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Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic

by DoitTsui·Workflow

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

Why we like it

Stands out in the superhive library for keeping timeline scrubbing available across the 3D Viewport, Node Editor, and Graph Editor, paired with keyframe snapping and an on-screen frame readout in one lightweight add-on.

What is Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic?

Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic is a Blender add-on from DoitTsui built for scrubbing the timeline without splitting the workspace or opening the Timeline editor. It works from any window or editor, including the 3D Viewport, Node Editor, and Graph Editor, triggered by a universal hotkey set to Spacebar or mouse drag by default.

To preview animation, you press and hold the hotkey, then drag the mouse forward or backward through time; releasing returns you to your normal workflow. Holding a modifier key (Ctrl, Alt, or Shift) magnetically snaps to nearby keyframes. Smooth mode gives pixel-perfect motion for checking overall rhythm, while Stepped mode handles frame-by-frame blocking. A customizable real-time HUD shows the current frame and snap status, and Smart Cursor Lock hides and locks the mouse cursor while dragging so you keep your screen position.

The add-on is Blender Extension compatible, supports Blender 4.3 through 5.1, and is released under the GPL license. It includes twelve months of support from DoitTsui plus product updates, and a demo video is available.

Who is Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic best for?

Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic is best for blender animators who want to preview timing directly in the viewport without switching to the Timeline editor.

How much does Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic cost?

Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Global hotkey scrubbing from the 3D Viewport, Node Editor, or Graph Editor using a universal trigger (default Spacebar or mouse drag)
  • Magnetic snapping to nearby keyframes by holding a modifier key (Ctrl, Alt, or Shift)
  • Smooth mode for checking overall rhythm and Stepped mode for frame-by-frame blocking
  • Customizable real-time HUD showing the current frame and snap status on screen
  • Smart Cursor Lock hides and locks the mouse cursor while dragging
  • Released under the GPL license with twelve months of support from DoitTsui and product updates

Tags

#Blender#add-on#animation#timeline#scrubbing#keyframe#viewport#HUD

Frequently asked questions

Does Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic work with Blender 4.3 and newer?

Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic supports Blender versions 4.3 through 5.1 and is listed as Blender Extension compatible, with the extension type given as add-on. Scrubbing is available from the 3D Viewport, Node Editor, and Graph Editor, triggered by a universal hotkey set to Spacebar or mouse drag by default. If you are on a Blender release within that 4.3 to 5.1 range, the add-on is built to run with your version. For anything outside that range, check the developer's page before installing.

How do I scrub the timeline with Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic?

Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic uses a press-and-hold workflow: press and hold your designated hotkey, then drag the mouse forward or backward to move through time. Holding a modifier key such as Ctrl, Alt, or Shift magnetically snaps to the nearest keyframe, which helps you land on exact poses. Releasing the hotkey instantly returns you to your normal workflow. You can also switch between Smooth mode for checking overall rhythm and Stepped mode for frame-by-frame blocking. The default trigger is Spacebar or mouse drag.

Does Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic keep the cursor from drifting while scrubbing?

Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic includes Smart Cursor Lock, which temporarily locks the mouse cursor in place and hides it while you drag. This means your cursor stays put during a scrub, so you keep your screen position after you release. Alongside it, a customizable real-time HUD shows the current frame and snap status on screen, keeping that information near where you are looking. Together these keep the display focused on the animation while you preview timing directly in the editor you are working in.

Is Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic free?

Fast_Frame_Scrub_Basic is listed as free in this catalog, so there is no price shown here. Licensing can change, so check the developer's page for the current terms before downloading. It includes twelve months of support from DoitTsui and product updates, and the support period can be extended. It is released under the GPL license. For the most accurate details on availability and what the license covers, refer to DoitTsui's page.

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