Blender Applink installation walkthrough | Ctc_nick

[Ctc_nick]

Hi. This is a short summary to get Applink working for Blender. 

 

If you have a brand new 3dCoat version, (compare the date and) copy COATs Applink from:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C:\Program Files\3DCoat-2023\data\ToolsPresets\InstallAppLinks\Blender\files

----------(please modify the this path for yourself, example look for "3dCoat-2024", as copy and paste would not work in this case)

 

to your Blender Folder: ..\blender\(version)\scripts\addons\io_coat3D\. For installed Blender versions this is in the Roaming folder.

The versions shipped with 3DCoat are likely newer -->new features. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.  Right now April 2024, there is no need for the forked version.

2. There are a lot of folders for Applink. I try to clarify the dependencies in the Image. The most important file/folders seem to be 

->'documents\3DC2Blender\exchange_folder.txt'

->'documents\Applinks\3D-Coat\Exchange\' 

Look If you have the same or similar folders. If Applink is not working, then one of the files is maybe pointing to wrong or outdated direction.

3. Open Blender and make sure 3DC Plugin is enabled. Then look on the right for scene properties. There you can set the exchange Folder, which should be:

C:\Users\'Username'\Documents\Applinks\3D-Coat\Exchange\. The other 'Object/Texture' Field can be left empty.

4. Open 3DCoat, we take Modelling Room.

5. Back in Blender select the fancy Cube. In the 3D View 'Applink Window' select 'Retopo mesh as new layer' and Send.

6. In 3D Coat you should now see the placement arrow. Scale it Up or Down to see if something arrived in Coat and hit Apply. There should now be a new layer named '__something'.

 

7. If you get so far then there should be 'Export to Blender' under File. If 3DCoat asks for a filename it is working. The Folder should already be 'ApplinkObjects'.

8. Choose Name and use fbx format.

9. In Blender hit 'GetBack' from Retopo

* 10. On new versions the last step changed a little. Before had send the mesh from Blender to 3DCoat, to get Getback applink working, you need to use this command first: File > Open in external app.
Do not use Export to Belnder and then GetBack.

 

This should be it for now. I hope it works!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Export to Blender missing?

Have a look:

Check my 3Dcoat Script for this: Blender_Export_to_Button.as

or install it as 3dcpack:

Blender_Export_to_Button.3dcpack 

Then 'run script' from Menu in \Documents\3DCoat\UserPrefs\Scripts. 

Its function is displayed in the linked post, it makes the missing folders and files. 

I've tested it sucessfully.

Edited just now by Ctc_nick

 

 

 

 

[Ctc_nick]

1/1 Import/Export Scale Applink

-------------------------------------------------------

I examined the Blender Applink to work with the Modelling/Retopo and Sculptroom. Under some circumstances it does speed up the workflow, when you iterate a lot between the 2 Programs. Its nice and more precise not to have to scale up every object send to 3dcoat. Otherwise I would just say blender works with meters, and 3dcoat works best with millimeters as native unit. 

 

1. If you have a newer 3dCoat, copy the new Applink Version from: C:\Program Files\3DCoat2023\data\ToolsPresets\InstallAppLinks\Blender\files

to your Blender Folder: ..\blender\(version)\scripts\addons\io_coat3D\. For installed Blender versions this is in the Roaming folder.

 

2.The File:  ..\blender\(version)\scripts\addons\io_coat3D\__init__.py, only 2 Values have to be set, blenders export and import scale:

depending on what you have set in the 'fbx Export Settings'  in 3DCoat:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Work in Millimeters:

In Line 741 set Scale to 10                                                                    (bpy.ops.export settings; this sets blenders fbx export scale 1:1 to 3DCoat)

(in new Applink 4.9.34 2023, this is line 783)

In Line 1166 set Scale to 1 for mm, 0.01 for cm, or 0.001 for meters (bpy.ops.import_scene; this sets Blenders fbx import scale from 3dCoat)

(in new Applink 4.9.34 2023, this is line 1208)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Work in Meters: (if Measuring Tool also set to Meters)

Line   741: Global Scale 0.01  (in new Applink 4.9.34 2023, this is line 783)

Line 1166: Global Scale  1      (in new Applink 4.9.34 2023, this is line 1208)

 

->Reload the Blender Plugin (untick and tick is enough)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sculptroom for default units: Blender Meter /  3Dcoat mm (a.e. make a box with 30mm= 0.030m gives a box in coat with 30mm and vice versa)

Always check 'import without voxilation', if you do not want a 2 meter cube filled with native-size voxels.

Before Export to 3DCoat use 'apply Scale' to (1,1,1)

Please note when you export from other rooms that the second line applies globally. I'll check that some other time.

