Is Lily Gizmos worth it if you’re shopping in Software Development?
Lily Gizmos: the $6 Blender add-on that kills the Python boilerplate for custom viewport handles
You know that exact moment in Blender: you need a smooth, custom viewport handle to drive a rotation or a 1D move on a rig or parametric shape, and the vanilla workflow says “write a Python script.” For a lot of scene setups, that’s a detour that eats an afternoon. Lily Gizmos exists to cut that detour. At $6, it turns a few clicks on an Empty into a working, customizable gizmo you can actually drag in the viewport.
If you’re building rigs, parametric models, or just tired of scripting the same little interaction over and over, this is the kind of small tool that pays for itself the first time you skip the code editor. It’s made by Élie Michel, targets Blender 2.90 and 2.83 LTS, and the whole pitch is: no coding, just create an Empty and go. (Lily Gizmos)
Quick answer
| Best for | Blender users who want custom viewport gizmos without writing Python, especially for rigs and parametric shapes. |
| Skip if | You’re on a Blender version outside 2.90 / 2.83 LTS, or you already have a custom gizmo system you love. |
| Price | $6 |
| Format | Blender add-on (installable script) |
| One-line take | A cheap, focused way to add smooth custom handles to your scene without touching a code editor. |
What you’re actually buying
For six dollars, you’re not getting a massive template pack or a course. You’re getting a single, focused add-on that does one job well: let you create and customize viewport gizmos in Blender without Python. That’s the whole value proposition, and it’s a good one. (Lily Gizmos)
Here’s what makes the offer feel complete at this price. First, the zero-code workflow: you create an Empty, toggle LilyGizmo in the Empty properties, pick a gizmo type (Angle, Move 1D/2D/3D), and set your target. No script editor, no boilerplate. Second, deep customization — you can change the gizmo’s color and even import its shape from any mesh, so your handles don’t have to look like generic Blender widgets. Third, broad target support: the gizmo can drive any property of an object or bone — location, rotation, scale, and beyond. Fourth, extensibility for developers: if you do write Python, you can drop a new file into the Gizmos directory to add your own widget type. (Lily Gizmos)
At $6, that’s a full stack: the core no-code gizmo creation, mesh-based shape customization, multi-property targeting, and a developer escape hatch. You’re not paying for a promise; you’re paying for a working tool that removes a specific, recurring friction from your Blender workflow. If you’ve ever stared at a Python snippet just to make a rotation handle behave, Lily Gizmos pricing is easy to justify.
Why it’s on our radar
Most Blender add-ons either do a lot of things shallowly or require you to already be a Python power user. Lily Gizmos sits in a narrower, more useful lane: it solves one specific pain (custom viewport handles) with a genuinely low barrier to entry. The fact that it works by simply enabling a property on an Empty — rather than requiring you to understand Blender’s gizmo API — is what makes it worth a look at this price.
The developer-friendly extension path (drop a file in the Gizmos directory) also means it won’t outgrow you if your needs get more advanced. You can start with the no-code flow and graduate to custom widgets later without switching tools. That progression, packed into a $6 add-on, is the kind of specific, job-to-be-done fit that makes small tools worth keeping in your library. (Lily Gizmos)
What actually matters
Before you buy, check these three things:
- Blender version. The listing targets 2.90 and 2.83 LTS. If you’re on a newer stable release, confirm compatibility before checkout. Add-on buyers look for a stated version range, and this one is explicit — but “LTS” doesn’t mean “all future versions.” (Lily Gizmos)
- Your target properties. The add-on drives location, rotation, scale, and other object/bone properties. If your workflow needs something exotic (custom drivers, complex constraint chains), test whether the gizmo’s target system covers it. The listing mentions custom target properties via dev tooltips, which is a good sign. (Lily Gizmos)
- Shape customization needs. If you want gizmos that look like your brand or your scene’s aesthetic, the mesh-import feature is the key detail. You can import any mesh as the gizmo shape, so you’re not stuck with Blender’s default widget geometry. (Lily Gizmos)
If those three checks line up with your setup, the $6 price is hard to argue with. You’re getting a tool that removes a real coding step from your daily Blender work, and the Lily Gizmos support thread on BlenderArtists is a live place to get help if you hit an edge case.
Mid-check
If you’re on a supported Blender version and you’ve ever wanted a custom viewport handle without opening a text editor, this is the tool to grab. (Lily Gizmos)
FAQ
Do I need to know Python to use Lily Gizmos?
No. The core workflow is entirely UI-driven: create an Empty, enable LilyGizmo in the properties panel, pick a gizmo type, and set your target. Python is only needed if you want to add your own custom widget type by dropping a file into the Gizmos directory. (Lily Gizmos)
Which Blender versions are supported?
The listing states Blender 2.90 and 2.83 LTS. If you’re running a newer version, verify compatibility before purchasing. The add-on is small and focused, so version-specific issues are the main risk. (Lily Gizmos)
Can I change how the gizmo looks?
Yes. You can customize the color and import the gizmo’s shape from any mesh in your scene. This means your handles can match your project’s visual language instead of looking like generic Blender widgets. (Lily Gizmos)
What properties can the gizmo drive?
Any property of an object or bone, including location, rotation, scale, and others. The listing also mentions custom target properties, so you’re not limited to the three standard transforms. (Lily Gizmos)
Bottom line
Lily Gizmos is a $6 Blender add-on that does one thing exceptionally well: it lets you create smooth, customizable viewport gizmos without writing Python. If you’re building rigs or parametric shapes and you’re tired of scripting the same little interaction every time, this is the shortcut you want. The no-code workflow, mesh-based shape customization, and developer extension path make it a complete tool for its price.
If your Blender version matches and your workflow involves custom viewport handles, View on Gumroad and grab it before your next rigging session. Six dollars to skip the code editor is a no-brainer.