From 34722df1c3f146744a87fb8dde589e5184b55682 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2025 15:07:16 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 01/14] feat: speedup light effects by using shared material of
 drones

use a single common material for all drones and animate drone.color instead, with injecting that into the shader node trees of objects

BREAKING CHANGE: old files are not compatible with this change yet
---
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/colors.py         | 71 +++++++++++++++++++
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/materials.py      | 20 ++++--
 .../sbstudio/plugin/operators/apply_color.py  | 14 +---
 .../plugin/operators/create_takeoff_grid.py   | 18 ++---
 .../detach_materials_from_template.py         |  8 +--
 .../sbstudio/plugin/tasks/light_effects.py    |  6 +-
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/sampling.py |  8 +--
 7 files changed, 102 insertions(+), 43 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/colors.py

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/colors.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/colors.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..effb049f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/colors.py
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+import bpy
+
+from sbstudio.model.types import RGBAColor, RGBAColorLike
+from sbstudio.plugin.actions import ensure_action_exists_for_object
+from sbstudio.plugin.keyframes import set_keyframes
+
+__all__ = (
+    "create_keyframe_for_color_of_drone",
+    "get_color_of_drone",
+    "set_color_of_drone",
+)
+
+is_blender_4 = bpy.app.version >= (4, 0, 0)
+
+
+def create_keyframe_for_color_of_drone(
+    drone,
+    color: tuple[float, float, float] | tuple[float, float, float, float] | RGBAColor,
+    *,
+    frame: int | None = None,
+    step: bool = False,
+):
+    """Creates color keyframes for the given drone to set
+    in the given frame.
+
+    Parameters:
+        drone: the drone object to modify
+        color: the RGB color to use for the color of the drone
+        frame: the frame to apply the color on; `None` means the
+            current frame
+        step: whether to insert an additional keyframe in the preceding frame to
+            ensure an abrupt transition
+    """
+    if frame is None:
+        frame = bpy.context.scene.frame_current
+
+    ensure_action_exists_for_object(drone, name=f"Color of {drone.name}")
+
+    if hasattr(color, "r"):
+        color_as_rgba = color.r, color.g, color.b, 1.0
+    else:
+        color_as_rgba = color[0], color[1], color[2], 1.0
+
+    keyframes = [(frame, color_as_rgba)]
+    if step and frame > bpy.context.scene.frame_start:
+        keyframes.insert(0, (frame - 1, None))
+
+    set_keyframes(drone, "color", keyframes, interpolation="LINEAR")
+
+
+def get_color_of_drone(drone) -> RGBAColor:
+    """Returns the color of the LED light on the given drone.
+
+    Parameters:
+        drone: the drone to query
+        color: the color to apply to the LED light of the drone
+    """
+    if drone.color is not None:
+        return drone.color
+
+    return (0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0)
+
+
+def set_color_of_drone(drone, color: RGBAColorLike):
+    """Sets the color of the LED light on the given drone.
+
+    Parameters:
+        drone: the drone to update
+        color: the color to apply to the LED light of the drone
+    """
+    drone.color = color
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/materials.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/materials.py
index 2952a4a8..611bd3d5 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/materials.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/materials.py
@@ -12,9 +12,12 @@
 __all__ = (
     "create_colored_material",
     "create_glowing_material",
+    "create_keyframe_for_diffuse_color_of_material",
     "get_material_for_led_light_color",
     "get_material_for_pyro",
-    "set_led_light_color",
+    "get_led_light_color_from_material",
+    "set_emission_strength_of_material",
+    "set_led_light_color_to_material",
 )
 
 is_blender_4 = bpy.app.version >= (4, 0, 0)
@@ -96,11 +99,17 @@ def create_glowing_material(
     links.clear()
     nodes.clear()
 
+    object_info_node = nodes.new("ShaderNodeObjectInfo")
+    object_info_node.location = (-300, 0)
+
     emission_node = nodes.new("ShaderNodeEmission")
     emission_node.inputs["Strength"].default_value = strength
+    emission_node.location = (0, 0)
 
     output_node = nodes.new("ShaderNodeOutputMaterial")
+    output_node.location = (300, 0)
 
+    links.new(object_info_node.outputs["Color"], emission_node.inputs["Color"])
     links.new(emission_node.outputs["Emission"], output_node.inputs["Surface"])
 
     _set_diffuse_color_of_material(mat, color)
@@ -140,13 +149,12 @@ def get_material_for_pyro(drone) -> Optional[Material]:
 
 
 def _get_diffuse_color_of_material(material) -> RGBAColor:
-    """Returns the diffuse color of the given material to the given value.
+    """Returns the diffuse color of the given material.
 
