← All ideas
  • Published 13 May 2019

Setting to Update existing file to use "Startup Blend" settings.

This could be useful in two scenarios:

  1. You make updates to your startup file; and get frustrated when opening older files which do not behave the same way as the files you have been most recently working on. (This is exacerbated with the new ability to limit specific plugins per workspace.) -As one example; you open an old file and suddenly a pie menu does not work as expected; because its not enabled.

  2. Someone sends you a file you did not create; and thus it is perhaps setup in a way completely foreign to your normal working environment.

Granted I know that I could open a new file, and append the data to it; but this would be a much improved time saver:

Imagine a menu item right under "Load Factory Settings", called: "Load Startup Settings" . . .

Any item that is part of your current startup blend file would be reflected in the currently open file:

  1. Workspaces (Keeps consistency across all files for the layout and UI theme of each workspace; as well as the plugin filtering.) *Edit: Another specific frustration of mine is how much time I spend telling blender to "swap location" of the header, (menu, snapping, shading options).

  2. Ensures keymaps and consistent, (including the "Favorites" menu).

  3. Binds default shading & overlay settings to your current working environment.

(I like to use a non default Matcap as a default shader in my startup blend.)

  1. Has an optional settings:

A popup window appears when loading the startup file asking which workspaces are available to load, as well as which are in the existing file; that you may select to keep. The same option table would exist for the World settings as well; you could keep the existing "World" while also loading the startup world; or replace it entirely.

  1. An added bonus as well, if you maintain a material library inside your startup blend. (Option to load all or select specific materials to load from startup.)

  2. *Edit: Perhaps "Collections" should also be an option; as many people likely use collections for default Cameras, rigs, lighting setups, etc.

*Disclaimer: I am an artist, not a developer; and have no coding ability. Though would suspect this could easily be achieved within the realm of how standard file open dialogs are created for various unique purposes such as import or export of specific formats, etc.

100%

Development Status: Open

Upvote 4 Downvote 0
matthew1
13 May 2019

4 Comments

felipetorrents

I also wrote about some of the quirks you mentioned. I encounter absolutely all your problems in my work process too. Workspace management is a nightmare right now. blender.community/c/rightclickselect/5ygbbc/

BeckersC

When you open a file you have the option to deactivate "load UI".

-> File -> Open -> Load UI

I have not verified this but I assume this also keeps addon settings unchanged. It definitely keeps workspaces and matcaps as they are.

matthew1 Author

* @BeckersC * I do not see that option in the File menu or by using Search. Do you mean: "Load Factory Defaults"? That wipes out all custom settings; which is the opposite of what I am suggesting . . .

*Edit: I now know what you mean; its in the dialog when you open a file. The issue I have is that I may reference other files and use "Edit Linked Library" verses the standard File open workflow. It would seem there is an inherent benefit in being able to make the descision after it is opened; as I may not know whether I want to load other options or not, (or which ones specifically), before it is opened.

matthew1 Author

* @BeckersC * Another reason I want this; is that I use a plugin that launches files from a web browser server. (Verge3d)

Often the files they start out with need lots of adjustments to feel like my normal environment. They do load the UI; but all the Workspaces are different, some missing, etc, and Plugin filters are not as I would expect.