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Mesh Source

by Nikita Akimov·Workflow

Images © Nikita Akimov. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Mesh Source stands out in the superhive library for turning meshes into portable Python code and packaging a whole mesh library into its own distributable add-on.

What is Mesh Source?

Mesh Source targets Blender script and add-on developers, along with authors and distributors of 3D models. Pressing "Mesh to Text" generates Python source code for the currently selected meshes and displays it in the Text Editor window. That code can be copied to the clipboard or saved to a separate text file, then pasted or opened in any separate Blender project, where clicking "Run Script" recreates the same set of meshes.

The add-on also keeps its own library. "Mesh to Library" saves mesh source code locally, and saved meshes can be loaded straight away. To share your meshes, "Distribute Library as Add-on" compiles the library into a standalone add-on archive that other users install to access the included models. The generated code can also be appended to your own project or add-on.

Supported mesh source data covers mesh data (points, edges, polygons), vertex groups, UVs and the mesh modifier stack. Materials are not processed; the separate "NodeTree Source" add-on handles those. Note that generated code may not work correctly across different Blender versions.

Who is Mesh Source best for?

Mesh Source is best for blender script and add-on developers, plus authors and distributors of 3D models.

How much does Mesh Source cost?

Mesh Source is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • "Mesh to Text" generates Python source code for selected meshes in the Text Editor window
  • Generated code copies to the clipboard or saves to a text file, and recreates the meshes when run via "Run Script"
  • Local library for saving and loading mesh source code with the "Mesh to Library" button
  • "Distribute Library as Add-on" compiles the library into a standalone add-on archive
  • Supports mesh data (points, edges, polygons), vertex groups, UVs and the mesh modifier stack
  • Located in the 3D Viewport N-panel under the "Mesh Source" tab
  • Documentation included

Tags

#mesh#python#library#code source#add-on#developer tools#blender

Frequently asked questions

Which Blender versions does Mesh Source support?

Mesh Source lists support for Blender 2.83, 2.90, 2.91, 2.92, 2.93, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5. Keep in mind the developer notes that generated mesh code is not guaranteed to work correctly between different Blender versions, since Blender changes with each release, so code created in one version may not run correctly in another. Once installed, you access the add-on in the 3D Viewport N-panel under the "Mesh Source" tab.

Does Mesh Source handle materials?

Mesh Source does not process materials assigned to a mesh. The source data it exports covers mesh data such as points, edges and polygons, vertex groups, UVs and the mesh modifier stack. For materials, the developer points to a separate add-on called "NodeTree Source," which is intended for working with them. So if your models rely on material node setups, you would pair Mesh Source with that companion add-on rather than expecting materials to travel inside the generated mesh code.

How do you share meshes made with Mesh Source?

Mesh Source keeps a local library where you save mesh source code using the "Mesh to Library" button, and saved meshes load right away. To share them, specify a path and press "Distribute Library as Add-on," which creates a complete archive containing an add-on with your entire mesh library. You then distribute that add-on however you like; recipients download and install it, after which they can immediately use the models you provided. Alternatively, the generated code can be appended directly to your own scripts or add-on interface.

Is Mesh Source free, and what license does it use?

Mesh Source is listed as free here in the catalog, and it is released under the GPL license. For current licensing terms and any purchase details, check the developer's page. The add-on comes from Nikita Akimov, and a demo video is available if you want to see more before installing. Documentation is also included with the add-on to help you get started once it is set up in Blender.

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