     The material must use a principled BSDF or an emission shader.
 
     Parameters:
-        material: the Blender material to update
-        color: the color to apply to the material
+        material: the Blender material to get the color from
     """
     if material.use_nodes:
         # Material is using shader nodes so we need to adjust the diffuse
@@ -238,7 +246,7 @@ def create_keyframe_for_diffuse_color_of_material(
     set_keyframes(node_tree, data_path, keyframes, interpolation="LINEAR")
 
 
-def get_led_light_color(drone) -> RGBAColor:
+def get_led_light_color_from_material(drone) -> RGBAColor:
     """Returns the color of the LED light on the given drone.
 
     Parameters:
@@ -252,7 +260,7 @@ def get_led_light_color(drone) -> RGBAColor:
         return (0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0)
 
 
-def set_led_light_color(drone, color: RGBAColorLike):
+def set_led_light_color_to_material(drone, color: RGBAColorLike):
     """Sets the color of the LED light on the given drone.
 
     Parameters:
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/apply_color.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/apply_color.py
index 00f93af6..7e72ad8b 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/apply_color.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/apply_color.py
@@ -2,10 +2,7 @@
 from bpy.types import Operator
 from random import shuffle
 
-from sbstudio.plugin.materials import (
-    create_keyframe_for_diffuse_color_of_material,
-    get_material_for_led_light_color,
-)
+from sbstudio.plugin.colors import create_keyframe_for_color_of_drone
 from sbstudio.plugin.props import ColorProperty
 from sbstudio.plugin.selection import get_selected_drones
 from sbstudio.plugin.utils.evaluator import create_position_evaluator
@@ -158,11 +155,6 @@ def _apply_color_to_single_drone(self, drone, frame: int, index: int, ratio: flo
             # Gradient
             color = self.primary_color * (1 - ratio) + self.secondary_color * ratio
 
-        material = get_material_for_led_light_color(drone)
-        if not material:
-            # Drone does not have an LED light
-            return
-
-        create_keyframe_for_diffuse_color_of_material(
-            material, color, frame=frame, step=not self.fade
+        create_keyframe_for_color_of_drone(
+            drone, color, frame=frame, step=not self.fade
         )
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/create_takeoff_grid.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/create_takeoff_grid.py
index 26be0a46..0f77c69b 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/create_takeoff_grid.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/create_takeoff_grid.py
@@ -7,15 +7,11 @@
 
 from sbstudio.model.types import Coordinate3D
 from sbstudio.plugin.constants import Collections, Formations, Templates
-from sbstudio.plugin.materials import (
-    get_material_for_led_light_color,
-    get_material_for_pyro,
-    create_keyframe_for_diffuse_color_of_material,
-)
+from sbstudio.plugin.colors import create_keyframe_for_color_of_drone
+from sbstudio.plugin.materials import get_material_for_pyro
 from sbstudio.plugin.model.formation import add_points_to_formation, create_formation
 from sbstudio.plugin.model.storyboard import StoryboardEntryPurpose, get_storyboard
 from sbstudio.plugin.operators.detach_materials_from_template import (
-    detach_led_light_material_from_drone_template,
     detach_pyro_material_from_drone_template,
 )
 from sbstudio.plugin.selection import select_only
@@ -355,7 +351,6 @@ def _run(self, context):
         )
         drone_collection = Collections.find_drones()
 
-        led_light_template_material = get_material_for_led_light_color(drone_template)
         pyro_template_material = get_material_for_pyro(drone_template)
 
         drones = []
@@ -367,16 +362,13 @@ def _run(self, context):
                 template=drone_template,
                 collection=drone_collection,
             )
-            material = detach_led_light_material_from_drone_template(
-                drone, template_material=led_light_template_material
-            )
 
             # The next line is needed for light effects to work properly
-            create_keyframe_for_diffuse_color_of_material(
-                material, (1.0, 1.0, 1.0), frame=context.scene.frame_start, step=True
+            create_keyframe_for_color_of_drone(
+                drone, (1.0, 1.0, 1.0), frame=context.scene.frame_start, step=True
             )
 
-            _pyro_material = detach_pyro_material_from_drone_template(
+            detach_pyro_material_from_drone_template(
                 drone, template_material=pyro_template_material
             )
 
