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Wiki Last Updated: 21-06-06
What is keKit?
- keKit provides options for tweaking Blender for speed & custom workflows.
- The add-on contains dozens & dozens of scripts; tools, macros and pie-menus etc. in an all-in-one collection.
- At your discretion: Use what you want - the rest will be there when you need them!
How do I use it?
Download & Install
Check the download page for download & installation instructions.
That page also contains the latest release log, for the most up to date changes.
Manage your own Hotkeys
As many of the scripts are often intended to replace default hotkeys, there is no hotkey map.
Such solutions are common with other (more special purpose) add-ons, but this is not feasible for a general hotkey map (there's a LOT of scripts). The core idea here is that you manage your own customization.
(Exporting/Importing keyconfigs)
Exception: The Shading Pie Menu has a custom class operator with a preset hotkey (for you to change).
Some features require mouse position or other viewport action, so I recommend assigning a temporary (unused) hotkey for features you want to try out first.
- Mouse-hover over each script in the kit in Blender for tool-tip description pop-ups.
- Right Mouse Button Menu to set hotkeys on kit panel items.
Search
Just browser search (CTRL-F) on this page to find specific items.
FEATURES
Main Panel
Preferences
▢ Saves current kit settings to a JSON file in your user folder /scripts. Global, persistent and easily transferrable.
Remember to always save the kit prefs if you want them to be the "default".
The kit prefs does not contain hotkeys: You manage your own keyconfig in blender preferences)
Note: You also have some settings in Add-on preferences (Blender Preferences / Add-ons / keKit) where some Blender integration options will be found. E.g: Colors on keKit modal operator UI text, for example.
Update Notification
This icon will be displayed when a new version of keKit is available for download. Click the icon for a link to the update page. Update manually as instructed.
Note: The check is performed at Blender Start-up
Direct Mode Switching
▢ Direct Mode Switch - Go directly to Vertex, Edge, Face or Object mode, regardless if currently in Edit or Object Mode.
(Hotkey ex: 1,2,3,4)
▢ Mouse Over Option - For DMS; Select & switch to desired mode on any mesh you hover the mouse over.
▢ Space Toggle - Switches Edit & Object Mode when the mouse is over nothing (empty viewport area).
Copy & Paste Ops
▢ Cut+, Copy+ and Paste+ will temporarily store elements so you can quickly cut+/copy+ them into another mesh in Edit Mode with paste+ (or the same mesh if you like).
Update:
- Now works in Object Mode, either merging the cache or pasting into new mesh (toggle button sets behaviour).
- If you copy an object in object mode; blenders "copy object" will be used, as well as "paste object" if the copy+ cache is empty.
▢ Extract&Edit, Copy&Extract&Edit - Cut/copy elements into a new Object set in Edit Mode.
▢ Itemize, DupeItemize - Cut/copy elements into a new Object using the Active Face or Active Edge for rotation (as new bottom). VIDEO
Get & Set Ops
▢ Get & Set Edit Mode - Selects object under the mouse pointer and switches selection to Edit Mode. VIDEO
- "Extend" variant will extend the selection (multi-object editing)
- "Element Mode Pick" toggle will set the edit mode to the type of element directly under the mouse (vert, edge or face)
▢ Get & Set Material - Grabs material from any object's face under the mouse pointer and applies it to the current selection. VIDEO
Render Visible
Render Image of only what is currently visible in the viewport - Regardless of outliner object render toggles.
Optional: Toggle for using Slot Cycling.
(Temporarily sets render-toggles & uses a modal-timer hack to enable visible render progress.)
Render Image Slot Cycle
Render Image to the first empty render slot (supports any nr of slots*).
Wrap toggle off:No overwrites, you will be notified when all slots are full.
Toggle on: Start step cycle over existing starting from slot 1.
* Tip: You can add extra slots in the render window + save startup scene as default (Set Slot 1 as active!)
BG Sync
Sync the Viewport Preview shading EXR to world render
(incl. built in EXR's) with rotation and strength values.
It will file/node-manage for you, and reuse when possible. Like this.
