[Logo: Blender]

Blender#

This plugin integrates Prism into Blender.

Supported versions: 2.8+ (Python 3.7+)

Setup#

The plugin can be installed from the Prism Hub. After the plugin is installed, the Prism integration needs to be added to the Blender installation folder. This can be done in the Prism User Settings -> "DCCs apps".

The main Blender installation folder should be selected for the integration path (with different version numbers possible): C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation\Blender 4.2

Accessing Prism in Blender#

Prism is available inside Blender from the "Prism" menu in the main menu bar.

../../_images/blender_menu.jpg
The menu contains options to:
  • save and version up your scene

  • save, version up your scene and add a description/thumbnail

  • open the Project Browser

  • open the State Manager to import/export files

  • open the Prism Settings

Saving Scenefiles#

You can save new scenefile versions using the options in the Prism menu or by opening the Project Browser and selecting "Create new version from current" in the context menu in the "Scenefiles" tab.

../../_images/blender_saveVersions.jpg

Importing Objects#

To import objects from your Prism project into Blender you can open the State Manager from the Prism menu, expand the "Import" section and click the "Import" button.
The Product Browser will open where you can select and import a product version by double clicking it.
Alternatively you can also rightclick a product version in the Project Browser and select "Import".
../../_images/blender_import.jpg

Exporting Objects#

To export objects from Blender into your Prism project you can open the State Manager from the Prism menu and click the "Export" button in the "Export" section.
This will create an export state where you can set your export settings and define which objects to export.
You can then use the "Publish" button at the bottom of the State Manager to execute the state and export your objects.
../../_images/blender_export.jpg
The exported product version can be found in the "Products" tab in the Prism Project Browser.

Creating Playblasts#

To create and save a playblast you can open the State Manager from the Prism menu.
In the "Export" section click the "Playblast" button to create a "Playblast" state.
When the state is selected you can set the playblast settings on the right side in the State Manager.
You can then use the "Publish" button at the bottom of the State Manager to execute the state and create a playblast of your scene.
../../_images/blender_playblast.jpg
The playblast can be found in the "Media" tab in the Prism Project Browser.

Rendering#

To render your scene and save it to disk you can open the State Manager from the Prism menu.
In the "Export" section click the "Render" button to create a "Render" state.
When the state is selected you can set the render settings on the right side in the State Manager.
You can then use the "Publish" button at the bottom of the State Manager to execute the state and create a render of your scene.
../../_images/blender_render.jpg
The render can be found in the "Media" tab in the Prism Project Browser.

If you have the Deadline plugin installed you will see an option to submit the render as a job to the Deadline render farm.

Scene Building#

Access

In Blender the Scene Building tool can be launched via the Project Browser:
Project Browser > Scenefiles tab > Files > Context menu > Build new Scene
Hint

Hold "Ctrl" and select "Build new Scene" to trigger a popup with all upcoming steps before execution.

Result

An initial scenefile "v0001" with the comment "Scene Building" has been created. During the building process, all configured steps - such as "Set Framerange", "Set FPS", and "Import Products" - will be applied.

Scene Building Settings

Available steps can be configured in the Project Settings:
Prism Settings > Project > Scene Building > Blender
[Scene Building - Blender Settings]
Hint

Additional steps can be added from the dropdown (1) list. Configure the step settings (Edit Settings...) using the "wheel" (2) icon. Enable or disable existing steps via the checkbox (3). Right-click any existing step to access options for removing it ("Remove") or changing its order (Move Up/Move Down).

Blender Steps

The following Scene Building steps and their respective settings are available in Blender:

Set Shot Framerange:

Description:

In cases where the defined shot framerange does not align with that of the scene, the scene framerange will be updated.

Apply to task:

Specifies the Entity, Department, or Task for which the step should be executed.
The default selection is *-*-*, meaning the step applies to all.

Framerange to apply:

The framerange can be set based on the Shotrange or on the Shotrange + Handles.
The default selection is Shotrange.

Set FPS:

Description:

If the defined shot FPS differs from FPS of the scene, the scene FPS will be updated.

Apply to task:

Specifies the Entity, Department, or Task for which the step should be executed.
The default selection is *-*-*, meaning the step applies to all.

Set Resolution:

Description:

In case the defined shot resolution does not align with the resolution of the scene, the scene resolution will be synced.

Apply to task:

Specifies the Entity, Department, or Task for which the step should be executed.
The default selection is *-*-*, meaning the step applies to all.

Import Products:

Description:

If products with tags are available, they will be imported automatically.

Apply to task:

Specifies the Entity, Department, or Task for which the step should be executed.
The default selection is *-*-*, meaning the step applies to all.

Ignore Master Versions:

This can be enabled to import the latest product version instead of the master version.
It is disabled by default.

Import Shot Cameras:

Description:

If a shot camera product exists, it will be imported automatically.

Apply to task:

Specifies the Entity, Department, or Task for which the step should be executed.
The default selection is *-*-*, meaning the step applies to all.

Run Code:

Description:

This step allows to run custom Python code.

Apply to task:

Specifies the Entity, Department, or Task for which the step should be executed.
The default selection is *-*-*, meaning the step applies to all.

Code:

The code field accepts custom Python code for execution.

Further Reading

Alongside the Blender specific information, additional details on Scene Building can be found on the Scene Building page.