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How to Create a Timelapse

You are going to need a little bit of knowledge of the blender interface to do this. Unfortunately, explaining every small part of it is not possible in the docs but it is not very complicated to find these things.

  • First, load the GCode into Blender following the steps here:
    Your First GCode Import
    It is highly recommended to start with a smaller print file, under 300 layers, as your first test.
  • Once done, You will find the Layer Index option under Animatable section in the addon n-panel. It controls how many layers are visible in your viewport.
    image.png
  • set it to some number lower than the number of layers in your print and you will see all the layers above it are hidden:
    Layer Inded: 40, Total Layers: 240
    Layer Inded: 40, Total Layers: 240
  • This is the property we’re going to animate. Find the Timeline window in Blender. Go to Frame 0 :
    image.png
  • Set Layer Index to 0 , then hover your mouse over it and hit i on your keyboard. The property will change color and a small dot will appear in the timeline:
    image.png
    image.png
  • Go to the frame that equals the number of layers in your print. In my case, that is 240. Then go to Layer Index and set it equal to the number of layers in your print. In my case, 240. Hover over it and hit i again:
    image.png
    image.png
  • Make sure the Start and End properties in the timeline are set to 0 and number of layers respectively:
    image.png
  • Go to frame 0 and hit the forward play button and your timelapse should play in front of your eyes:
    image.png
  • Congratulations!!! You can now render it. Use it how you like. Please share with us on our discord server: https://discord.gg/r5FvC77cMw