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Blender Tool Development Fundamentals
Learn to Create Custom Operators, UI Extensions, Gizmos, and Qt Widgets for Advanced Add-on Development.
- Build custom tools, panels, and viewport overlays in Blender.
- Master the Blender API and create production-ready addons.
- Learn UI scripting, event handling, and PySide integration.
Coming Soon
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Intermediate
Who this is for.
Technical artists and developers looking to extend Blender with custom tools and UIs.
Blender users who want to go beyond modeling and animation to create developer tools.
Studios and teams aiming to streamline their 3D workflows with tailored automation.
Designed for both aspiring tool developers and experienced technical artists, Blender Tool Development Fundamentals is a hands-on guide to creating powerful, production-ready tools and custom UIs using Python in Blender. You’ll start by learning how to set up your development environment and write simple scripts, then move on to exploring the Blender Python (bpy) API, understanding the context system, and building interactive UI components such as panels, menus, and gizmos. As you progress, you’ll master advanced topics like viewport integration, modal operators, and custom drawing with the GPU module. The book also covers addon architecture, packaging, user preferences, and even PySide integration for creating sophisticated Qt-based interfaces. With real-world debugging tips, asynchronous workflows, and a complete case study from Blender Studio, this book equips you with the skills to design robust, efficient tools that extend Blender’s capabilities and improve production pipelines.
IMPORTANT: The chapters, descriptions, and main topics listed below are provisional and may be added to, merged, or otherwise modified as the book is being written. We’ll update this list every time a new chapter is released.
1. Introduction
- What this book covers
- Prerequisites and target audience
- Tool development philosophy in Blender
- Overview of Blender's extensibility
2. Getting Started
- Setting up your development environment
- Text Editor vs External IDEs (VS Code, PyCharm)
- Blender's scripting workspace
- Running your first script
- Debugging techniques
- Where to get help (documentation, community)
3. Blender API Fundamentals
- Understanding bpy module structure
- Context system (bpy.context)
- Data access (bpy.data)
- Operations (bpy.ops)
- RNA vs DNA concepts
- Common patterns and best practices
4. Basic UI Elements
- Operators: structure and implementation
- Properties and property groups
- Undo/redo system integration
- Basic panels and layouts
- Menus and submenus
5. Advanced UI Components
- Custom drawing with gpu module
- 2D overlays and annotations
- 3D viewport integration
- Gizmos and manipulators
- Modal operators and event handling
- Popup dialogs and alerts
6. Addon Architecture
- Addon structure and organization
- Registration and unregistration
- User preferences and settings
- Internationalization basics
- Distribution and packaging
7. Extending with Qt/PySide
- When to use Qt vs native Blender UI
- Setting up PySide in Blender
- Event loops and thread management
- Creating dialogs and windows
- Styling Qt interfaces
- Asynchronous operations
8. Case Study - Blender Studio's Lattice Magic
- Analyzing production addon architecture.
- Code organization patterns.
- UI/UX design decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What do the books include?
Our books are crafted to provide a deep understanding of each topic with step-by-step explanations, real-world examples, and practical exercises. Each book includes detailed chapters, illustrations, and code samples designed to help you build skills as you read. All of our eBooks are downloadable in PDF format, making it easy to access them offline anytime. Many books also come with supplementary downloadable assets or files to support your learning, and some feature online updates or companion content for the latest industry practices.
Do the courses/eBooks include updates?
Yes, our courses include updates to ensure the content stays current with the latest tools and practices. Our books, which are published chapter by chapter, are also updated regularly until they are considered complete. This approach allows you to benefit from the latest information and improvements as you progress through the material. Once a book is finalized, it remains available in its completed form
Can I download the eBooks?
Our eBooks are fully downloadable in PDF format, allowing you to access them offline anytime.
What do the Hardcover editions include?
Some of our books are offered in a special Hardcover edition through our partner Lulu. If you purchase one, you may also request the project files. If you get the Hardcover edition and don't have an account on Jettelly, we can also create an account for you automatically. Please reach us on [email protected] to get started.
Do you offer certificates upon course completion?
No, we currently do not offer certificates upon course completion. Our focus is on providing high-quality content and practical skills that you can immediately apply to your projects and portfolio.
How long will I have access to the eBooks/Courses after purchase?
You'll have lifetime access to any course you purchase, as long as Jettelly Inc. exists. This allows you to revisit the content anytime and learn at your own pace, without any time restrictions. If you have any questions regarding previous purchases, feel free to email us at [email protected]
Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied with my purchase?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of our downloadable eBooks, we do not offer refunds. For Hardcover editions, we offer exchanges in case of print quality issues through Lulu. Regardless, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our support team at [email protected], and we'll be happy to assist you.
What happens if I buy a product in development and it's never finished?
Jettelly will issue a refund minus taxes and admin fees.
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