IE-AutoSpriter-

Infinity Engine AutoSpriter is a Blender add-on that automates sprite creation from creature animations.

This is a work in progress and an beta release. This means that most things are implemented, but the add-on is still subject to heavy changes. Use this add-on with caution!!

Please use the latest release version instead of the latest commit.

This is also a learning project focused on my personal use and interest. Suggestions are welcome!

Note

• Before rendering all animations in all directions, start with just one animation and one direction to see if everything works correctly.
• The latest version of IE Autospriter for Blender 4.0 can be found in the branch "v0.36.3-legacy-for-blender4.0".
• Further versions will be implemented and tested on newer Blender 4.5.5 LTS. This also includes the manual.

Beta Version:

• May not work or only work under special conditions.
• May not work due to missing information in the manual.
• May contain issues for various reasons.
• I am not a Blender or Blender API expert, so this may also cause issues.
• Currently only rudimentary tested with Blender 4.5.5 LTS version.
• The focus of the beta phase will be mainly on bug fixing.
• Here you will find the currently known issues that will be fixed in the beta phase.

Performance

The 4.5.5 LTS blend save files contain the appropriate settings.

Render engine "Cycles":

• Not tested on Blender 4.5.5 LTS
• Rendering a frame took 0.8 to 1 seconds (tested in blender 4.0)

Render engine "EEVEE":

• Not tested on Blender 4.5.5 LTS
• Rendering a frame took 0.05 seconds (tested in blender 4.0)

Discussion

• Beamdog Forums
• G3 Forums
• GitHub

Key Features

• Keeps parameters in a Blender file (reduces workflow)
• Automated rendering
• Provides steps for better usability
• Provides many useful parameters
• To make it work on higher Blender versions

Guides

The functions are explained in detail in the manual.

• manual.pdf
• Please note that the demos are not intended as an ideal guide or tutorial. They are intended ONLY to demonstrate/test the features of IE Autospriter.

Operating Systems

• Windows 11
• May also work on other platforms since Python is a platform-independent language

Languages

• English

Special Thanks

Thanks to "The Gibberlings 3" forum users, "Artisan's Corner" discord server users, SHS discord server users and Infinity Engine discord server users who helped me with hints and information:

• The Artisan
• CamDawg
• Argent77
• exhuman
• moggadeet
• Bubb
• lynx
• skellytz

Sources and Learning Materials

• INI file format: Creature Animations
• Avatar Naming Schemes
• IE-Animations by Artemiusl
• education/175-Blender-Properties by PageKey
• Your Own Operator | Scripting for Artists [8] by Blender
• Render 8 Direction Animated Sprites in Blender with Python by FozleCC
• Blender documentations by Blender
• Blender Rendering Optimization Tips by Ryo
• Expressions in Blender 3D by ukramedia
• Creating radio buttons in the Blender add-ons interface by Nikita
• Add a Predefined Meta-Rig by blender
• Make Animals In Blender 3 - The Easy Way by Grant Abbitt (Gabbitt)
• Make a Detailed Sword in Blender :Topology Tips & Hard Surface Techniques by Grant Abbitt(Gabbitt)
• Create Low Poly Characters in Blender (Beginner Tutorial) by Ryan King Art
• How to Grow Tendrils Over Any Object (Blender Tutorial) by Pixel Me That
• A Different approach to making FIRE in Blender! by Kenan Proffitt
• Blender 4.0 RIGIFY ＃6-1: Custom Rigs (theory) by CGDive (Blender Rigging Tuts)
• Color difference by Wikipedia