Versioning & Roadmap

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

Current Version: v1.0

Status: Current version in use

This documentation covers the current release 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 v1.0 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.

What v1.0 Does NOT Include:

  • Undo support for tool actions (standard Blender undo works, but tool-specific actions may be limited).

  • A formal Python API for external scripting.

  • Character switching or multi-character pipelines. Clips need to be provided set-up in advance with the right materials.

Note

If you are using the tool as originally built by Fred, or for legacy projects/shots, v1.0 is the correct version to follow.

Future Versions

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

1.1: 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 broken features

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

v2.0: The Refactor (In Development)

Goal: More involved bug fixes, user messages, Undo support, and API.

The v2.0 release is primarily a refactor, which some bugs in v1.0 need in order to be fixed. It will convert the tool from a script into a formal Blender Add-on with a more responsive internal structure that will help with onboarding.

Expected Features:

  • Full Undo Support: Reliable undo/redo for all tool actions.

  • Formal API: Python classes and functions for forward compatibility

  • Improved Error Handling: Better feedback when operations fail.

  • Stability Fixes: Fixes to known issues that were not able to be fixed without archeteture change.

  • Developer Documentation: Versioned API reference and contribution guides.

Target Audience: Animators using Fred’s workflow.

v3.0: Expansion (Planned)

Goal: Advanced Features and Public Release.

The v3.0 release will introduce character set up and switching and logical extensions and to prepare the tool for a wider public audience.

Planned Features:

  • Character Switching: Tools to manage and switch between multiple character rigs in a single scene.

  • Enhanced Workflow: Getting the tool to add convenience for more of the project lifecycle, such as set up.

  • Community Features: Alternative setups, sharing guidelines, and community spotlights.

Target Audience: The broader animation community and developers who want to extend the tool.

How to Switch Documentation Versions

This site currently hosts v1.0 documentation.

  • v1.0: Version 1.0 Homepage

  • v2.0: Will be available at a separate URL once released.

  • v3.0: Planned for future release.

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 v1.0 documentation if you are using the current tool.