Timelapse Orbit
v2.0Slowly orbit around your work for timelapse process videos.
BlenderEDIT: August 13, 2025
Version 2.1: The addon now works when working with armatures (object, edit, and pose mode).
Automated Viewport Following for Process Videos
I record a lot of timelapse process videos in Blender. Traditionally, I'll just turn on OBS and start working, but this can be super jarring to watch once sped up after the fact.
I’ve built a new tool for Blender that's designed to help with smooth timelapse process videos. Perfect for showing off modeling progress, sculpting sessions, or any process where you want the viewport to track your work while you screen record.
What It Does
Timelapse Orbit automatically orbits your scene while keeping your subject framed and centered. It'll even track your selected face (or faces) in edit mode, so your screen recording never misses the action.
Key Features
- Automatic Zoom and Centering
- Easing Control
- Auto Zoom (%)
- Catch-Up Multiplier
- Rate of Rotation
- No keyframes. No animation. Undo safe.
How It Works
- Set Your Parameters – Pick your zoom level, easing, and rotation speed.
- Start the Orbit – Hit start, and the tool takes over.
- Keep Working in a separate monitor – The camera orbits your timelapse viewport automatically and tracks your work while you model, sculpt, or texture in your working viewport.
The orbit is designed to run in a separate Blender window so it never interferes with your workflow.
Why I Made This
When recording process videos for YouTube or social media, I kept running into the same problem. I work too fast and my viewport flies around too sporadically for an enjoyable timelapse process video. This tool frees me to focus on creating while still producing dynamic, professional-looking workflow videos.
Get It
The Timelapse Orbit tool is available within this post. Supporters of the "Production Workshop" tier or higher get instant download access. Install as you would any other addon.
Roadmap
I have more timelapse orbit features planned! Among them:
- I want to create an activity indicator: A simple visual cue that will make editing your video after, easier. Quickly identify sections of the video to cut out.
- Popup operator displays: It'd be nice to get a display of current operations taking place in Blender. An optional feature that could help with educational Blender content.
- Tell me what you want to see: Ultimately, I'm making this tool for myself. That said, I'd love to hear your ideas as well. Let me know what features you want to see in the next version.