Skip to content
BLBlender

Shotgun

by Isaac Weaver·Workflow

Images © Isaac Weaver. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Shotgun stands out in the Superhive library for reworking Blender's interaction model around left-click selection while keeping many default hotkeys intact.

What is Shotgun?

Shotgun is a keymap for Blender built from the ground up around left-click selection. That choice sits at the heart of the keymap, with the rest of the layout built up from there. It aims to feel familiar by following conventions used in other programs, such as Ctrl-A for select all, while keeping the Blender workflow intact.

Many of Blender's default hotkeys are left untouched, so anyone already comfortable with the default keymap has less to relearn. Navigation is handled with the mouse alone: you can orbit, pan and zoom without reaching for the keyboard. Common hotkeys are standardized to match wider software conventions.

Installation and updates are handled through the Shotgun Manager addon, which makes setting up and maintaining the keymap straightforward. Listed for Blender 2.7x under the GPL license, Shotgun is a good fit for artists who want Blender's interaction model to line up more closely with the standards found across other applications.

Who is Shotgun best for?

Shotgun is best for blender users who prefer left-click selection and hotkeys that follow conventions from other software.

How much does Shotgun cost?

Shotgun is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Mouse-only navigation to orbit, pan and zoom without using the keyboard
  • Left-click selection at the core of the keymap
  • Standardizes common hotkeys such as Ctrl-A for select all
  • Built on top of Blender's default keymap, leaving many default hotkeys untouched
  • Installed and updated through the Shotgun Manager addon
  • Documentation available

Tags

#keymap#keyboard#input#interaction#ui#interface#workflow

Frequently asked questions

What Blender version does Shotgun support?

Shotgun is listed for Blender 2.7x. It is built on top of Blender's default keymap, and many of the default hotkeys are left untouched, which makes it easier to pick up if you already know the standard Blender layout. If you are running a different Blender release, check the developer's page for current compatibility details before installing, since the listed version is the one confirmed here.

How do I install Shotgun?

Shotgun can be installed and updated using the Shotgun Manager addon, which handles both setup and ongoing updates for the keymap. This keeps the process straightforward rather than requiring manual file management each time. For step-by-step guidance and the addon itself, refer to the documentation and the developer's page, which cover the current installation workflow in detail.

Can I navigate the Blender viewport with only the mouse in Shotgun?

Shotgun supports mouse-only navigation, letting you orbit, pan and zoom entirely with the mouse and no keyboard input. This works alongside its left-click selection, which sits at the heart of the keymap. The layout also standardizes common hotkeys like Ctrl-A for select all, so the overall interaction model leans toward conventions found in other programs while preserving Blender's workflow.

Is Shotgun free to use?

Shotgun is listed as free in this catalog and is distributed under the GPL license. Licensing terms can change over time, so for the most current pricing and license details it is best to check the developer's page directly. The plugin is also noted as a Dev Fund Contributor, and the developer's page is the place to confirm any conditions before you download and install it.

Similar plugins