Blender
The Blender Portable Launcher is a simple launcher allowing Blender to appear in the PortableApps Menu. Blender is the open source software for 3D modelling, animation, rendering, post-production, interactive creation and playback.
Blender Portable has moved to here
Python Portable has moved to here
Pre-release 2: 20/10/07 22:41 GMT
Added Data folder path for all settings. Now when rendering, the files will save to the Data folder and not the main hard drive etc.
Pre-release 3: 23/10/07 20:20 GMT
Updated with Python, now uses python and all others seen in PR2.
Pre-Release 4: 07/11/07 20:28 GMT
Added previous Python Portable script and launcher etc. so that both are now contained in one file, due to numerous requests via forums and emails.
Pre-Release 5: 23/11/07 19:17 GMT
Updated the installer, launcher, help file and removed Python from the install package. Instead of CommonFiles, it checks the App folder for Python then checks if Python Portable is installed on the device. If neither has Python the standard version runs otherwise it obviously runs Python powered.
Pre-Realease 5 Additional: 24/11/07 11:28 GMT
Put the new splash and installer into Python Portable and added the link above. Primarily because 1) My website is currently down and 2) I don't think I ever posted it on the forums. It is as it's original state, although I will eventually update it more and also look at having the gui (IDLE) work.
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Thanks for the update.
______________________
Signature...What Signature?
I can't believe John still hasn't emailed you yet. He should have emailed you instead of me
----
Ryan McCue.
Blog.
So all that Airbus-delay trouble over here in Europe is because of YOU!
Simeon.
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
Blender is quite portable by itself.. However it places its renders in C:\tmp and thats one of the things it would not qualify it s portable
This pre-release also uses c:\tmp\
cheers
Its easy enough for the user to change the output address in the Render settings to where they want them to be stored. Its also the same section where you would choose your image background for rendering etc.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
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Do you replace the drive letter on running, like the current launchers? If not, you should so that it changes with them.
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
True its easy to change the output folder. But I thought the launcher's task was to take care of those things.
Did you UPX the exe and DLL files also btw?
I have quite a few things to sort on different projects, both work and portable apps, but yeah I see your point. I will look at this nearer the weekend and look at the drive letter also as Ryan mentioned.
Yes UPX'd the files.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Excellent. D/led it yesterday, and haven't found a problem yet. Yeah, OK, it puts files in C:\tmp, but that's easy to get round for now - as long as you know they're there, you can delete them.
Keep up the good work!
P.S. I'm not sure if this is on topic or not, but is there any way to get Blender Portable to recognise Python Portable? I use a lot of Python scripts, and I would really love to be able to use them on the move.
Q: What do agnostic, insomniac dyslexics do at night?
A: Stay awake and wonder if there's a dog.
A minor issue. It doesn't remember open recent files after closing blender (neither did the 2.44 version).
And yes please, could you make it recognize python portable please.
Edit:
I just installed python. correct files in 'open recent' are displayed
Change \tmp/ to \\tmp/ and save as default settings. It should save to .blender in the PortableApps\BlenderPortable\App\Blender\.blender folder from now on. Check a few different drives etc to see if it requires the drive variable. As I mentioned I should get chance to look at it more nearer the weekend.
I wanted to set Python Portable and Blender Portable to work like those installed, but as with us all here, real life keeps getting in the way. If I am not at work I am spending time with my son.
Also the same was with YAFRAY. But I am not that savvy with code like most guys on here, mostly bumble through experimenting to get my apps working with the help of testers and feedback like above.
I'd love more hours in the day so I could tidy this up. Also get Stellarium and Wesnoth finished and rework all my others with the latest launchers etc. Then finish the site. With my luck thats this year easily tied up.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Change \tmp/ to \\tmp/ and save as default settings. It should save to .blender in the PortableApps\BlenderPortable\App\Blender\.blender folder from now on.
Well... running for a couple days now, and since changing that, I haven't found any files or registry entries needing clean-up. I haven't tested it on different drives, but I've tested it on several different computers, and each gives the drive a different letter, so I think that counts.
I wanted to set Python Portable and Blender Portable to work like those installed, but as with us all here, real life keeps getting in the way.
Bummer.
I might take a look at the code, and see if I can get something working.
Watch this space.
Q: What do agnostic, insomniac dyslexics do at night?
A: Stay awake and wonder if there's a dog.
Ok, I spent a fair bit of time today getting this to work in various ways. I finally have a copy that stores all the saves etc to the Data folder. I have been racking my tiny little brain to get Python to work at the same time. Well spent a lot more time and fowl language on Python.
I will clean it up tomorrow and post it as it is then I will carry on trying to get Python working in conjunction.
