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Vdb Loops - Blender Addon

by Besa_Art·VFX

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

Why we like it

Earns its place in the superhive library for tackling the mismatch between fixed-length VDB sequences and longer animations, keeping the shader and loop setup inside a single panel.

What is Vdb Loops - Blender Addon?

VDB Loops is a Blender addon by Besa_Art built around a common problem with VDB sequences: they're a fast way to create visual effects, but they have an end, and that end often doesn't match the length of your animation. The addon adds a loop function so a sequence keeps going for as long as you need.

The addon gives you access to a varied, categorised gallery of loopable VDB sequences covering smoke, fire, clouds and fog, in faster or slower time ranges. You can add as many sequences as you like and see exactly how many frames your entire VDB sequence currently has. Move it or scale it up and down, and the loop functionality stays unchanged. The shader and loop shader are integrated into the panel, so no separate workspace window is needed, and loading is fast with smooth, natural loop transitions.

VDB sequences are supplied in element packs of different sizes, and rendering them can be time-consuming, with modern GPU computing making it faster. A December 2024 update added many new sequences to the gallery.

Who is Vdb Loops - Blender Addon best for?

Vdb Loops - Blender Addon is best for blender artists adding looping volumetric elements — smoke, fire, clouds or fog — that need to run for the full length of an animation.

How much does Vdb Loops - Blender Addon cost?

Vdb Loops - Blender Addon is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Loop function that lets a VDB sequence run for the full length of an animation
  • Access to a varied, categorised gallery of loopable VDB sequences covering smoke, fire, clouds and fog
  • Add as many sequences as you like, with a readout of how many frames the entire VDB sequence currently has
  • Loop functionality stays unchanged when you move or scale a sequence up and down
  • Shader and loop shader integrated in the addon panel, with no separate workspace window needed
  • Fast loading of VDB sequences with smooth, natural loop transitions
  • Documentation included

Tags

#VDB#volumetric#smoke#fire#clouds#fog#animation loops#VFX

Frequently asked questions

Which Blender versions does VDB Loops support?

VDB Loops lists compatibility with Blender versions 2.82 through 4.5, covering a wide span from older builds up to recent releases. It's used with the Cycles and Eevee render engines. Because VDB sequences can be time-consuming to render, a modern graphics card with GPU computing will generally speed things up, though many factors influence the final render time. If you're unsure whether your setup fits, the developer's page is the best place to confirm current details before you commit.

How much disk space do the VDB Loops packs need?

VDB Loops sequences are supplied in element packs of different sizes, so disk space matters when you pick one. The Light Pack needs around 32 GB, Pack Volume 2 around 50 GB, and Pack Volume 3 around 96 GB. Make sure you have enough room on your hard disk for the pack you want before installing. The packs also differ in how many loops they include, so the developer's page is worth checking to match a pack to your needs.

Does VDB Loops keep the loop working if I scale a sequence?

VDB Loops keeps its loop functionality unchanged when you move a sequence or scale it up and down, so repositioning or resizing a volume won't break the loop. You can add as many sequences as you like and see exactly how many frames your entire VDB sequence currently has, which helps when fitting volumes to an animation. The loop function is what lets a sequence run for the full length of your animation rather than stopping early while the animation keeps running.

Is VDB Loops free?

VDB Loops is listed as free here in the catalog. Licensing and pack options can change over time, so for the current terms and to see which VDB loops come with which package, check the developer's page. The addon's creator is noted as a Blender Development Fund contributor. There's also a demo video available if you'd like a closer look before deciding, and the gallery covers smoke, fire, clouds and fog across faster and slower time ranges.

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