For artists preparing showreels, documenting work-in-progress, or delivering client previews, shaky or inconsistent viewport footage can undermine otherwise solid work. Timelapse Orbit 2.0, a Blender addon by Riley Brown, aims to automate framing so process videos look intentional and presentation-ready straight from capture.

I get smooth process video time lapses in #blender3d because I created a custom tool for it.

It's my timelapse orbit addon and today I released significantly improved auto following features.

Check it out:https://t.co/9d5NSfgHPj#b3d pic.twitter.com/DHbWKRCwmX

— Riley Brown (rileyb3d) (@rileyb3d) August 13, 2025

The tool runs in a secondary Blender window, ideally on a second monitor. While the main workspace remains unchanged, the secondary view applies smooth orbiting and automatic centring to the selected object. This avoids the need for manual navigation during creative work and eliminates the risk of drifting focus in timelapse edits.

Targeted Features for Showreels and WIPs

Timelapse Orbit 2.0 offers precise viewport control without touching Blender’s camera or timeline. Its feature set includes automatic zoom and centring, easing control for smooth acceleration and deceleration, and a configurable auto zoom percentage. A catch-up multiplier ensures orbit pace matches fast edits in modelling or sculpting, while rotation rate settings allow for either slow cinematic spins or faster demonstration speeds.

The addon avoids creating keyframes, leaving undo stacks and animation timelines unaffected—important for keeping production files clean when recording multiple takes.

From Process Capture to Polished Edit

The tool integrates well with standard screen-recording software such as OBS, making it practical for daily workflow capture. Artists can generate consistent, polished WIP footage ready for direct inclusion in showreels, or for client updates where clarity and focus are essential.

For educators and breakdown artists, the upcoming roadmap promises an activity indicator to mark points of interest in recorded footage and popup operator displays to give on-screen context for the tools being used. Both will reduce time spent searching for key actions in post-production.

Access and Testing

Timelapse Orbit 2.0 is available via Riley Brown’s Patreon at the “Production Workshop” tier (17€, or membership for 6,50 € a month) and above. Installation follows the standard Blender addon process. As with any production tool, professionals should verify its stability and output quality under actual studio conditions before integrating it into client work or critical documentation pipelines.

The post Timelapse Orbit 2.0 Keeps Blender WIPs Showreel-Ready first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.