Time Tracker for Blender - Documentation

Version: 1.0
Author: Aksiom
Blender Compatibility: 4.0 and above
License: GPL (General Public License)
Location: 3D View > Time Tracker panel

Overview

The Time Tracker add-on is designed to help users track time spent on their Blender projects. It provides a breakdown of time in three categories:

• Session Time: Time spent in the current Blender session.
• Project Time: Total time spent on each individual project (.blend file), saved directly inside the file.
• Total Time: Cumulative time across all sessions and projects, saved in a JSON file in the add-on’s directory.

Each time category is updated in real time and displayed in the 3D View > Time Tracker panel. This tool is useful for freelancers, studios, and anyone needing insights into their time management in Blender.

Installation

1. Download the Time Tracker add-on zip file.
2. Open Blender and go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
3. Click Install... and select the downloaded zip file.
4. Enable the add-on by checking the box next to Time Tracker.
5. Save preferences to keep the add-on enabled across sessions.

Once installed, you’ll find the Time Tracker panel in 3D View under the Time Tracker tab.

Usage

Panel Overview

After installation, navigate to 3D View > Time Tracker to access the add-on. The panel will display:

• Session Time: Tracks the time you’ve spent in the current Blender session. This resets each time you restart Blender.
• Project Time: Shows the cumulative time spent on the current project, saved directly in the .blend file. This way, each project maintains its own unique time record.
• Total Time: Aggregates all time across sessions and projects and is saved in an external JSON file within the add-on’s directory.

Each time type updates every second in real-time, giving an up-to-date view of your progress and time investment.

Time Data Storage

1. Project Time is saved as a custom property within the .blend file, making it easy to track time per project without external dependencies.
2. Total Time is stored in a total_time.json file within the add-on’s directory.

Example Use Cases

• Freelancers can monitor billable hours per project.
• Studios can assess time spent on individual files.
• Artists can evaluate personal productivity and workflow efficiency.

File Structure

The add-on includes:

• time_tracker.py: The main script file with all add-on functionalities.
• total_time.json: A JSON file storing total time data across sessions and projects.

The total_time.json file will be generated automatically upon first use and will update with each new session.

Troubleshooting

Time Isn’t Updating in Real-Time

If the time is not updating as expected:

1. Ensure that the Time Tracker panel is visible in the 3D View.
2. Verify that you have saved the add-on preferences.

Losing Time Data

If the project or total time data appears missing or incorrect:

1. Check the total_time.json file in the add-on’s directory for accumulated time.
2. Make sure the .blend file is saved after every session to retain the Project Time data.

License

The Time Tracker add-on is licensed under the GPL (General Public License). This allows users to view, modify, and distribute the add-on under GPL terms. You may charge for access to the add-on, but the source code remains accessible.