If you need a differend setup you can always copy back the original files.

Hope that helps!

 

Edited February 27, 2023 by Ctc_nick
more detailed instructions

[Metin Seven]

I thought to add a bit of info I posted over at the Blender Artists forum:

I found this in my personal 3DC notes. Maybe it's of use:

─ Also see the attached screenshot compilation. ─ 

Use the 3DCoat Applink to exchange between 3DC and Blender:

There's a version that ships with Blender and a fork by Mifth:

https://github.com/mifth/mifthtools/tree/master/blender/addons/2.8/io_simple_3dcoat

To match Blender's meter scale, change the Preferences ➔ Viewport ➔ Fixed Scene Scale to 100, and set MeasureUnits to Meters. Beware though: this can cause very dense primitives in 3D Coat.

Press Export in Blender to send the mesh to 3D Coat.

Once you've worked on the model in 3D Coat, choose File ➔ Bring Voxels Back To App, then in Blender press Import.

Alternatively, you can use File ➔ Export Voxel Mesh To ➔ Blender.

There's also a Blender Artists thread dedicated to the 3D-Coat App Link:

https://blenderartists.org/t/3d-coat-applink-for-blender-2-8/1117068

[Carlosan]

2023 release notes:

- Blender AppLink updated to be able to exchange data with 3DCoat just from scratch install. So, just install 3DCoat, Blender, follow what 3DCoat tells (easy to follow) and then you may easily drop assets to Blender, including Factures. Compatibility with Blender 3.4 improved.

[Carlosan]

  

On 2/25/2023 at 7:18 AM, Ctc_nick said:

Hello.

To anyone who is missing the 'Export to: Blender' Button in 3DCoat 2023

For it to work you need to have a folder called 'Blender' in the Exchange folder. I had to setup Applink manually because of the portable Blender Versions. 

Have a nice day!

Bake: is an empty folder

extension.txt:  contains three letters 'fbx' without the quotes

preset.txt: contains 'Blender Cycles' without the quotes

run.txt and texture.txt are both empty.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have created a Script which makes the Files from 3d Coat Menu:Blender_Export_to_Button.as

Or install as 3dcpackBlender_Export_to_Button.3dcpack

Then 'run script' from Menu in \Documents\3DCoat\UserPrefs\Scripts. 

which contains this:
 

//by Ctc_nick 2023

void main(){
    string userFolder = homePath();    
    ModalDialog( "This Script creates the Folders which are needed for the Menu Option: Export to Blender.","Info");
    File  template(userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/bake/temp.txt" );
    template = "";
    template.remove();    
    File a( userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/extension.txt" );
    a = "fbx";    
    File b( userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/preset.txt" );
    b = "Blender Cycles";
    File c( userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/run.txt" );
    c = "";
    File d( userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/textures.txt" );
    d = "";    
    ModalDialog("Files and Folders created: "+ userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender. Please restart 3Dcoat now.","Please restart");
}

 

 

[Carlosan]

  

On 5/28/2022 at 1:37 PM, wendallhitherd said:

Hello! I was asked to mirror the process I found for un-borking my 3DCoat applink. Hopefully someone will find this helpful! Original post found here: 

From the jump:
"""

Hey there! I just finally got the applink to work, after a whole bunch of struggling. The main issue is that old versions of 3dcoat interfere with new ones. The secret is: 

- Delete every applink related folder out of my docs. both the app link and 3DC seems to write text files which contain path strings -- if any of these files contain a reference to an old directory either 3DC or blender will automatically recreate that old folder. In my case, every time I would launch Blender a "3DCoatV4" folder would be spawned

- Deleting every applink folder includes, in my case:
C:\Users\16042\Documents\3DC2Blender
C:\Users\16042\Documents\3DCoat-2021\Exchange (I renamed 3dcoat-2021 to 3dcoat-2021_old)
C:\Users\16042\Documents\3DCoat\Exchange
 

- Open 3DCoat and close it. This will respawn the 3DC exchange folder. (C:\Users\16042\Documents\3DCoat\Exchange)

- Open Blender and plug in the freshly spawned exchange folder to Blender plugin exchange path. I was able to leave the object / texture empty

- Send a Voxel object to 3DC. This will spawn C:\Users\16042\Documents\3DC2Blender folder.

- In 3DC, autopo, automap, and use "export to -> blender". As far as I can tell this will cause 3DC to spawn the C:\Users\16042\Documents\AppLinks\3D-Coat\Exchange\Blender folder. Choose any fbx name you want.

