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Simple Layouts

by Other Realms·Workflow

Images © Other Realms. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Simple Layouts stands out in the superhive library for saving and swapping scene states without altering source geometry, thanks to its Applied Visual Geometry workflow. Note that Mac OS is untested and users have reported frequent crashes.

What is Simple Layouts?

Simple Layouts lets artists and designers iterate and organize their 3D scenes in Blender. Its core ability is to save object transforms and visibility states along with 3D views and Outliner toggles. Originally developed for ease when switching between modelling and 3D printing ready layouts, it lets you swap out props, re-position lights, or hide exterior meshes to edit internal components.

Each layout can store any object location, rotation, rotation mode, scale, and all visibility and selection toggles, plus collection visibility and selection toggles. A layout can have an assigned 3D view, drawn from preset views, custom 3D viewport coordinates, or camera views. Objects can be locked and given a colour tag, and you can filter affected objects, data types, and collections.

Applied Visual Geometry supports non-destructive edits: make a flattened copy of a layout, applying modifiers and converting all geometries to meshes, then switch back to the source objects to update geometry without affecting the source. An auto-JSON-backup runs in the background, and Shot Manager Integration extends the capabilities of shots. Version updates are free, and a demo file is included.

Who is Simple Layouts best for?

Simple Layouts is best for artists and designers iterating and organizing 3D scenes, layout design, and switching between modelling and 3D printing ready layouts.

How much does Simple Layouts cost?

Simple Layouts is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Store any object location, rotation, rotation mode, scale, and all visibility and selection toggles per layout
  • Store collection visibility and selection toggles
  • Assign a 3D view to each layout from preset views, custom 3D viewport coordinates, or camera views
  • Applied Visual Geometry for non-destructive edits: flatten a layout by applying modifiers and converting geometries to meshes, then return to source objects
  • Filter affected objects, data types, and collections
  • Lock layouts and assign a colour tag
  • Auto-JSON-backup in the background plus Shot Manager Integration

Tags

#Blender#Layout design#Scene visibility#Transforms#Non-destructive editing#Workflow#3D printing

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does Simple Layouts support?

Simple Layouts supports Blender versions 3.6 through 5.1 and is listed as Blender Extension compatible, distributed as an add-on. That range covers a wide span of Blender releases, so most current installations should be able to run it. The license is GPL. For exact installation steps and any version-specific notes, check the full documentation on the developer's page, which also links to a Discord community where you can raise setup questions before you begin.

Does Simple Layouts work on Mac OS?

Simple Layouts has not been tested on Mac OS, and users have reported frequent crashes on that platform. If you work on macOS, treat the add-on as unverified there and expect possible instability. The developer notes this limitation directly rather than claiming full cross-platform support. For the current status or any workarounds, the developer's Discord and documentation are the best places to check before committing to a Mac-based workflow, and you can also ask setup questions there.

Is Simple Layouts free to use?

Simple Layouts is listed as free in this catalog, and version updates are noted as free by the developer. A preview version is available with limits, including a maximum of four layouts, no JSON saving or loading, no overlays, no filters UI, no utilities, and no Applied Geometry, while the full version includes all features. Since licensing and offers can change, check the developer's page for the current terms before you download.

What does Applied Visual Geometry do in Simple Layouts?

Simple Layouts uses Applied Visual Geometry to make non-destructive edits. You create a flattened copy of a layout, applying modifiers and converting all geometries to meshes, then switch back to the source objects. From there you can update geometry or make changes to the applied geometry without affecting the source. This keeps your original objects intact while you work on a resolved version, and a demo file is included so you can explore the workflow.

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