Hope this helps those that have requested it anyways. Just bare with me a while longer to have the Python support.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Ready for some testing...Please provide feedback for further requirements. I will look further into the python side later on in the week.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
I have been playing around with it tonight and actually got it all working fully portable and using python. I will clean it up a bit tomorrow and repackage it all for a pre-release 3. Obviously its gonna be a bit bigger with having the python folder too, but it should be worth it. Just need others to check it when it goes up for anything I have missed etc. as feedback however good or bad helps with the learning.
Until tomorrow.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Please test this fully. From my checks I think I have covered everything. But an outside eye would be great.
Feedback as always is greatly appreciated.
All been well this is the most thorough portable version available. Using python correctly and portably along with storing all settings default to the Data folder.
All UPX'd too, download size of 18.4MB and install size of 46.6MB. This should be able to reduce if the Common Files works correctly. That's one thing I definitely haven't looked into.
Happy testing...
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
D/l'ing now - I'll post my results as soon as possible.
Q: What do agnostic, insomniac dyslexics do at night?
A: Stay awake and wonder if there's a dog.
Looking at the size figures (18MB download, 45MB installed, I assume that includes Python?
Can't test it atm as I'm, erm.. rendering a 1000 frame anymation in blender
erm.. rendering a 1000 frame anymation in blender
Hehe. Now that sounds like a true blender-head to me.
tanisthalon: I've tested everything I could think of, and it works a charm. Haven't got any big animations to test it on, but I think perhaps LOGAN-Portable may be able to help there.
Also, will the Python in the package work properly on its own (i.e., seperate to Blender), if I put the Python Portable launcher for the same version of Python into the "BlenderPortable" folder?
Q: What do agnostic, insomniac dyslexics do at night?
A: Stay awake and wonder if there's a dog.
You would have to copy across the reg file from Python Portable for it to work. I will look at it tomorrow and release another Pre-release when I have it prepped for you.
Don't forget though I never had Python using the IDLE gui, it just uses the standard interface.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Thanks, that would really help.
It's just that I don't want two copies of Python on my drive if I only need one.
Q: What do agnostic, insomniac dyslexics do at night?
A: Stay awake and wonder if there's a dog.
Pre-Release 4 has been uploaded. Please bare in mind that the Python script is the old version and not to 1.5.1.0 as most current releases. When I have more time I will rework the script to bring it more upto date.
Blender is required to be run first to set up the Data folder. As you may have noticed previously the first run is slightly slower than those after as it is setting up quite a few files.
If this does work to how those of you wish and I can improve the nsi scripts sooner rather than later, I need to consider a better name than just Blender Portable as it should run as the installed version of Blender and Python making it a bit more ultra portable than the standard zip from blender.org. At some point I also need to come up with a better slogan and splash unless I get around to asking John to consider adding it to the official app list.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Where I am, I'll test it out.
Wait 5 minutes from this post prior to downloading the latest Pre-Release as I missed a file when packaging. Uploading the new version now.
Edit...
Now re-uploaded and ready for testing.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
A better name than Blender Portable? Nah, just stick with Blender Portable and not make it something weird
Hmm the splash for blender? Maybe use Blender's own splash screen!
Unfortunately, the Blender splash is copyrighted to the Blender Foundation, so tanisthalon would have to get the foundation's permission to use it.
Then again, if they do let him use it, that would be the splash i'd want.
Q: What do agnostic, insomniac dyslexics do at night?
A: Stay awake and wonder if there's a dog.
I had been playing around with SolidWorks previously at work and had modelled a simple usb pen. Playing around today I came up with this splash. Let me know what you think or give a few suggestions.
It has the basic info and impression of
1) Blender 2.45
2) Uses Python 2.5.1 portably
3) For use with USB pen
From what I have read over at blender.org and python.org, I can use that part of the blender splash and the python powered image.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
......so is that good, bad or indifferent?
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
It's good. It's actually more like
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
Playing around today I came up with this splash. Let me know what you think
Me likee very much. :cool:
Q: What do agnostic, insomniac dyslexics do at night?
A: Stay awake and wonder if there's a dog.
Well I am glad you both like it. I am hoping to incorporate it in the next pre-release soon.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
No problems so far. If no one else has flagged any trouble with it either, it might be time to move to a full release.
Q: What do agnostic, insomniac dyslexics do at night?
A: Stay awake and wonder if there's a dog.
There will be another release. It will mainly be to fix a few things with Python. Currently the Python Portable exe will only check the App folder it is in, it will check Common Files in the next release.
I believe also that Blender will only run with Python in the App folder or Common Files. It will have to run if not found in either. Or do I leave it as it is as now, as it is a more full fledge Blender then the zip file that is available from blender.org and basically promote it as such?
Also I want to have the new splash for both in ready for a bit of feedback. If all goes smoothly, currently doing 3 online courses, I will post something just before or around the weekend.