- Export preset should be either Blender Cycles or BlenderAppLink. I used BlenderAppLink

- Back in Blender, click the "GetBack" button. This will spawn the object exported from 3DC and hook up the PBR shader!

 

As a side note I think the applink code on the blender side is hardcoded to spawn 3D-CoatV4 folder, as it keeps popping up after I delete it when I use "get back" out of blender. Luckily it doesn't seem to interfere with anything so long as the initial setup is clean.

"""

 

[Carlosan]

On 4/26/2022 at 12:32 PM, Ctc_nick said:

Export to Blender missing?

Have a look:

Check my 3Dcoat Script for this: Blender_Export_to_Button.as

or install it as 3dcpack:

Blender_Export_to_Button.3dcpack 533 B · 17 downloads  

Then 'run script' from Menu in \Documents\3DCoat\UserPrefs\Scripts. 

Its function is displayed in the linked post, it makes the missing folders and files. 

I've tested it sucessfully.

Hi

Is this script upptodate ?

I think that looks outdated
File  template(userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/bake/temp.txt" );
    template = "";
    template.remove();    
    File a( userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/extension.txt" );
    a = "fbx";    
    File b( userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/preset.txt" );
    b = "Blender Cycles";

If it is out, will be nice to have a new version for 3DC2024, thanks !

[Ctc_nick]

On 5/29/2024 at 3:00 PM, Carlosan said:

Hi

Is this script upptodate ?

I think that looks outdated
File  template(userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/bake/temp.txt" );
    template = "";
    template.remove();    
    File a( userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/extension.txt" );
    a = "fbx";    
    File b( userFolder+"/AppLinks/3D-Coat/Exchange/Blender/preset.txt" );
    b = "Blender Cycles";

If it is out, will be nice to have a new version for 3DC2024, thanks !

Hi. The script was for when the button " Export To" is missing. The Script works, the Button is there, it exports. The Auto-reception in Blender does not work! Maybe someone from the staff could give some hint.   All the best!

Edited June 13 by Ctc_nick

[Carlosan]

Before had send the mesh from Blender23DC... to get Getback applink working, you need to use this command first  -not Export to- and then GetBack

[Ctc_nick]

11 hours ago, Carlosan said:

Before the mesh from Blender23DC... to get Getback applink working, you need to use this command first  -not Export to- and then GetBack

Oh this is confusing sorry. -Yes, Open in External App part is working!  But the "export to" works a little different.

It should: 1.ask for a filename, 2.popup in Blender.

But it doesn't.

[Carlosan]

  

On 8/1/2024 at 4:15 AM, Ctc_nick said:

Thank you for updating the Applink! The Getback/ "Export to" Button is working again!

-for the 'Export to' Button to work, you need to first send something from Blender, to wake the connection. After that it works.

 

There is one old path "addons/io_coat" in "tex.py" 

If you are interested I have prepared the file here:

All the Best.

 

[Rokosomak]

It's way too buggy right now.

After several attempts I finally made a single model to appear in 3DCoat (send from Blender) - it took several attempts to make it show up in the 3DC finally - randomly model appeared in 3D Coat, of course scale is off.

But now Get Back does not work at all - I'm switching back to Blender, having model selected I click on "Get Back" and nothing happens...

Blender 4.2

3D Coat 2025.25

Applink updated/enabled as per tutorials.

[Carlosan]

Hi

For win try this version, hope it help

https://projects.blender.org/Carlosan/io_coat3D/releases

[Rokosomak]

I don't understand - with Blender 4.2 comes "Add on" in version 5 - it does not work as above.

I tried also to install extension, which is in version 4.9 - officialy available to intstall - does not work, model does not appear in 3D Coat.

You're pointing to version 4.2... :thinking_face

[Carlosan]

Blender 4.2 comes by default with the old applink that works with version 4.1. That is wrong.

I told with Dalai Felinto about this issue.

Hi Carlosan,
> The best solution would be for Pilgway to self-host the extension [4]. That still allow for users to leverage update checks from Blender, as well as simpified repository installation.
Have you looked into this already? Because as much as we could keep updating the version there for the time being, this is short-lived and soon enough we will need to remove it from there.

The proper solution is for the 3D Coat community to download the add-on straight from your webpage.

> C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation\Blender 4.2\4.2\scripts\addons_core\io_coat3D
> Currently the bundled version that comes with 4.2 is v4.9.37 and is only compatible for v4.1 and earlier.

So 3DC 2024.25 install automatically the working applink version when you install the latest release.

Blender 4.2 and 3DC 2024.25 are both new versions that need more improvements, we need to wait Blender 4.2.1 and 3DC 2024.26 to test the new features and bug fixed.