Skip to content
BLBlender

Cryptomatte Tools

by Dragon.Studio·VFX

Images © Dragon.Studio. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Cryptomatte Tools earns its place in the superhive library for automating Cryptomatte node management, from name tracking and Color ID rendering with transparency support to a Python API for scripted workflows.

What is Cryptomatte Tools?

Cryptomatte Tools handles object and material selection for Cryptomatte nodes in Blender's Compositor without manual picking, and it can select objects or materials that aren't visible in the current frame. The addon also renders Color ID maps for objects or materials, with support for shader transparency so the Color ID pass comes out correctly even for partially transparent materials that use an alpha channel.

Beyond selection, the addon tracks objects and materials referenced in Cryptomatte nodes. Renaming an object or material automatically updates the Cryptomatte ID in every node where it's used. It can update the Render Result even when the Compositor isn't open as you add or remove objects and materials from the active Cryptomatte node, and it can append all objects from the active node to the current selection, a quick way to see which objects a node includes when the selection is empty.

Cryptomatte Tools works with Cycles and Eevee, with Cryptomatte for Eevee requiring Blender 2.92 or newer. It includes a Python API for retrieving Cryptomatte IDs and adding them to nodes, plus a feature for exporting to programs that don't support Cryptomatte directly but can use separate images per object or material.

Who is Cryptomatte Tools best for?

Cryptomatte Tools is best for blender artists managing Cryptomatte node selections and Color ID passes in the Compositor across Cycles and Eevee renders.

How much does Cryptomatte Tools cost?

Cryptomatte Tools is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Picks objects or materials for Cryptomatte nodes, including ones not visible in the current frame
  • Renders Color ID maps with shader transparency support for partially transparent materials that use an alpha channel
  • Automatically updates the Cryptomatte ID in all nodes when an object or material is renamed
  • Updates the Render Result even when the Compositor isn't open as objects or materials are added to or removed from the active node
  • Appends all objects from the active Cryptomatte node to the current selection
  • Python API for retrieving Cryptomatte IDs and adding them to nodes
  • Export feature for programs that use separate images per object or material rather than Cryptomatte

Tags

#Cryptomatte#Compositor#Color ID#Blender addon#Cycles#Eevee#Python API#VFX

Frequently asked questions

Does Cryptomatte Tools work with Cycles and Eevee?

Cryptomatte Tools works with both Cycles and Eevee. If you're using Cryptomatte with Eevee, that requires Blender 2.92 or newer, so keep it in mind when choosing your render engine. The addon handles picking objects and materials for Cryptomatte nodes without manually selecting them in the Compositor, and it can pick objects or materials even when they aren't visible in the current frame. It also keeps track of the objects and materials referenced in Cryptomatte nodes, updating the Cryptomatte ID automatically if you rename them.

Which Blender versions does Cryptomatte Tools support?

Cryptomatte Tools lists support for Blender 2.83, 2.9, 2.91, 2.92, 2.93 and 3.0. If you plan to use Cryptomatte with Eevee specifically, note that Eevee support for Cryptomatte begins at Blender 2.92, so earlier listed versions cover Cycles workflows. For current version requirements and any newer Blender releases, check the developer's page, since compatibility details can shift as the addon is updated. The published version range gives a clear picture of where the addon has been confirmed to run.

Does Cryptomatte Tools handle transparent materials in Color ID maps?

Cryptomatte Tools supports shader transparency when rendering Color ID maps, so the Color ID pass comes out correctly even for materials that are only partially transparent. This support applies to objects and materials that use an alpha channel. The addon can render Color ID maps for objects or materials, and this sits alongside its Cryptomatte node picking, where it selects objects and materials for nodes and can reach items that aren't visible in the current frame.

Can Cryptomatte Tools be automated with Python?

Cryptomatte Tools includes a Python API for automation. Through it you can retrieve Cryptomatte IDs, add them to Cryptomatte nodes, and perform a range of other tasks the addon exposes. This is helpful if you want to script matte setup rather than configure nodes by hand, or fold Cryptomatte handling into a larger pipeline. Note that the demo video does not demonstrate the Python API, so the documentation is the place to look for how the scripting side works.

Is Cryptomatte Tools free?

Cryptomatte Tools is listed as free in this catalog, and it's released under the GPL license. Licensing and pricing can change over time, so check the developer's page for the current terms before you download. Beyond cost, it's worth knowing what you get: Cryptomatte node picking, Color ID map rendering with transparency support, automatic ID updates when you rename objects or materials, a Python API, and an export option for tools that don't read Cryptomatte directly.

Similar plugins