It is also available in the extended shading pie.
Quick Measure
Contextual Measurement Tool by type of selection. VIDEO
Vertex - Two modes: BBox dimensions of selection or Distance between 2 verts. Update: You can now select any number of verts to calc distance between (shift select not needed). Clear if garbage data is cached. Video.
Edge - Each Edge's length and combined length.
Face - BBox dimensions of selection.
XY Area: Displayed in BBox dimension modes.
Round Snap: Built in snapping feature.
Freeze Mode: Stores selection for partial changes to whole.
QM FreezeMode - QM starts in freeze mode. VIDEO
Bookmarks
Cursor Bookmarks
▢ Store Cursor - Saves Cursor Loc & Rot into slot.
▢ Use Cursor - Uses stored Cursor Loc & Rot from slot.
Default/Blank Slot is the reset Cursor position (0 loc, 0 rot)
To Clear Slot: Assign reset Cursor position.
View Bookmarks
▢ Store View - Saves current View transform into slot.
▢ Use View- Uses stored View transform from slot.
▢ Get View- Grabs current View transform (to input slot)
▢ View Input - Copy/Paste View data. Mail your coworker.
▢ Set View- Applies View transform (from input slot)
To Clear slot:
Use stored view, dont move view, store in same slot.
Added - Cycle View Bookmarks. As the name suggests.
Snapping Combos
▢ Bookmarks the current snapping settings to store in 4 slots. Hotkey the stored slots (1-4) or use the snapping pie menu.
- The combo tools are located in the regular snapping menu (not the kit panel) ➔
- The Snapping Combos can be renamed (for the pie menu) in the Bookmarks panel.
Orientation & Pivot Combos
Set up 4 combo-operators that will set Orientation & Pivot to your most commonly used combinations.
▢ O & P Operator (Assign Hotkey and/or use in pie menu)
▢ Set Orientation & Pivot for OPC1 Object Mode.
▢ Set Orientation & Pivot for OPC1 Edit Mode.
Update: You can now rename the Combos (for the pie menu)
Select & Align Panel
Cursor Fit & Align
Edit Mode :
- Snap Cursor to selected elements and orient it to FACE/VERT/EDGE selection for cursor rotation/location.
- No selection = Cursor reset
Object Mode:
- Pointing over ANY object will just align the cursor to the face under the mouse, regardless of selections.
- 1 Object selected and pointing mouse over NOTHING will align cursor to the selected objects location & rotation.
- 2+ Objects selected and pointing mouse over NOTHING will align the cursor rotation/location to the vector (using Z) between two objects. Note: No selection order beyond 2.
- No object selected and mouse is over nothing resets Cursor.
Option : O&P Toggle - Sets Orientation & Pivot to Cursor.
(Release) VIDEO
Also availabe in pie menu.
Note: This is meant to supplement to standard cursor placement tool (which has snap-drag for offset, for example), not a complete replacement.
Quick Origin Move
Run grab tool for selected objects origin (in modal) to avoid having to set "Affect origin only" on and off.
- Auto Axis Variant : Will use Mouse Axis instead of default.
Align Object(s)
Align selected Object(s) Location/Rotation to:
- Cursor (Cursor Fit & Align recommended)
- Active Object
Align Origin(s)
Align selected objects' origin Location/Rotation to:
- Cursor (Edit & Object Mode)
- Selection: Selected element normal (Edit Mode)
- Sel.Loc: Selection Location average (Edit & Object Mode)
Align View
Align the viewport to:
- Cursor : Orthographic. Toggle (Run again to restore view)
(Cursor Fit & Align recommended for correct rotation)
- Selected : (Active) Orthographic. Toggle (Run again to restore view)
("Align View To Active" SHIFT-NUM7 replacement)
- Ortho Snap : Snaps view to nearest Ortho View. No toggle.
(Just rotate view off ortho)
Swap Places
Swap places (transforms) for two objects. loc, rot & scale. (Apply scale first if you dont want to swap scales.)