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/detach_materials_from_template.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/detach_materials_from_template.py
index e9cf23f4..683c4bd4 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/detach_materials_from_template.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/detach_materials_from_template.py
@@ -11,6 +11,8 @@
 __all__ = ("DetachMaterialsFromDroneTemplateOperator",)
 
 
+# TODO: deprecated function, not used since drones use a
+# shared template material
 def detach_led_light_material_from_drone_template(
     drone, template_material: Optional[Material] = None
 ) -> None:
@@ -74,16 +76,10 @@ class DetachMaterialsFromDroneTemplateOperator(Operator):
 
     def execute(self, context):
         template = Templates.find_drone(create=False)
-        led_light_template_material = (
-            get_material_for_led_light_color(template) if template else None
-        )
         pyro_template_material = get_material_for_pyro(template) if template else None
 
         drones = Collections.find_drones()
         for drone in drones.objects:
-            detach_led_light_material_from_drone_template(
-                drone, template_material=led_light_template_material
-            )
             detach_pyro_material_from_drone_template(
                 drone, template_material=pyro_template_material
             )
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/light_effects.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/light_effects.py
index 95884f22..707f099b 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/light_effects.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/light_effects.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 
 from sbstudio.model.types import MutableRGBAColor, RGBAColor
 from sbstudio.plugin.constants import Collections
-from sbstudio.plugin.materials import get_led_light_color, set_led_light_color
+from sbstudio.plugin.colors import get_color_of_drone, set_color_of_drone
 from sbstudio.plugin.utils.evaluator import get_position_of_object
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ def update_light_effects(scene: Scene, depsgraph: Depsgraph):
                 # the base color cache in parallel to the colors list
                 colors: list[MutableRGBAColor] = []
                 for drone in drones:
-                    color = list(get_led_light_color(drone))
+                    color = list(get_color_of_drone(drone))
                     colors.append(color)
                     _base_color_cache[id(drone)] = color
             else:
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ def update_light_effects(scene: Scene, depsgraph: Depsgraph):
     if changed:
         assert drones is not None
         for drone, color in zip(drones, colors):
-            set_led_light_color(drone, color)
+            set_color_of_drone(drone, color)
 
 
 @contextmanager
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/sampling.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/sampling.py
index 14039e81..700c704f 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/sampling.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/sampling.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from sbstudio.model.point import Point4D
 from sbstudio.model.trajectory import Trajectory
 from sbstudio.model.yaw import YawSetpoint, YawSetpointList
-from sbstudio.plugin.materials import get_led_light_color
+from sbstudio.plugin.colors import get_color_of_drone
 from sbstudio.plugin.utils.evaluator import (
     get_position_of_object,
     get_xyz_euler_rotation_of_object,
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ def sample_colors_of_objects(
     for _, time in each_frame_in(frames, context=context, redraw=redraw):
         for obj in objects:
             key = obj.name if by_name else obj
-            color = get_led_light_color(obj)
+            color = get_color_of_drone(obj)
             lights[key].append(
                 Color4D(
                     time,
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ def sample_positions_and_colors_of_objects(
         for obj in objects:
             key = obj.name if by_name else obj
             pos = get_position_of_object(obj)
-            color = get_led_light_color(obj)
+            color = get_color_of_drone(obj)
             trajectories[key].append(Point4D(time, *pos))
             lights[key].append(
                 Color4D(
@@ -335,7 +335,7 @@ def sample_positions_colors_and_yaw_of_objects(
         for obj in objects:
             key = obj.name if by_name else obj
             pos = get_position_of_object(obj)
-            color = get_led_light_color(obj)
+            color = get_color_of_drone(obj)
             rotation = get_xyz_euler_rotation_of_object(obj)
             trajectories[key].append(Point4D(time, *pos))
             lights[key].append(

From 69d63cbf30edf0ba965007e5b9aeb9490832ffd7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2025 06:08:43 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 02/14] fix: fix find_all_f_curves_for_data_path() to return
 curves sorted by array index

(and also fix typing)
---
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/actions.py | 11 +++++------
 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 6 deletions(-)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/actions.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/actions.py
index 1e3019ab..cb75cea9 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/actions.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/actions.py
@@ -146,9 +146,7 @@ def find_f_curve_for_data_path_and_index(
     return None
 
 
-def find_all_f_curves_for_data_path(
-    object_or_action, data_path: str
-) -> Optional[FCurve]:
+def find_all_f_curves_for_data_path(object_or_action, data_path: str) -> list[FCurve]:
     """Finds all F-curves in the F-curves of the action whose data path
     matches the given property, sorted by the array index of the curves.
 
