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Depth Locator

by TheVinLab·VFX

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

Why we like it

Depth Locator earns a look for its driver-based approach: no constraints, rotation kept clean at 0,0,0, and a single slider to slide an empty along the camera-to-target ray.

What is Depth Locator?

Depth Locator positions objects along the camera-to-target direction inside Blender. It creates a depth-controlled empty on the ray running from your camera to any object, and a simple slider moves that empty along the ray with changes shown in real time. The placement follows a straightforward formula: world position equals the camera position plus the normalized direction toward the target multiplied by the depth value.

The add-on uses pure drivers instead of constraints, keeping rotation clean at 0,0,0 and, as the developer describes it, staying fast and efficient. It is a lightweight add-on with zero overhead that works with Blender 3.6 and higher, across both the Cycles and Eevee render engines.

Beyond static placement, depth values can be animated across keyframes for smooth motion paths. Suggested uses include quick VFX reference positioning, depth validation and testing, camera and object relationship testing, and animation reference points. Depth Locator is distributed under the GPL license.

Who is Depth Locator best for?

Depth Locator is best for quick VFX reference positioning, depth validation and testing, camera and object relationship testing, and animation reference points.

How much does Depth Locator cost?

Depth Locator is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Creates depth-controlled empties on the ray from the camera to any target object
  • Real-time slider that moves the empty along the ray with instant feedback
  • Pure drivers with no constraints and clean rotation kept at 0,0,0
  • Depth values can be animated across keyframes for smooth motion paths
  • Lightweight add-on with zero overhead, compatible with Blender 3.6 and higher
  • Works with both the Cycles and Eevee render engines

Tags

#Blender#add-on#empties#camera#depth#VFX#drivers#animation

Frequently asked questions

Which Blender versions does Depth Locator support?

Depth Locator requires Blender 3.6.0 or higher and is listed as compatible with versions 3.6 through 5.2. It works with both the Cycles and Eevee render engines, so it fits common Blender rendering setups. The add-on is described as lightweight with zero overhead and is marked as Blender Extension compatible. For the exact current compatibility range, check the developer's page before you install it.

Does Depth Locator use constraints to position the empty?

Depth Locator relies on pure drivers rather than constraints to position its empty. This keeps rotation clean at 0,0,0, and the developer describes the approach as fast and efficient. The empty sits on the ray from your camera to a target object, and a simple slider moves it along that ray so you see the changes in real time. The end result is a lightweight add-on with zero overhead.

Can Depth Locator animate depth over time?

Depth Locator lets you animate depth values across keyframes, which the developer describes as producing smooth motion paths. Because the empty's position is driven along the camera-to-target ray by a depth value, keyframing that value moves the empty along the ray over time. That makes it usable for animation reference points as well as static placement tasks such as depth validation and camera and object relationship testing.

Is Depth Locator free, and how is it licensed?

Depth Locator is listed as free in this catalog and is distributed under the GPL license. Since pricing and licensing terms can change, check the developer's page for the current details before downloading. The add-on is published by TheVinLab and is marked as a Blender Extension compatible add-on. A demo video is also available if you want to look into it further before adding it to your setup.

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