Skip to content
BLBlender

Qol Tools: Link Widget

by QOL Tools·Workflow

Images © QOL Tools. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Earns its place in the Superhive library for surfacing instance controls in a single, always-visible widget with zero overheads.

What is Qol Tools: Link Widget?

Qol Tools: Link Widget places a tiny, ever-present widget at the top of the Blender screen for working with instances, also known as linked data. It reports whether the active object is an instance and how many instances of it exist, giving at-a-glance visibility with zero overheads. Instances are useful for working with vast datasets, which the developer notes is vital for large scenes.

The widget is interactive through modifier-key clicks. A single click disconnects all instances and makes them independent objects. Shift-click makes all selected objects instances of the active object. Alt-click selects all connected instances. Ctrl-click selects every object in the scene that is an instance, not only those matching the active object.

The addon's preferences include an option to switch the indicator to a monochromatic version instead of the green icon. It is available as a Blender 4.2 Extension format addon, and is also offered as part of the discounted QOL Tools: Full Collection package.

Who is Qol Tools: Link Widget best for?

Qol Tools: Link Widget is best for blender users working with instances and linked data across large scenes.

How much does Qol Tools: Link Widget cost?

Qol Tools: Link Widget is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • At-a-glance indicator showing whether the active object is an instance and how many instances exist
  • Single-click to disconnect all instances and make them independent objects
  • Shift-click to make selected objects instances of the active object
  • Alt-click to select all connected instances
  • Ctrl-click to select every instance object in the scene, not just those matching the active object
  • Preference option for a monochromatic indicator instead of the green icon
  • Available as a Blender 4.2 Extension format addon

Tags

#instances#instancing#linked data#Blender#workflow#addon#QOL Tools

Frequently asked questions

Which Blender versions does Qol Tools: Link Widget support?

Qol Tools: Link Widget supports a broad range of Blender releases, including 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, 3.6, 3.5, 3.4, 3.3, 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0. It is also available as a Blender 4.2 Extension format addon. If you run any version in that listed range, the widget should work with your setup. For the most current compatibility details, check the developer's page before installing, since supported versions can change with future updates.

Is Qol Tools: Link Widget free, and what license does it use?

Qol Tools: Link Widget is listed as free here in the catalog, and it is released under the GPL license. Pricing and licensing terms can change over time, and the addon is also offered as part of the discounted QOL Tools: Full Collection package. For the current terms, any bundle options, and license details, check the developer's page before downloading. Listing it as free here reflects how it appears in this catalog rather than a permanent guarantee.

What do the modifier-key clicks on Qol Tools: Link Widget do?

Qol Tools: Link Widget responds to clicks with modifier keys. A single click disconnects all instances and turns them into independent objects. Shift-click makes all selected objects instances of the active object. Alt-click selects every instance connected to the active object. Ctrl-click selects all objects in the scene that are instances, not just those matching the active object. These actions run from the widget itself, so instance work stays within reach while you keep going.

Can I change how the Qol Tools: Link Widget indicator looks?

Qol Tools: Link Widget shows a green icon by default, and the addon's preferences include an option to switch it to a monochromatic version if you prefer not to have a green indicator. The widget sits at the top of the screen and is described as ever-present with zero overheads. Beyond that color option, its role is to report whether the active object is an instance and how many instances of it exist.

Similar plugins