@@ -166,9 +164,10 @@ def find_all_f_curves_for_data_path(
     else:
         action = object_or_action
 
-    # TODO(ntamas): sort by array index!
-    result = [curve for curve in action.fcurves if curve.data_path == data_path]
-    return result
+    return sorted(
+        [curve for curve in action.fcurves if curve.data_path == data_path],
+        key=lambda c: c.array_index,
+    )
 
 
 def cleanup_actions_for_object(object):

From 1d4c33cb6f1c240fb1b1b5e7b25fc2f3567fcb51 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2025 06:13:30 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 03/14] feat: add migration operator to convert old blender
 files with one material per drone to new style with shared material

---
 src/addons/ui_skybrush_studio.py              |  2 +
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/colors.py         |  2 +-
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/keyframes.py      | 35 +++++++-
 .../sbstudio/plugin/operators/__init__.py     |  4 +
 .../use_common_material_for_all_drones.py     | 80 +++++++++++++++++++
 5 files changed, 121 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py

diff --git a/src/addons/ui_skybrush_studio.py b/src/addons/ui_skybrush_studio.py
index 02dd0b7c..52694c9e 100644
--- a/src/addons/ui_skybrush_studio.py
+++ b/src/addons/ui_skybrush_studio.py
@@ -122,6 +122,7 @@
     UpdateFrameRangeFromStoryboardOperator,
     UpdateTimeMarkersFromStoryboardOperator,
     UseSelectedVertexGroupForFormationOperator,
+    UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator,
     ValidateTrajectoriesOperator,
     VVIZExportOperator,
 )
@@ -246,6 +247,7 @@
     AddMarkersFromQRCodeOperator,
     RefreshFileFormatsOperator,
     RunFullProximityCheckOperator,
+    UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator,
 )
 
 #: List widgets in this addon.
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/colors.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/colors.py
index effb049f..aa26579a 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/colors.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/colors.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ def create_keyframe_for_color_of_drone(
     if frame is None:
         frame = bpy.context.scene.frame_current
 
-    ensure_action_exists_for_object(drone, name=f"Color of {drone.name}")
+    ensure_action_exists_for_object(drone)
 
     if hasattr(color, "r"):
         color_as_rgba = color.r, color.g, color.b, 1.0
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/keyframes.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/keyframes.py
index 29be13c2..94e89272 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/keyframes.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/keyframes.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 """Functions related to the handling of keyframes in animation actions."""
 
 from bpy.types import Action, FCurve
+from collections import defaultdict
 from typing import Callable, Optional, Sequence, Tuple, Union
 
 from .actions import (
@@ -9,7 +10,7 @@
     get_action_for_object,
 )
 
-__all__ = ("clear_keyframes", "set_keyframes")
+__all__ = ("clear_keyframes", "get_keyframes", "set_keyframes")
 
 
 def clear_keyframes(
@@ -67,6 +68,38 @@ def clear_keyframes(
                 points.remove(points[index])
 