Straighten
Snap an objects rotation to the nearest 90 degree angles. Or custom degree override in the redo panel. (Also available in the Step Rotate Pie Menu)
Select Boundary+
Select Boundary ('region_to_loop') op that also sets one edge to Active. (Handy for scripts that need an Active edge.)
Select Inverted Linked
Inverts Edit Mode element selection - only on connected / linked mesh geo.
Ground or Center
Ground or Center selected elements or objects. Select process in redo panel ->
Options:
Custom Z: Set custom Z-pos as ground.
Raycast: Stops on collision down the Z axis. VIDEO
Unbevel
Removes beveled corners on meshes on non-continous edge loop(s). Start and end edges will determine the angle.
ZeroScale
Scales selection to zero (flatten on Z axis) using the cursor for location and rotation (Cursor Fit & Align recommended) IMAGE
Other ZeroScale variants are available in the pie menu.
Direct Loop Cut
Insert an edge loop on an edge at the mouse pointer. No selection needed (autoselects, with exceptions) VIDEO
Slide:
Uses built-in Edge Slide afterwards
Center Cuts:
With edge(s) selected & with the mouse over nothing or another object, a center-cut will performed
Multi-Cuts:
Center Cuts, as above, on all selected edges' edge rings.
Lmit Faces:
Selected faces (on the edge ring) will limit the cut to those faces. Point the mouse over intended starting edge (or near it in space for mid-cut). Note: This works on "checker-selected" faces too.
It also works on Loose Edges (select and point, or multi-cut as above)
BBox & Convex Hull
BBox: Generate mesh for the selection's Bounding Box.
Convex Hull: Generate a convex hull mesh for the selection.
Fit 2 Grid
▢ Snap each vert in selection to nearest grid position.
▢ Define grid spacing to use
Fit2Grid pie menus are available with preset grid sizes.
Linear Array
▢ Creates an array modifier in a line where instances are spaced automatically between start and end (where you point the mouse).
When used in Local Orientation the object rotation will be used. Global (or any other orientation) will apply rotation.
Update: Numerical input & adjustment (re-run on existing)
Radial Array
This is my circular array solution for Blender. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
(old) VIDEO
Panel toggle : Use Automatic arrange (as the video), or not.
UPD: Adjustment mode toggles (not modifier keys):
- X - Adjust radius
- Z - Adjust depth
- S - Adjust scale
- A - Numerical Input (for array count)
1,2,3,4,5 -(XZS) adjustment level - very fine -> large.
Numerical input mode works simultaneously with XZS.
Unrotator
Unrotates geo using active element as new 'bottom'
OR
Places selection to face normal/position on other mesh or object under mouse pointer (if different geo than selected)
Object Mode: Resets rotation or places on mouse over.
Update: Uses modal to temporarily use object face snap in object mode. LMB to place, RMB to cancel. Snap settings will be restored.
(bonus: ESC will place the object in center of the face first under the mouse)
Note: Rotation tweak (redo-panel) will not work if you move the viewport camera, and is not available after modal.
FitPrim
Creates (unit or unit+height) box or cylinder primitive based on element selection. (or face under mouse in Object Mode)
Vert Mode: Fits *along* 2 Selected verts.
Edge Mode: Fits *inbetween* selection/s.
Face Mode: Fits *on* selection/s."
Update: Plane Primitive is also available. VIDEO
Hotkey for fast operation, and/or use FitPrim Pie Menu
MouseFlip
Flip(resize) selection based on mouse position for direction,
and Orientation type selected. (recalculated)
Global: Flip using world origo
Local: Edit Mode: BBox mode global axis.
Object mode: BBox local mode, rotation w. Ind.Origins. Any other; not.
Normal: Edit Mode - Only takes the Active Element into account for rotation/center and auto-selects connected mesh.
Cursor: Uses the cursor for center, and rotation if Pivot is also set to CURSOR, otherwise cursor rotation is ignored.
MouseMirror
Mirror selection based on mouse position (for direction)
and Orientation type selected. (recalculated)
Global: Mirror using world origo
Local: Edit Mode: BBox mode global axis.
Object mode: BBox local mode, rotation w. Ind.Origins. Any other; not.
