id Composer support?

Color Id Composer lists support for Blender 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 and 4.0. This spread covers the 3.x series through the 4.0 release, so most users on those versions should be able to run the addon. If you are on a newer or older build than those listed, check the developer's page to confirm current compatibility before installing, since versions outside this range are not stated.

What methods can Color Id Composer use to assign IDs?

Color Id Composer offers several ways to assign IDs to a scene. You can work by axis direction, distance from the camera, FOV, poly count, and parent/child relationship, or by proximity to another object. It also supports assigning random color IDs in emissive, shaded or contrasting styles, filtering by object type, and limiting IDs to a selection or to a set amount, with varying methods of selecting objects.

Does Color Id Composer replace crypto mattes in Blender?

Color Id Composer is not intended to replace crypto mattes. The developer, who works in film and VFX, built it as an alternative option for assigning color IDs, describing the standard Blender workflow for creating and assigning IDs as more involved than it needs to be compared with other DCC programs. It aims to turn the task into a few simple clicks, offering another route rather than a substitute for existing matte tools.

Is Color Id Composer free, and does it include documentation?

Color Id Composer is listed as free in this catalog, and it is offered under a royalty-free license. For current licensing terms and any purchase details, check the developer's page directly. The addon includes documentation, and a demo video is available giving an in-depth overview of all the tools on offer, which is useful for getting familiar with the various assignment and selection methods before you start.

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