Collection Object Walker

Collection Object Walker is a companion add-on bundled with SDFusion. It allows you to preview objects in a collection one at a time, making it easy to browse and select cutter shapes for your Boolean operations.

Overview

When working with SDFusion, you may create a library of reusable cutter objects. Collection Object Walker helps you:

  • Preview cutters one by one - Quickly cycle through objects to find the right shape
  • Compare shapes visually - Only the current object is visible, making comparison easy
  • Manage display types - Switch between Solid, Wire, Bounds, or Textured views

Installation

Collection Object Walker is included with your SDFusion purchase. Install it separately in Blender:

  1. Download the CollectionObjectWalker_x_x_x.zip from your purchase
  2. In Blender: Edit → Preferences → Add-ons
  3. Click Install... and select the ZIP file
  4. Enable "Collection Object Walker" in the add-on list

User Interface

The panel is located in the 3D Viewport Sidebar under the CollWalker tab.

Panel Sections

Section Description
Target Select the collection to browse. Use the eyedropper or "Set from Active" button.
Display Type Choose how objects are displayed (Bounds/Wire/Solid/Textured).
Walker Navigate through objects with Prev/Next buttons. Shows current index and object name.
Batch Operations Bulk visibility controls for viewport and render.

How to Use

Basic Workflow

  1. Prepare a Cutter Collection
  2. Create a collection (e.g., Cutter_Library)

  3. Add your reusable cutter objects to this collection

  4. Open Collection Walker

  5. Press N to open the sidebar

  6. Switch to the CollWalker tab

  7. Select Target Collection

  8. Click the collection dropdown and choose your cutter library
  9. Or use the eyedropper icon to pick from the 3D viewport

  10. Or select an object and click the "Set from Active" button

  11. Browse Cutters

  12. Click < Prev or Next > to cycle through objects
  13. Only the current object is visible; others are hidden

  14. The object name and index are displayed (e.g., "3 / 10")

  15. Apply to SDFusion

  16. When you find the cutter you want, it's already selected
  17. Use SDFusion's layer panel to add it as a Boolean cutter

Tips

  • Exclude Empties: Enable this option to skip Empty objects in the walker
  • Apply to All: Set the display type for all objects in the collection at once
  • Reset (Show All): Unhide all objects when you're done browsing

Workflow with SDFusion

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Collection: "Cutter_Library"                       │
│  ├── Cutter_Star                                    │
│  ├── Cutter_Heart      ◀── Browse with Walker       │
│  ├── Cutter_Diamond                                 │
│  └── Cutter_Custom                                  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                    ↓
         Found the perfect cutter!
                    ↓
         Add to SDFusion as SUB layer
                    ↓
         Non-destructive Boolean applied!

This workflow is especially useful when: - You have many custom cutter shapes - Cutter names don't clearly describe the shape - You want to visually compare options before committing

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