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Swiftopen

by blue0berry·Workflow

Images © blue0berry. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

The developer built Swiftopen as an alternative to the QuickOpen add-on and as a portfolio project. Documentation and a demo video (for the 1.0 version) are available.

What is Swiftopen?

Swiftopen lets you launch a batch of programs and files—or a single program—directly from Blender with one button press. You add the file paths you want opened, and Blender remembers them between sessions. Examples given by the developer include opening Spotify, PureRef, or Unreal Engine. Not every program will launch from a path like "Spotify.exe"; the developer suggests opening the Blender console to check for errors, and notes launch speed depends on your computer's specs.

The interface includes an "Open at startup" toggle for each path, an "Edit" button to change a path or its button name or delete it, and "Check/Uncheck All" to set every path's startup state at once. "Launch All" opens all paths, while "Remove Unselected" deletes paths with startup turned off. "Load" and "Save" read or write your paths to a file through the file browser.

Version 1.3 added a shortcut (default Shift + Ctrl + A) and optimized the UI with hide/show sections. The add-on was created by blue0berry as an alternative to the QuickOpen add-on and as a portfolio project.

Who is Swiftopen best for?

Swiftopen is best for blender users who repeatedly open the same external programs and files and want to launch them from within Blender.

How much does Swiftopen cost?

Swiftopen is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Open programs, photos, documents and other files from within Blender with a single button press
  • Path list remembered between sessions, with add, remove and modify at any time
  • "Open at startup" toggle per path, plus "Check/Uncheck All" to set every path at once
  • "Launch All" opens all paths; "Remove Unselected" deletes paths with startup turned off
  • "Edit" button to change a path, rename its button, or delete it
  • "Load" and "Save" to read or write your paths through the file browser
  • Keyboard shortcut (default Shift + Ctrl + A) added in v1.3, with hide/show UI sections

Tags

#Blender#add-on#workflow#productivity#launcher#open apps#file paths#blue0berry

Frequently asked questions

Which Blender versions does Swiftopen support?

Swiftopen lists compatibility with a wide range of Blender releases: 4.0, 3.6, 3.5, 3.4, 3.3, 3.2, 3.1, 3.0, 2.93, 2.92, 2.91, 2.9, 2.83, 2.82, 2.81 and 2.8. That range covers most builds artists still run today. As always, check the developer's page for the latest version details before installing, since support listings can change with newer releases of the add-on.

Can Swiftopen open any program from a file path?

Swiftopen works by adding the file path you want opened, and Blender remembers these paths between sessions. It is possible to add something like "Spotify.exe", but the developer notes that not all programs will work that way. To check whether a path launches correctly, open the Blender console and watch for an error. Most of the time a program opens within seconds, though the developer states this depends on your computer's specs.

Is Swiftopen free, and what license does it use?

Swiftopen is listed as free in this catalog, and it is distributed under the GPL license. For current licensing terms and any purchase details, check the developer's page directly, since terms can change over time. The add-on is also marked as a Dev Fund Contributor. Pricing and availability shown elsewhere may differ, so the developer's own listing is the most reliable source for the latest information.

What shortcut does Swiftopen use to open paths?

Swiftopen added a keyboard shortcut in version 1.3, with the default set to Shift + Ctrl + A. Alongside the shortcut, version 1.3 optimized the UI with hide/show sections. From the interface you can also use "Launch All" to open every stored path at once, or press individual buttons when you need a specific program or file. Refer to the included documentation for details on how the shortcut and buttons behave.

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