Extensions and Addons

In 3DCoat (specifically 2024 and newer), extensions and addons are managed to extend functionality, allowing users to integrate custom scripts, shaders, tools, and content packages (.3dcpack).

Accessing Extensions (Windows Menu)

To open the extension manager, go to the main menu and select:
Windows > Panels > Extensions

• Launch Extensions: Click the “Start” button within the panel.
• Auto-Launch: Check the box to have an extension launch automatically with 3DCoat.
• Requirements: Note that some extensions may require an active internet connection on the first launch to install necessary Python modules

Installing Extensions (.3dcpack)

You can install extension packages, which may contain shaders, textures, alphas, smart materials, or scripts.

Since 3DCoat 2024, there is a dedicated Addons menu for managing scripts.

• Addons Menu: Follows the folder structure in the UserPrefs/Addons/ folder.
• Customization: You can add your own scripts, submenus, and create redistributable packages directly within this menu.

Scripting and Technical Details

• Location: User extensions are generally located in the user’s documents folder, specifically UserPrefs/Scripts/cExtension.
• Python: The system supports both CoreAPI and Python scripts.
• Troubleshooting: If an extension requires a Python module not present, you may see a red message in the status bar during installation.
• Blender AppLink: The io_coat3D module is a common extension; if it fails, check the user preferences and the extension’s official site for updates.

Tutorials

Mouse Test Example: This is an example of an extension that displays information about both the mouse and cursor. This example shows how to write an extension, how to display information about the mouse and cursor, how to display the information in the viewport, and how to add a menu item with its own function. (You can assign a hotkey to a menu item you created by hovering your mouse over it and pressing the END button.)