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Transform Tools Core

by yasser-idris·Workflow

Images © yasser-idris. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Version 0.9.7 removed support for Curves and Armatures, focusing functionality on Mesh and Object transformations, and made standard object duplication the default mode.

What is Transform Tools Core?

Transform Tools Core is a utility for Blender that handles transformations using a dual-gizmo system. You define a starting state with the "Previous" gizmo and a target state with the "Active" gizmo, and the add-on transforms the selected elements between the two matrices. It can translate, rotate, and scale objects or mesh components from the Previous gizmo's position and orientation to the Active gizmo's.

The add-on can align Blender's native transform orientation and pivot point to the Active gizmo. Operation parameters such as scale, flip, duplicate, instance, and extrude are adjustable through Blender's standard Adjust Last Operation panel (F9). It supports object duplication and instancing in Object Mode, plus geometry duplication and extrusion in Edit Mode.

The workflow runs from the 3D Viewport Sidebar (N-panel) under the TTools C tab: define the Previous gizmo, define the Active gizmo, select the objects or mesh components to modify, then click Transform to execute. As of version 0.9.7, background drawing and GPU resources activate only when the tool is in use, and functionality is focused on Mesh and Object transformations.

Who is Transform Tools Core best for?

Transform Tools Core is best for blender users applying precise state-to-state transformations to objects and mesh components via a dual-gizmo system.

How much does Transform Tools Core cost?

Transform Tools Core is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • State-to-state transformation that translates, rotates, and scales elements from the Previous gizmo to the Active gizmo
  • Aligns Blender's native transform orientation and pivot point to the Active gizmo
  • Adjusts operation parameters — scale, flip, duplicate, instance, extrude — via the Adjust Last Operation panel (F9)
  • Handles object duplication and instancing in Object Mode
  • Handles geometry duplication and extrusion in Edit Mode
  • Background drawing and GPU resources activate only when the tool is in use

Tags

#transform#gizmo#utility#modeling#mesh#blender-addon#workflow

Frequently asked questions

Does Transform Tools Core work with Blender 4.2?

Transform Tools Core is compatible with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer. The add-on requires no special permissions to run. You can add it by dragging and dropping the file into Blender, or by downloading it and using Install from Disk. Once installed, its controls appear in the 3D Viewport Sidebar (N-panel) under the TTools C tab, where you define the Previous and Active gizmos and execute transformations.

How does the dual-gizmo system in Transform Tools Core work?

Transform Tools Core uses two gizmos to describe a transformation. You define a starting state with the "Previous" gizmo and a target state with the "Active" gizmo, then the add-on transforms the selected elements between the two matrices. The workflow runs from the TTools C tab in the N-panel: set the Previous gizmo, set the Active gizmo, select your objects or mesh components, and click Transform to execute the operation.

What object types does Transform Tools Core support?

Transform Tools Core focuses on Mesh and Object transformations. In Object Mode it handles object duplication and instancing, and in Edit Mode it handles geometry duplication and extrusion. As of version 0.9.7, support for Curves and Armatures was removed, and standard object duplication became the default mode. Operation parameters including scale, flip, duplicate, instance, and extrude can be adjusted through Blender's Adjust Last Operation panel (F9).

Is Transform Tools Core free to use?

Transform Tools Core is listed as free here and is distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. For current licensing details and the latest release, check the developer's page. The add-on is available directly through Blender's extensions system, where you can drag and drop it into Blender or download it and install it from disk. Documentation and a bug report tracker are also linked from the developer's resources.

Alternatives to Transform Tools Core

Also in Workflow for Blender.

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