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Viewport Shading Profiles

by BlenderWeapons·Workflow

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

Why we like it

A focused Blender addon that turns viewport shading setups into reusable, reorderable profiles reachable straight from the 3D view toolbar.

What is Viewport Shading Profiles?

Viewport Shading Profiles is an addon for Blender that lets you manage shading configurations as reusable profiles. You can create a new profile from the current viewport settings, modify and save existing ones, rename them, reorder them with Move Up and Move Down buttons, and delete profiles you no longer need. Each profile stores parameters for lighting, color, contours, wireframe settings and object presentation.

The addon adds a "Shading Profiles" panel under a "View" tab in the 3D workspace toolbar, so profiles are available directly while you work. Profiles can be synchronized with the current workspace, letting you switch between configurations as your project requires. An instant preview shows how models look under different shading setups.

Installation follows Blender's standard add-on process: download the ZIP, open Edit → Preferences → Add-ons, click Install, choose the file, and enable it. Version 1.1 added the ability to save Render Passes in Cycles and included bug fixes. The addon is released under the GPL license.

Who is Viewport Shading Profiles best for?

Viewport Shading Profiles is best for blender 3D artists and visual creators who manage multiple shading setups and want to switch between saved viewport configurations.

How much does Viewport Shading Profiles cost?

Viewport Shading Profiles is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Profile management for organizing and customizing shading settings across scenes, projects or creative needs
  • Detailed control over lighting, color, contours and other visual environment parameters
  • Instant preview of how models look under different shading configurations
  • Wireframe and object presentation customization
  • Profiles synchronized with the current workspace for switching between configurations
  • "Shading Profiles" panel accessible from the View tab in the 3D viewport toolbar
  • Version 1.1 adds saving Render Passes in Cycles

Tags

#Blender#shading#viewport#profiles#workflow#Cycles#rendering

Frequently asked questions

Which Blender versions does Viewport Shading Profiles support?

Viewport Shading Profiles lists support for Blender 4.3, 4.2, 4.1 and 4.0. If you are running one of these versions you can install and enable the addon through Blender's preferences. For versions outside this range, or to confirm the latest supported release, check the developer's page. Compatibility details there reflect the most current state of the addon and are the best reference when planning which Blender build to run it on before you install.

How do I install Viewport Shading Profiles in Blender?

Viewport Shading Profiles installs using Blender's standard add-on workflow. Download the addon file in ZIP format from the official source, then open Blender and go to Edit → Preferences. In the Preferences window, select the Add-ons tab, click Install and choose the downloaded ZIP file. Finish by checking the box next to "Shading Profiles" to activate it. After installation, navigate to the 3D workspace and find the new "View" tab in the toolbar, where the "Shading Profiles" panel appears.

What did version 1.1 of Viewport Shading Profiles change?

Viewport Shading Profiles version 1.1 introduced the ability to save Render Passes in Cycles, extending what a shading profile can store. The update also included some bug fixes. If you are working in Cycles and rely on render passes, this version is the one to use. For the full history of changes and any releases beyond 1.1, refer to the developer's page, which lists the current version and details of what each update covered.

How do I create and manage shading profiles?

Viewport Shading Profiles works from the "Shading Profiles" panel in the View tab. Click "Create" to generate a new profile using the current viewport settings. To modify one, select it, make your changes, and click "Save" to update it. You can rename a profile by editing the text box and clicking "Apply Name," reorder profiles with "Move Up" and "Move Down," and remove one with the "Delete" button. Profiles can also be synchronized with the current workspace.

Is Viewport Shading Profiles free?

Viewport Shading Profiles is listed as free in this catalog and is released under the GPL license. Licensing terms can change over time, so for the current license conditions it is best to check the developer's page directly. That page also lists version information and Blender compatibility, giving you the most up-to-date picture before you download and install the addon into your Blender setup.

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