Execute Geometry Node Group

a play button in the Node Editor header that executes the currently open Geometry Node group on the active object.

the problem

to run even a trivial experimental node group, the standard workflow requires at minimum 4 clicks of setup: create a Tool node tree, set Types, set Modes, then find the tool in the 3D Viewport menu. as you add more Node Tools, the menu grows and becomes harder to navigate. Asset Catalogs help organize it, but do not reduce the click count.

this kills focus when you are exploring, debugging, or just trying an idea. you want "idea to execution" to be as seamless as possible, with no setup cost every time you iterate.

if you are building a Node Tool library, the loop adds up fast: edit nodes, switch to 3D Viewport, open menu, scroll, click, check result, repeat.

the solution

this add-on places a single play button (▶) directly in the Node Editor header. click it to execute whatever Geometry Node group is currently open — no menus, no Tool flag required, nothing else.

crucially, you do not even need to create a Tool node tree. create any node group in whatever editor mode is open (Modifier or Tool), enter it, and press the button. if the idea works out, set everything up properly afterward — Tool flag, Types, Modes, Asset — only when it is actually worth it.

binding it to a keyboard shortcut makes this even faster: the operator is not coupled to any specific node group, it executes whatever is currently open. one keybind, set once, works everywhere.

usage

1. open any Geometry Node group in the Node Editor.
2. click the ▶ button in the header bar.

to bind a shortcut: open your keymap settings, and in "3D View" > "3D View (Global)" add new keybind with operator node.doblux_geometry_node_group_execute.

limitations

• requires both a Node Editor and a 3D Viewport to be visible.

compatibility

Blender 4.5, 5.0.

more addons and scripts

i occasionally post free scripts and addons at Blender Artists: https://blenderartists.org/u/danoak/activity

my professional addons at Patreon shop: https://www.patreon.com/c/danoak/shop