VectArt - SVG Import & Layer Management for Blender

Overview

VectArt is a Blender addon that enhances SVG file management and curve manipulation. It provides an intuitive interface for importing SVG files, organizing them in layers, and managing curve properties with real-time updates.

Features

SVG Library Management

• Organized SVG file browser with thumbnails
• Quick import of SVG files from library
• Custom library path configuration
• Library refresh functionality
• SVG preview system

Layer Management

• Create and manage multiple layers for curves
• Individual layer settings for:
  • Scale
  • Extrude height
  • Z-offset
• Layer visibility toggles
• Layer reordering
• Batch operations on layers

Selection Tools

Right-click menu provides quick access to:

• Select all curves in active collection
• Select curves in specific layers
• Select all meshes in scene
• Select meshes in active collection
• Focus view on selected objects

Curve Properties

• Global settings for all curves:
  • Base height
  • Layer spacing
  • Bevel depth
  • Bevel resolution
  • Cyclic option
• Live update support for real-time property changes

Grouping Tools

• Create empty parent objects
• Customizable empty types
• Automatic naming system
• Size control for empty objects

Initial Setup

1. Set your SVG library path in the addon preferences
2. Configure default settings if needed
3. Refresh the library to load your SVG files

Usage

Importing SVG Files

1. Open the VectArt panel in the 3D View sidebar (N-panel)
2. Browse your SVG library using the preview thumbnails
3. Select an SVG file and click "Import Selected SVG"
4. Adjust import settings as needed

Layer Management

1. Create new layers using the "Add Layer" button
2. Assign curves to layers
3. Adjust layer properties:
   • Scale
   • Extrude height
   • Z-offset
4. Toggle layer visibility
5. Reorder layers using up/down arrows

Selection Tools

1. Right-click in the 3D viewport
2. Choose VectArt Selection from the menu
3. Select desired selection operation

Converting to Mesh

1. Select the layers you want to convert
2. Click "Convert to Mesh"
3. Confirm the operation

Global Settings

Layer Settings

• Base Height: Sets the starting Z position for layers
• Layer Gap: Defines spacing between layers
• Bevel Depth: Controls curve bevel depth
• Bevel Resolution: Sets bevel quality
• Use Cyclic: Toggles closed/open curves

Empty Object Settings

• Empty Type: Choose type of empty object
• Empty Name: Set naming convention
• Empty Size: Control display size

Tips & Tricks

1. Use live updates for real-time preview of changes
2. Group related curves using empty objects
3. Organize SVGs in collections for better management:

• Create main folder named SVGs Collections
• Create subfolder named from your collection category: Company Logo Collection, Social Media Collection.
• In the preferences on the addon choose your main collections
• Click on refresh, dropdown menu now show your collection subfolders.
• Choose SVG in Preview Panel, and voila!

4. Use layer system for complex designs
5. Convert to mesh only when final result is achieved

Requirements

• Blender 4.0 or newer
• Supported operating systems:
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

Known Issues

• Large SVG files may take longer to generate previews
• Live updates might slow down with many curves

Support

For issues and feature requests, please use the GitHub issue tracker.

License

["SPDX:GPL-3.0-or-later",]

Credits

Created by [Dream-Pixels-Forge, Dimona Patrick]