Versioning & Roadmap

This documentation is versioned alongside The Violence Tool to ensure accuracy. Different releases of the tool can have modified workflows, features, and capabilities. Please ensure you are using the documentation that matches your installed release.

Warning

If you get an error while installing a new version of the tool, try renaming the file just to “TheViolenceLayerManager.py”. The version will appear in the Addons menu regardless of what the file is called. Be sure to uninstall the previous version first, or they will conflict, even if different versions.

Current Version: Release 5

Status: Current version in use

Fred’s Script Version: **5.0

This documentation covers Release 5 of The Violence Tool. It is a script-based workflow designed for specific type of Grease Pencil layer management in Blender 4.1.1 (only).

What Release 5 Includes:

  • Automated layer switching (Lines, Fills, Masks).

  • Masks for lip-syncing working with teeth, muzzle and tongue.

  • Commands for Highlights, Shadows, and Noise.

  • Keyframe management helpers.

  • Camera locking.

  • Integration with standard Blender Grease Pencil workflows.

  • Explicit undo push support for the Noise Operator added

  • Layer 10 is now Lines-Only/Holdout

What Release 5 Does NOT Include:

  • Full undo support for all operators is not yet implemented (only Noise has explicit undo push).

  • Safety checks for locked/hidden layers are not yet implemented.

  • A formal Python API generally used for external scripting.

  • Character switching or multi-character pipelines. Clips need to be provided with the right materials pre-setup.

  • Removal of Layer 10 fill and sculpt operators - Layer 10 is now Lines-Only/Holdout

Future Versions

We hope to meet the needs of future production pipelines and public use.

5.1: Bugfixes and Minor improvements

Goal: This is the minimum attempt at improving the tool without changing the archetecture. The goal is to change as little as possible and still provide some fixes.

Expected Features

  • Minor Stability/Bugfixes

  • Possible implementation of missing code

Target Audience: Current animators already well-versed with the tool.

How to Switch Documentation Versions

This site currently hosts Release 5 documentation.

When future versions are released, a version selector will appear in the bottom-left corner of this page, allowing you to switch between documentation for different versions of the tool.

Until then, please use the Release 5 documentation if you are using any Release v5.X of the tool.