I also need to start considering which apps I am to continue with support etc. I was thinking more on concentrating on Blender (incorp. Python), CamStudio, Planner, Wesnoth and maybe look at Dia; dropping EasyTAG, Gnumeric, Stellarium, Wink and Workrave.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
This is getting thin. Maybe put the next reply as a reply to the OP, to start the threading again.
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
Sounds
good.
[EDIT: ...Oops]
Q: What do agnostic, insomniac dyslexics do at night?
A: Stay awake and wonder if there's a dog.
maybe ask John if you can use the new usb key that he has in the new FF portable? Or is that for just the ones he officially lists?
Don't be an uberPr∅. They are stinky.
I'm almost positive John would only allow it for official use. However, I think Blender Portable may be release here anyway at some point.
If the splash is copyrighted why is it in the repository?
I think people have to put their splashes under creative commens
The PA logo and splash are copyrighted and trademarked by Rare Ideas, LLC. They remain the intellectual property of them.
You can't use it or create derivative works from it without permission.
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
Blender's splash!
Well, in that case, it's their IP and I'd say that it's trademarked and copyrighted by the Blender Foundation.
They have all rights to do it, as it remains their IP.
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
I have had a few occasions to work with your Wink Portable and I love it. Now, I may not be in the majority here, but I would love to see continued support for Wink. That's just me though...
Ok I debated a little about this release, on what should be where etc. In the end I decided that using CommonFiles was not as relevant as just checking if Python Portable was on the device. The launcher checks for Python in the App folder then checks for the PythonPortable folder. So if you want you can install Python Portable to have Blender Portable Python Powered or alternatively copy the Python files to a Python folder within the App folder.
Most people would probably do the latter unless they really wanted the programming language to use. Other than that it will run as the bog standard zip file although all nicely packaged to the PortableApps norm.
I will quickly tidy up Python Portable and re-release it with the new information, splash etc. before looking at re-designing the site and a few other apps.
Let me know your thoughts on all the above.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Python Portable has been added to the first post for those whom wish to test Blender Portable Python Powered. It is the orignal release I did as a beta. All that has change is cosmetic - appinfo, splash and installer. Obviously the links on the included help html are no longer valid as they related to my first site and currently I am working on the 3rd incarnation.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Looking good.
Great splash... I like muchly.
Q: What do agnostic, insomniac dyslexics do at night?
A: Stay awake and wonder if there's a dog.
I thank you for working on this. I lack any artistic talent, but I still love Blender and playing around with it. Got the official Blender book (available at Amazon or the Blender.org web site) and have worked through it a bit. So nice to have this portable so I can have it on my laptop or home system and carry with me all my clumsy attempts at creating scenes worth viewing.
Check the help html in the extracted folder. The last link on the General Blender Issues section is for the Essential Blender wiki. Not only does it give updates on mistakes etc in the book but offers a zip download of the full book it txt format in the first paragraph!
I have the book also and the book is much better due to all the visuals associated with each practice, but for those whom cannot afford it or want to update the txt version they got on the accompanying cd knock yourselves out.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
I see the splash screen appear and vanish, but then nothing, with both Python and Blender installed.
Further digging revealed Blender was looking for msvcr71.dll
after copying this file to \PortableApps\BlenderPortable\App\Blender it started without any problem.
Extract from http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/
For the Windows build, you may need to install this official update. Vista doesn't need this, but users of older Windows versions should install it if they experience a crash during startup of Blender. Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package (x86)
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Would this mean the dll should be added to the blenderPortable folder through the paf installer?
This is the first time I have known of someone with the issue. With that in mind I think it should really be added to the help file as a direct link etc as Blender Foundation do. They obviously do not see it as a high priority either.
I still have to sort out the site so when I get some time I will update the help file etc. and add more info to the main post.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Very nice! I'm certainly going to be using this one for a while
If anyone could help me make FireFox 2 U3 compatible for my own use, I'd appreciate the help greatly. I'd also like to know when the official version will be released.
I'm going to go ahead and try this version since I really would like to have a common environment for a project I've just started work on. Was wondering if the fact it's been a couple of months since the last update means it's ready to leave Beta status, or just that our poor author has been crazy busy?
I have to rework to the latest script to comply. I will do this over the week hopefully and then it will have to spend a few days in testing before I submit it.
Blender 2.45 is to run with Python 2.5 only and currently they are alpha testing Python 2.6, so I may offer 2 versions (1 with the other without Python 2.5.2) abandoning the Python CommonFiles folder approach. Also looking at the launcher to give the option to install Python and its own launcher or not and just have the one file. Unfortunately that would mean a large base file to start with.
I will get that out the way and renew a few of my previous contributions although I am dropping a few off them to just concentrate on the ones I tend to use more myself.
Dell XPS M1530 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
4GB Ram
256MB GeForce 8600M GT