Performance Guide¶

Optimize DAMTools for large scenes and complex operations. Learn how to maintain smooth performance while working with heavy geometry and complex workflows.

General Performance Principles¶

Viewport Optimization¶

Use wireframe display for complex preview operations
Hide objects not currently being worked on
Reduce subdivision levels during modeling phases
Use Blender's viewport shading strategically

Memory Management¶

Clear unused materials with Mat Delete tool
Split large scenes using Extract Selected
Use instancing instead of duplicate geometry
Remove doubles regularly with Topo Cleaner

Tool-Specific Optimizations¶

Array Tools (Array 3D / Array At Face)¶

Performance Settings: - Enable wireframe preview (W key) for large arrays - Start with low counts and increase gradually - Use total distance mode instead of spacing for better control - Disable random rotation during initial setup

Best Practices:

# Good workflow:
1. Set wireframe preview ON (W key)
2. Configure one axis at a time
3. Use Shift+X/Y/Z for fine control
4. Switch to textured view only for final confirmation

Large Array Guidelines: - < 1000 objects: Full preview performance - 1000-5000 objects: Use wireframe preview - > 5000 objects: Consider splitting into multiple operations

Interactive Selection Tools¶

Extract Faces Interactive / Paneling / Bolting: - Work in Edit Mode when possible for better performance - Use face select mode instead of mixed selection - Limit viewport overlays during complex selections - Disable unnecessary modifiers during modal operations

Performance Settings:

# Optimize viewport during modal tools:
- Turn off subdivision surface preview
- Disable mirror modifier display
- Use solid shading mode
- Hide other objects (H key)

Topology Tools¶

Topo Cleaner (Default/Aggressive): - Save before running on complex meshes - Use Default mode first before Aggressive - Work on duplicated objects for testing - Consider splitting very large meshes first

Cross Connector: - Use sparingly on high-poly meshes (>100k vertices) - Clean topology first with Topo Cleaner - Work on isolated geometry when possible - Save before execution (always!)

Large Scene Strategies¶

Scene Organization¶

Hierarchical Approach: 1. Use collections to organize DAMTools objects 2. Group related objects before batch operations 3. Use naming conventions with Batch Rename Spatial 4. Isolate work areas with Extract Selected

Memory-Efficient Workflows:

# Large scene workflow:
1. Extract Selected → Work on portions separately
2. Topo Cleaner → Reduce geometry complexity
3. Model Replace → Swap high-poly with low-poly versions
4. Batch Export → Save progress incrementally

Progressive Detailing¶

Level-of-Detail Strategy: 1. Blockout phase: Use damPrimitives, simple arrays 2. Medium detail: Add Paneling, basic Bolting 3. High detail: Full Array 3D, complex Bolting patterns 4. Final pass: Apply all topology cleaners

Batch Operations¶

Efficient Batch Processing: - Group similar operations (all imports, then all exports) - Use Arrange X/Y before complex selections - Join Nearby objects to reduce object count - Apply transforms before batch export

Hardware Considerations¶

System Requirements¶

Minimum for Basic Operations: - 8GB RAM: For scenes under 1M vertices - 4 CPU cores: For reasonable modal tool response - Dedicated GPU: For smooth viewport interaction

Recommended for Heavy Work: - 16GB+ RAM: For large arrays and complex scenes - 8+ CPU cores: For batch operations and topology tools - Modern GPU: For real-time preview of complex operations

Blender Settings¶

Viewport Optimization:

# In Preferences → Viewport:
- Reduce texture limit size
- Lower subdivision levels
- Disable ambient occlusion
- Use faster anti-aliasing

Memory Settings:

# In Preferences → System:
- Increase undo steps limit
- Adjust memory cache limit
- Enable GPU compute (if available)

Troubleshooting Performance Issues¶

Common Problems¶

Slow Modal Tools: - Cause: Too many objects in viewport - Solution: Hide unrelated objects, use wireframe mode

Array Tools Lagging: - Cause: Real-time preview of large arrays - Solution: Enable wireframe preview (W key)

Topology Tools Freezing: - Cause: Complex geometry with many intersections - Solution: Simplify mesh first, work in stages

Memory Warnings: - Cause: Large arrays or high-poly operations - Solution: Use Extract Selected to work on portions

Diagnostic Steps¶

Performance Testing: 1. Profile operations using Blender's System Console 2. Monitor memory usage during large operations 3. Test on simplified geometry first 4. Use progressive complexity approach

Emergency Recovery:

# If DAMTools operation hangs:
1. Wait 30-60 seconds (complex operations take time)
2. Check System Console for progress
3. ESC to cancel if possible
4. Force-quit Blender only as last resort

Optimization Workflows¶

Pre-Operation Checklist¶

Before Large Operations: - [ ] Save file (always!) - [ ] Hide unnecessary objects - [ ] Disable heavy modifiers - [ ] Set wireframe preview for arrays - [ ] Check available memory

During Operation Best Practices¶

Modal Tool Efficiency: - Use keyboard shortcuts instead of mouse when possible - Work in stages for complex selections - Confirm frequently to save progress - Use ESC liberally if performance degrades

Post-Operation Cleanup¶

After Heavy Operations: - Clear unused data with Mat Delete - Optimize outliner by purging unused datablocks - Save incremental versions of complex work - Document settings that worked well

Scene-Specific Guidelines¶

Architectural Visualization¶

Performance Strategy:

1. Use Array At Face for building details
2. Keep window/door objects separate
3. Use instancing for repeated elements
4. Apply Topo Cleaner to imported CAD models

Recommended Limits: - Windows per building: < 500 individual objects - Array repetitions: < 200 per axis - Bolt details: < 1000 per object

Game Asset Creation¶

Optimization Priorities:

1. Target vertex counts with Topo Cleaner
2. Use damPrimitives for consistent topology
3. Apply Origin Bottom for standardized pivots
4. Model Replace for LOD switching

Industrial Design¶

Complex Assembly Performance:

1. Work on components separately
2. Use Extract Selected for detail work
3. Join Nearby similar components
4. Batch Export for variant generation

Advanced Optimization¶

Custom Scripts Integration¶

Performance Monitoring:

# Add to Blender console for memory tracking:
import bpy
import bmesh
def check_performance():
    total_verts = sum(len(obj.data.vertices) 
                     for obj in bpy.data.objects 
                     if obj.type == 'MESH')
    print(f"Total vertices in scene: {total_verts}")

Hardware-Specific Tips¶

For Lower-End Systems: - Reduce array counts by 50% during setup - Use Extract Selected more frequently - Work in Object Mode when possible - Disable real-time subdivision preview

For High-End Systems: - Enable GPU acceleration for applicable operations - Use larger array counts with confidence - Work with full geometry during modeling - Enable all visual feedback options