Overview

FileFlow is a comprehensive project management addon for Blender that streamlines workflow by intelligently organizing files, versions, and assets. It's designed for both individual artists and production teams who need robust organization for their Blender projects.

Installation

1. Download the FileFlow addon ZIP file
2. In Blender, go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons
3. Click "Install..." and select the downloaded ZIP file
4. Enable the addon by checking the box next to "Project Management: FileFlow"
5. In preferences tab, in project path create and set a folder path in your disk in which all project details will be saved

Setting Up Your First Project

1. Navigate to the FileFlow panel in the 3D Viewport sidebar
2. Select the PROJECT tab
3. Click on the arrow next to "New Project" to expand the section
4. Enter a project name and select a base folder for your project
5. Click "Create Project"

Project Structure

FileFlow creates the following structure for each project:

Saving a Shot

1. Use shortcut Alt+Shift+S or Select the SHOT tab in the FileFlow panel
2. Select your project from the dropdown
3. Choose a sequence type (REEL, BATCH, PATCH, etc.)
4. Enter the sequence number
5. Enter the shot number
6. (Optional) Enter a work name to specify what you're working on (e.g., "modeling", "lighting")
7. Click "Find Next Version" to automatically determine the next version number
8. Click "Save"

Opening a Shot

1. Use shortcut Alt+Shift+D or Select the SHOT tab in the FileFlow panel
2. Select your project from the dropdown
3. Choose the sequence type and number
4. Enter the shot number
5. Click "Open File" to open the latest version, or "Open Folder" to browse all versions

Working with Assets

Saving an Asset

1. Use shortcut Alt+Shift+A or Select the ASSET tab in the FileFlow panel
2. Select your project from the dropdown
3. Choose an asset type (MASTER, GENERAL, ENVIRONMENT, etc.)
4. Enter an asset name
5. (Optional) Enter a work name to specify what you're working on (e.g., "modeling", "texturing")
6. Click "Find Next Version" to automatically determine the next version number
7. Click "Save Asset"

Opening an Asset

1. Use shortcut Alt+Shift+A or Select the ASSET tab in the FileFlow panel
2. Select your project from the dropdown
3. Choose the asset type
4. Enter the asset name or select from existing assets
5. Click "Open Asset" to browse all versions

Advanced Features

Task-Based Version Control

FileFlow includes a smart version control system that associates version numbers with specific tasks:

• When a work name is provided, FileFlow will find the latest version for that specific task
• When no work name is provided, FileFlow will find the latest version among files without a task name
• This allows you to maintain separate version histories for different aspects of your work (e.g., modeling, texturing, lighting)

Keyboard Shortcuts

For faster workflow, FileFlow includes these keyboard shortcuts:

• Alt+Shift+S: Quick save project popup
• Alt+Shift+D: Quick open project popup
• Alt+Shift+A: Quick asset manager popup

File Naming Conventions

FileFlow uses consistent naming conventions to keep your projects organized:

Shot Files

ProjectName_SequenceType_SequenceNumber_ShotNumber_WorkName_Version.blend

Example: MyProject_REEL_01_S001_modeling_V2.blend

Asset Files

ProjectName_AssetName_WorkName_Version.blend

Example: MyProject_Car_texturing_V3.blend

Best Practices

• Use Work Names: Always specify what you're working on using the work name field for easier tracking
• Organize Assets by Type: Choose appropriate asset types to keep your library organized
• Use Find Next Version: Let FileFlow automatically determine the next version number
• Keep Projects Separate: Create a new project for each major undertaking

Troubleshooting

• "No base path loaded": Make sure you've selected a project before trying to save or open files
• "Folder does not exist": The specified shot or asset folder doesn't exist yet. It will be created when you save
• "File already exists": A file with the same name already exists. Try increasing the version number

Support

If you encounter any issues or have questions about FileFlow, please contact us through the BlenderMarket messaging system or email albertthomas3042@gmail.com

Updates

Visit the BlenderMarket product page regularly to check for updates and new features.