Quick Export is an addon that streamlines the process of exporting collections. Instead of manually making the desired collection active each time you want to export it and then navigating to the Exporters tab, you simply select an object within the collection you want to export. The addon automatically identifies if the active object is in a collection with exporters, if the active object is linked to multiple collections it prompts the user to select the desired collection, makes this collection active, and performs the export. All this in one or two clicks.
No changelog for this release.
This extension does not require special permissions.
@Dan-Gry. Hi! The addon does a bit more than just move the export button. When you press the button added by the addon, it checks if the active object is in a collection with an exporter. If the object is also linked to other collections with exporters, a popup will appear allowing you to choose which collection to export. The addon then automatically makes the selected collection active and exports it. Currently, each time you make a change, you have to find the collection containing the object, click on it to make it active, navigate to the Collection Properties tab, and then click the export all button. This addon simplifies the process and speeds up the export workflow a little bit. If there’s already a similar feature in Blender that accomplishes this, please let me know! It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve created something only to discover that a better solution already exists in Blender. :P
If I understand correctly, the added functions in this add-on is already present in default Blender with the new 4.2 Collection Exporter: https://www.blender.org/download/releases/4-2/#:~:text=Collections%20can%20now%20specify%20their%20own%20exporters%2C%20making%20it%20easier%20to%20repeatedly%20export%20assets%2C%20such%20as%20glTF%20or%20USD%20for%20studio%20pipelines.
https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/scene_layout/collections/collections.html#exporters
@Dan-Gry, I feel we are not understanding each other. If you're referring to the "Export All Collections" option in the file menu, my add-on serves a different purpose. I’m looking for a way to quickly export individual export collections, not all export collections at once. Also, my add-on is built on top of the new feature you linked. So, you're right that it doesn't introduce anything new it simply streamlines the existing process. :)
Currently, exporting a single collection in Blender 4.2 requires several steps. First, you need to visually locate and select the collection you want to export, which takes one click. Then, you have to open the Collection Properties tab, which is another click, and finally, click "Export All," adding up to three clicks in total, plus the time spent searching for the right collection. My add-on streamlines this process by eliminating the need to search for the collection manually.
For example, when testing how different subdivisions look in a game engine, I’m often in the Modifier Properties tab. With my add-on, I can set the subdivision level, click the addons export button, and instantly see the changes in the engine. If I want to test a lower poly version, I can simply adjust the modifier and export again without switching back and forth between the Modifier tab and Collection tab on a repeat after every change.
This is the point of my add-on it saves time and simplifies the workflow. I don't think that it duplicates any functionality since I didn't find a way of doing this in pure blender 4.2. (Again I can be missing something so if you find where in blender 4.2 I can do this please let me know!) If you’re still unsure about its functionality, take a look at the init.py file to see how it works. It's a simple add-on, so I believe it’s easy to understand.
I also don't get it. You don't need to make collection active and navigate to "Collection" properties tab? There is icon right there in the outliner? What issue is this add-on trying to solve I'm confused?
@nickberckley The Problem: I need a quick way to export the entire collection that includes the selected object that I am editing, preferably with a single click for fast iteration. Is there currently a way to do this in vanilla Blender? Maybe I’m missing something, but I couldn’t find the button that you described in the Outliner to export the collection with a single click. I’m also thinking of moving the addons button to the Outliner, as it seems like a more logical place for it. Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback!
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Ready for review