Playblast (Blender Addon)

Motivation

When animating a shot, usually is needed to make a playblast video to know that everything is fine, especially regarding of timing. But blender doesn't handle the final render output and the opengl-render output separately. For this reason it is likely that you are constantly changing the parameters for each case. To solve this problem I have created this addon.

How does this addon help you?

This addon will allow you to define a default behavior to perform playblasts quickly, without worrying about a lot of unnecessary settings every time.

Usage

Simply configure the behavior that suits your needs only once, in the addon preferences. The rest is just the touch of a button whenever you need it.

Installation

1. Download the zip file.

2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Addons > Install. And select the zip file on your computer.

3. Activate the addon with the checkbox.

4. Modify the addon preferences as needed.

5. Save the preferences.

Addon Preferences

This addon has a lot of preferences. This will allow you not to have to configure the output, format, codecs, resolution, etc, every time. Enjoy it!

Known Issues

• At least in the initial version you can't cancel rendering. Please save your file always, and wait patiently for the task to finish.

• The h264 codec requires you to work with resolutions divisible by 2. Pay attention to your resolution in width and height. Anyway if the resolution does not match I have automated a solution! :D (only when "resize method" preference is active).

• Currently Blender's internal player has some problems with audio playback. If you experience this type of problem, I recommend setting up an external player, such as VLC, which is free and open source (https://www.videolan.org).

Setting up an external player

Changelog

Version 1.1.0

• Shortut CTRL+SHIFT+F12 is added for Playblast operator.

• Added a new operator for replay the last playblast, also with CTRL+SHIFT+F11 (If you change the addon-prefs you will have to make the playblast again, to be able to replay).

• Added a new operator for quickly create an "Turnaround-Camera".

Version 1.2.0

• New operator for open the folder that contains the playblast with the operative-system file browser (eg. Windows Explorer, Linux Nautilus, etc.).

Version 1.3.0

• New UI, now all the addon utilities coexist in a popover. You can show this popover in two locations.

• New operator for open Addon Preferences.

• New operators for add version suffixes.

• New quick settings options for override some preferences.

• Addon preferences now are more compact, and it brings some new options.

FAQ

Q: How does this addon work under the hood?

A: This addon uses the native options of "Viewport OpenGL Render Animation". But it allows keeping the playblast settings separate from the final render settings.

Q: The settings will be saved or do I have to configure them in each file?

A: Don't worry. The settings will be saved with the version of blender you are using. Once you configure it, you only have to touch one button to launch the playblast.

Addon Preferences Documentation

Output

Folder and Subfolder

Choose between saving the playblast in the same folder as the blend file, choosing a system folder, or simply keeping the file's output settings. And also choose if you want a subfolder and define the name you want.

Prefix

Define a prefix based on the blend file name, or create a custom prefix and separator for the name of your playblast files.

Video Settings

Choose the format, container, codecs, etc. that best suits your needs.

Supported Options

Format: FFmpeg video, AVI raw, AVI jpeg.

Container: MPEG-4, AVI, Quicktime, Matroska.

Video Codec: H264, QT RLE Animation.

Audio Codec: MP3, AAC.

Keyframe interval.

Resize

You probably prefer to render the playblast in a lower resolution than the final render. You can choose a percentage or a maximum height. Or just leave the options as they are in your file.

Stamp Metadata

You can enable the stamp metadata and define a new font size.

Show Environment

This option disables the film-transparent render settings.

Overlays

You can hide all the overlays or, if you need it, only the bones.

Show UI Buttons

This options allow you to decide where to display the playblast button. On context menu (right click), or 3D View Main Menu, where you can also choose to leave only the icon without text.

Behavior

...And finally, this is the last option, you can disable autoplay.