Skip to content
BLBlender

Sprocket Tools

by Brian-Marshall·Workflow

Images © Brian-Marshall. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Sprocket Tools earns its spot in the Blender extensions library for a focused job: shuttling Sprocket blueprint data between the game and Blender, with thickness preserved as a face attribute. The developer notes exported files are currently larger than intended.

What is Sprocket Tools?

Sprocket Tools is a Blender extension by Brian-Marshall built purely for import and export operations for the game Sprocket. It brings Sprocket tank blueprint files into Blender and sends compartments back out, working from tabs in the Sprocket sidebar of the 3D Viewport.

On import, it reads .blueprint files covering both Plate Structures and Vehicles, and the imported mesh carries its original thickness in a sprocket_thickness face attribute that you can view and edit in Mesh Properties > Attributes. Export currently handles .blueprint files for Plate Structures only, and exported compartments fall back to a default thickness when no attribute is present.

The add-on fills in the Sprocket data directory with platform defaults for Windows and Linux (Proton), and the path can be set manually if the default fails. It works with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer, requests file access permission for reading and writing blueprint data, and is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later.

Who is Sprocket Tools best for?

Sprocket Tools is best for blender users who need to move Sprocket tank blueprint files in and out of Blender.

How much does Sprocket Tools cost?

Sprocket Tools is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Imports .blueprint files covering both Plate Structures and Vehicles
  • Exports .blueprint files for Plate Structures only
  • Imported blueprints store original thickness in a sprocket_thickness face attribute, viewable and editable in Mesh Properties > Attributes
  • Exported compartments use a default thickness when no attribute is present
  • Auto-fills the Sprocket data directory with platform defaults for Windows and Linux (Proton), with manual path configuration available
  • Import and export driven from Sprocket sidebar tabs in the 3D Viewport

Tags

#Sprocket#Blender#import-export#blueprints#game engine#tank blueprints#3D Viewport

Frequently asked questions

Does Sprocket Tools work with Blender 4.2?

Sprocket Tools is compatible with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer, so current 4.2 installations and later releases can run it. The current version is 1.0.2, updated in March 2026, and there are three releases available with 1.0.2 being the latest. It requests file access permission, which it needs to read and write Sprocket blueprint data on your system. For the exact minimum version and any later updates, check the developer's page.

How do I install Sprocket Tools?

Sprocket Tools can be installed straight through Blender's extensions system: open Edit > Preferences > Extensions, allow Blender to go online for the official repositories, search for Sprocket Tools, and click Install. If you prefer, download the latest sprocket_tools zip release and use Install from Disk under Edit > Preferences > Add-ons, then enable the add-on by checking its box. You may also drag and drop the downloaded file into Blender to install it.

What file formats does Sprocket Tools import and export?

Sprocket Tools works with Sprocket .blueprint files. On import it reads both Plate Structures and Vehicles, and the resulting mesh stores its original thickness in a sprocket_thickness face attribute you can view and edit under Mesh Properties > Attributes. Export is more limited: it writes .blueprint files for Plate Structures only, and exported compartments use a default thickness when no attribute is set. Exported files are currently larger than intended, a known issue the developer is working on.

How does Sprocket Tools find my Sprocket data?

Sprocket Tools automatically fills in the Sprocket data directory with platform defaults, using the My Games\Sprocket folder under your user profile on Windows and the Proton compatdata path on Linux. If the default doesn't work, you can set the Sprocket Data Path manually under Edit > Preferences > Add-ons by expanding the add-on's entry. The chosen path should contain a Factions directory, otherwise no factions will be found.

Is Sprocket Tools free?

Sprocket Tools is listed here as free and is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. That license covers how you can use, modify, and redistribute the add-on. For current licensing terms, download options, and source code, head to the developer's page on GitHub. The extension requests file access permission, which it uses to read and write Sprocket blueprint data.

Alternatives to Sprocket Tools

Also in Workflow for Blender.

Similar plugins