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Prolod

by Arcaneforge·Workflow

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

Why we like it

ProLOD earns its place in the Superhive library as a focused LOD generator built as a Blender add-on, pairing named reduction presets with a live per-level preview.

What is Prolod?

ProLOD is a Blender add-on by Arcaneforge for generating levels of detail (LODs) from organic meshes. After selecting a mesh, it reads the poly count needed for the reduction process, and clicking "Make LODs" produces an empty parent containing all your LODs while the base asset stays untouched.

The add-on ships with base presets, each named and aimed at a specific reduction behaviour: PrZ -50% halves polys exponentially, 10 Step is a linear fade to 20%, Aggressive Dive aims for low polies directly, and Smooth Glide follows a balanced curve. A Custom option lets you tweak values freely and defaults to custom. A live visualization sidebar lists LOD groups and previews the LOD per level.

The workflow follows a set order: grab your mesh, choose the Max LOD level, pick a reduction type, choose a reduction preset, make your LODs, then preview them. ProLOD is a Blender extension published under the GPL license.

Who is Prolod best for?

Prolod is best for blender artists generating LODs from organic meshes with preset-driven mesh decimation.

How much does Prolod cost?

Prolod is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Mesh grab and generate: reads the poly count from the selected mesh, then builds LODs into an empty parent, leaving the base asset untouched
  • Base presets including PrZ -50% (halves polys exponentially), 10 Step (linear fade to 20%), Aggressive Dive (aims for low polies directly) and Smooth Glide (balanced curve)
  • Custom preset for tweaking reduction values, defaulting to custom
  • Selectable Max LOD level and reduction type
  • Live visualization: sidebar list of LOD groups with per-level LOD preview

Tags

#Blender#LOD#mesh decimation#3D model optimization#auto LOD#game dev#add-on#workflow

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does ProLOD support?

ProLOD supports Blender versions 4.2 through 4.5. It is a Blender extension, listed as compatible and delivered as an add-on. The developer is also noted as a Dev Fund Contributor, and the add-on was published eight months ago. If you run a version outside the 4.2 to 4.5 range, check the developer's page to confirm compatibility before installing this Blender add-on.

Which render engines does ProLOD work with?

ProLOD lists Cycles, Eevee and V-Ray as the render engines used. Since ProLOD focuses on generating LODs by decimating geometry from your selected mesh, the resulting LOD meshes are placed under an empty parent while your base asset remains untouched. For details on how it behaves in a specific render setup, consult the developer's page directly, which is the most reliable source for engine-specific behaviour.

How do I generate LODs with ProLOD?

ProLOD follows a set order. First grab your mesh, then choose the Max LOD level, pick a reduction type, and choose a reduction preset. Click "Make LODs" to produce an empty parent holding all your LODs, then preview your LODs. Presets include PrZ -50%, 10 Step, Aggressive Dive and Smooth Glide, or you can use the Custom option to tweak values freely. A demo video is available for reference.

Is ProLOD free?

ProLOD is listed as free in this catalog. It is published under the GPL license and offered as a Blender extension add-on by Arcaneforge. For current licensing terms and any purchase options, check the developer's page directly. Because pricing and availability can change over time, the developer's listing is the most reliable place to confirm the details before you download or install.

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