Normal: Edit Mode - Only takes the Active Element into account for rotation/center and auto-selects connected mesh.
Cursor: Uses the cursor for center, and rotation if Pivot is also set to CURSOR, otherwise cursor rotation is ignored.
Quick Scale
Set dimension (in current scene unit). Unit sized from chosen axis. Obj & Edit mode (selection)
E.g: Selected model needs to be exactly 1.835m on Z. Enter into length and hit Z (with unit size option on to avoid stretch).
Subd Tools
Subd Toggle
Toggle (modifier visibility) or Assign subd modifier if none exists, using the options. (To set up your subds exactly how you like them)
Set VP Level
Set viewport subd level on selected Object(s)
Set Render Level
Set render subd level on selected Object(s)
Step Viewport Level +/-
Set render subd level on selected Object(s) one step
MultiCut
Double-cut edge rings with optional middle cut. (Like Loop Cut combined with Offset Edge Slide for the ends) VIDEO
User customizable presets to use in the panel, as hotkeys or in the MultiCut Pie Menu.
The Presets will be named automatically based on the values (see screenshot -> )
or, use the "Manual Rename" button to name manually.
You can use relative (%) or fixed offset (in real measurements, like cm etc.) The one value will be used on both ends of the edge.
Note: Saving presets with fixed offset NOT zero will be saved as a fixed offset preset (Dont forget to save keKit prefs)
ID Materials Panel
ID Materials
Applies ID Material to Object(s) / Faces. Common baking utility. Notes: IMAGE
Also available in materials pie menu
Cleaning Tools Panel
Macro Mesh Clean
All the important cleaning operations in one click.
Customize options ->
Note: Edit or Object mode (also multiple objects)
Purge Tools
Purge specific unused data blocks - or All
Cleaning Selection Tools
▢ Select collinear verts (Edit Mode)
▢ Select geo by vert count in selected Object(s) in Edit or Object Mode. (Note: Ngons are 5+)
Context Tools Panel
TT Toggle
Transform Tools Toggles (the 3 icons) will set in which way the transform tools are launched: Default ("Grab" with or without handles) , Mouse Axis or ViewPlane Contextual.
TT Move, TT Rotate and TT Scale can then replace each standard transform tool hotkey.
TT Duplicate: Launches duplicate as per TT Mode.
TT Linked Global Toggle: Will make linked duplicates.
This will also affect Mouse Axis Dupe and VP Dupe.
The TT Mode (+Linked Global Toggle) can be also be set with viewport icons (but intended for shortcut assignment, with the icons just identifying the current mode) or with TT Mode Cycle. VIDEO
Note: Preferred scene default can be set by saving kekit prefs
To hide the viewport icons, check the "Hide" checkbox.
Mouse Axis Move / Rotate / Scale / Dupe
Runs Grab, Rotate or Resize with Axis auto-locked based on your mouse movement using recalculated orientation based on the selected Orientation type (except Gimbal). (recalculated)
Recalculated: Not the "current" Orientation, as it is not exposed and must be recalculated; If you set Normal Orientation from a face in Edit Mode and go back to Object Mode it will result in Local being used, for example. Only "fresh" orientations will behave as expected.
Dupe: Duplicates selection first. Intended for "drag to copy" operation. For example, hotkey assigned like THIS.
Move Cursor: Moves the cursor with Mouse Axis.
ViewPlane Contextual
Runs
▢ Grab ▢ Rotate or ▢ Resize with View Planes auto-locked based on your viewport rotation. VIDEO
▢ VDupeMove - duplicates selection before running Grab.
Options:
▢ Auto Global: Will always set Global transform.
Note: Overrides Global or Tool.
Global or Tool, runs
▢ Grab ▢ Rotate or ▢ Resize in auto locked view plane (like VPGrab etc.) when in Global transform - otherwise launches default transform tool. IMAGE
View Align Snap Contextual
View Align Selected Toggle if anything is selected - Otherwise just snaps the view to closest ortho (View Align Ortho Snap).
