Transform Tools for Blender
Advanced gizmo control & precision transformations.
Transform Tools Addon enhances object manipulation in Blender using custom 3D gizmos for precise transformation control. It works closely with Blender's core tools.
Latest update 0.9.5:
This update introduces new features and workflow improvements.
New Features
Guided Create & Transform Operator: A new all-in-one button that guides you through creating both gizmos and then immediately presents a pie menu to apply a transformation.
Multi-Transform Mode: A new section for advanced sequential transformations.
Build a list of target gizmos from objects or mesh components using the Add button.
Provides unique visual feedback (thin blue lines for targets, hides Previous Gizmo) to make the current mode clear.
New Transformation Operators:
Rotate: A dedicated operator to apply only the rotation between gizmos.
Scale: A dedicated operator to apply only the scale difference between gizmos.
Apply to Selection: A new utility to set a selected object's transform directly to the Active Gizmo's state.
Constrained Scale to: A new mode in the Constrained Transforms section, allowing you to scale an object from a pivot point towards a target.
Improvements & Changes
Get from selected Overhaul:
Vertex Logic: Now uses a sophisticated hierarchy to find a stable orientation: Connected Faces > Connected Edges > Object Axis.
Averaging: When multiple elements are selected (e.g., several faces), it now calculates the average of all their individual transforms to create a single, unified Active Gizmo.
Align Operator: Replaced the old dropdown with three direct buttons (Align X, Align Y, Align Z) for faster access.
Constrained Transforms Logic:
Both the Constraint and Target now use the same flexible axis-selection method (1 axis = line, 2 axes = plane, 0/3 = center/auto).
Redo Last Menu (F9) Enhancements
Individual Scale Axes (X/Y/Z): A new feature allowing you to toggle scaling on specific axes after an operation.
In Object Mode, it scales along the object's local axes.
In Edit Mode, it scales along the gizmo's axes, allowing for complex shearing and deformation.
Dynamic UI (Extrude/Instance): The Redo menu now swaps between showing the Extrude option (in Edit Mode) and the Instance option (in Object Mode).
Core Features:
Flexible Gizmo Definition: Define transformation origins and targets accurately. Create gizmos automatically from selections, interactively using Blender's 3D cursor, or update them based on existing elements.
Interactively craft custom 3D gizmos with precise control. watch: Interactive Gizmo Creation
Quickly generate gizmos from existing selections. Watch Automatic Gizmo Creation
Dual-Gizmo Transformations: Apply a transformation between the two gizmo states, using modes for full transform (location, rotation, scale), specific axis alignment, or location only.
Constrained Transforms: Execute transformations where selections move or rotate from the 3D Cursor position along specified direction towards calculated intersection point on target line, plane, or center derived from the gizmo setup.
Advanced Options: Includes interpolation, duplication, edit-mode extrusion, axis flipping, and count repetition.
Gizmo Management: Provides tools to swap, copy/paste, undo/redo gizmo states, and control visibility.
Independent Custom Orientation: Use the Active gizmo as a custom transform orientation for standard Blender transform tools like Move, Rotate, Scale, etc.
Watch all feature demonstrations in our Blender: Transform Tools Addon - Feature Demonstrations - YouTube
Workflow:
The addon operates by defining the 'Previous' (start) and 'Active' (end) gizmo states, then applying transformations based on these states. This system facilitates precise pose-to-pose adjustments and complex constrained operations. It integrates with Blender's 3D Cursor for placement and initiating constrained actions.
Supports Blender versions 3.6 through 4.4 and future 4.x LTS releases.