Context Bevel
Launches appropriate bevel tool by selection mode:
VERTS: Vertex bevel Tool
EDGES: Edge bevel
FACES: Inset. Has Ctrl-drag to extrude (effectively "Extrude Faces Along Normal" Tool)
Context Extrude
Launches appropriate extrude tool by selection mode:
VERTS: Vertex Extrude
EDGES: Edge Extrude
FACES: Face Extrude Normal (Region)
Update: Toggle for TT Toggle support for transform start mode.
Context Delete
Deletes elements by type by selection mode.
(VERTS, EDGES or FACES)
Update: Toggle for hierarchy delete in Object mode.
Context Dissolve
Dissolves elements by type by selection mode.
(VERTS, EDGES or FACES)
Context Select
Performs different selection by selection mode:
EDGES: Loop select
POLYS: Linked select
VERTS: Select Border Edges on mesh, or Linked Select if no borders.
Intended for Double-click LMB: Assign dbl-click in preferences / hotkeys
Bridge or Fill
Bridge, except when ONE continous border edge-loop is selected: Grid Fill.
F2 mode: 1 EDGE or 1 VERT selected
Face Add Mode: with two edges (sharing a vert) or 3+ verts in vert mode.
Maya Connect
Edge / Face Mode selection: Subdivide
Vert Mode selection: Connect Verts
Triple Connect Spin
Vert Mode selection: Connect Verts (smart path or pair)
Edge Mode selection: Spin Edges
Face Mode selection: Triangulate
Frame All or Selected
Frame selection in View, or everything if nothing is selected
Context Slide
Alternative one-click option for double-G slide.
(Vert Slide in vertex mode, Edge slide in edge mode)
Pie Menu Panel
ke Pie Menus
Custom Pie Menus that either expands (and replaces) the default Blender counterparts, or tool-specific pie menus.
(old) VIDEO
Blender Default Pie Menus
Mainly to contrast & compare and hotkey reference.
[ Click pie menu thumbs below for zoom. May not be latest. ]
keSnapping
Snapping layout using built in snapping tools with an options panel +
Element Mix Combo: Verts, Edge, Edge Midpoints & Face snapping.
Update: Now expanded with complete snapping settings &
keFit2Grid
1cm to 1m preset values for Fit 2 Grid
keFit2Grid Micro
1micrometer to 1cm preset values for Fit 2 Grid
keOrientPivot
Orientation & Pivot panels + OPC combo slot 1-4
keShading
Shading pie replacement with extra options for quick access.
Note: Custom category operator, has a preset hotkey (CTRL-SHIFT-ALT-0), for you to change (RMB to assign something more useful)
keOverlays
Viewport shading pie for quick access.
All Edge Overays: Toggles the 4 edge shading modes at once.
All Overlays: Toggles all overlay options on or off.
Fous/Super Focus Mode: Toggles all overlays and UI on or off.
(old) VIDEO
keSnapAlign
Snap/Align menu replacement with more functionality.
+ Cursor Fit & Align
+ Align Origin to Selected / Cursor
+ Aign Object to Active / Cursor
+ Swap Places
+ Zero Scale V / H / Normal / Cursor:
Scales selected elements to axis nearest screen vertical or horizontal. Normal: Using active element as basis. Or cursor.
keFitPrim
Pie Menu for FitPrim operator.
keMaterials
Menu for ID Materials combined with Material Utils menu (if you have the Material Utils add-on enabled)
Update: Direct display of existing materials with automatic column sorting for large amounts of materials. IMAGE
Tip: Display cap can be set in Material Utils add-on prefs.
keStepRotate
Preset step rotations for selected object(s) in 45, 90 and 180 degrees based on viewport rotation. (World/Global only)
Also features "Clear Rotation" and "Straighten".
- Added Clear button for each axis
- Added mini standardrotation box
Extra
Add-on Prefs
A few general prefs in the default Blender add-ons preferences:
- kekit UI text element colors
Note: These are not saved in the kekit prefs, and do not contain hotkeys, with few exceptions. (Manage your hotkeys in shortcuts prefs)
Copyright © 2021 Kjell Emanuelsson