 
+def get_keyframes(
+    object,
+    data_path: str,
+) -> list[tuple[float, float | list[float]]]:
+    """Gets the values of all keyframes of an object at the given data path.
+
+    Parameters:
+        object: the object on which the keyframes are to be retrieved
+        data_path: the data path to use
+
+    Returns:
+        the keyframes of the object at the given data path
+    """
+    source, sep, prop = data_path.rpartition(".")
+    source = object.path_resolve(source) if sep else object
+
+    fcurves = find_all_f_curves_for_data_path(object, data_path)
+
+    match len(fcurves):
+        case 0:
+            return []
+        case 1:
+            return [(p.co.x, p.co.y) for p in fcurves[0].keyframe_points]
+        case _:
+            frames_dict = defaultdict(lambda: [0.0] * len(fcurves))
+            for curve in fcurves:
+                if curve.data_path == data_path:
+                    for point in curve.keyframe_points:
+                        frames_dict[int(point.co.x)][curve.array_index] = point.co.y
+            return sorted(frames_dict.items())
+
+
 def set_keyframes(
     object,
     data_path: str,
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/__init__.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/__init__.py
index 976af6af..0f47645c 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/__init__.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/__init__.py
@@ -30,6 +30,9 @@
 from .get_formation_stats import GetFormationStatisticsOperator
 from .import_light_effects import ImportLightEffectsOperator
 from .land import LandOperator
+from .migrations.use_common_material_for_all_drones import (
+    UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator,
+)
 from .move_light_effect import (
     MoveLightEffectDownOperator,
     MoveLightEffectUpOperator,
@@ -116,6 +119,7 @@
     "UpdateFrameRangeFromStoryboardOperator",
     "UpdateTimeMarkersFromStoryboardOperator",
     "UseSelectedVertexGroupForFormationOperator",
+    "UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator",
     "ValidateTrajectoriesOperator",
     "VVIZExportOperator",
 )
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..19b50f10
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
+import bpy
+from bpy.types import Operator
+
+from sbstudio.plugin.actions import ensure_action_exists_for_object
+from sbstudio.plugin.constants import Collections, Templates
+from sbstudio.plugin.errors import SkybrushStudioAddonError
+from sbstudio.plugin.keyframes import get_keyframes, set_keyframes
+from sbstudio.plugin.materials import (
+    get_material_for_led_light_color,
+    _get_shader_node_and_input_for_diffuse_color_of_material,
+)
+
+__all__ = ("UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator",)
+
+
+def add_object_info_to_shader_node_tree_of_drone_template() -> None:
+    """Checks drone template and if it seems to be old, upgrade
+    it to contain object info shader node as drone color source."""
+    template = Templates.find_drone(create=False)
+    template_material = get_material_for_led_light_color(template)
+    if template_material is not None:
+        _, input = _get_shader_node_and_input_for_diffuse_color_of_material(
+            template_material
+        )
+        if not input.is_linked:
+            nodes = template_material.node_tree.nodes
+            links = template_material.node_tree.links
+            object_info_node = nodes.new("ShaderNodeObjectInfo")
+            links.new(object_info_node.outputs["Color"], input)
+        elif input.links[0].from_node.name != "Object Info":
+            raise SkybrushStudioAddonError("Template drone shader node tree mismatch")
+
+
+def upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials() -> None:
+    """Moves drone color animation from shader nodes to object colors
+    and replaces drone material with template material."""
+    template = Templates.find_drone(create=False)
+    template_material = get_material_for_led_light_color(template)
+    drones = Collections.find_drones()
+    for drone in drones.objects:
+        material = get_material_for_led_light_color(drone)
+        if material and material.name == f"LED color of {drone.name}":
+            # copy color animation from shader node to drone
+            node_tree = material.node_tree
+            if node_tree.animation_data:
+                node, input = _get_shader_node_and_input_for_diffuse_color_of_material(
+                    material
+                )
+                index = node.inputs.find(input.name)
+                data_path = f'nodes["{node.name}"].inputs[{index}].default_value'
+                keyframes = get_keyframes(node_tree, data_path)
+                ensure_action_exists_for_object(drone)
+                set_keyframes(drone, "color", keyframes, interpolation="LINEAR")
+            # reset drone's material to the template material
+            drone.material_slots[0].material = template_material
+
+
+def set_solid_shading_color_type_to_object() -> None:
+    """Sets the object color source of the solid shading mode of the
+    3D Viewport to use object color."""
+    shading = bpy.context.space_data.shading
+    shading.type = "SOLID"
+    shading.color_type = "OBJECT"
+
+
+class UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator(Operator):
+    """Upgrades old Blender file content (<=3.13.2) that uses
+    a different material for all drone objects to store color animation to
+    new version in which all drones share a common material.
+    """
+
+    bl_idname = "skybrush.use_shared_material_for_all_drones_migration"
+    bl_label = "Use Shared Material For All Drones Migration"
+
+    def execute(self, context):
+        add_object_info_to_shader_node_tree_of_drone_template()
+        upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials()
+        set_solid_shading_color_type_to_object()
+
+        return {"FINISHED"}

From a92784e02e097d8732a4b27be6c10021e25485b5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2025 06:37:15 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 04/14] fix: set both solid and wireframe color to object color
 in all views of the 3D viewport on migration to new color-handling

---
 .../operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py  | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
index 19b50f10..2c3554f9 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
@@ -59,8 +59,8 @@ def set_solid_shading_color_type_to_object() -> None:
     """Sets the object color source of the solid shading mode of the
     3D Viewport to use object color."""
     shading = bpy.context.space_data.shading
-    shading.type = "SOLID"
     shading.color_type = "OBJECT"
+    shading.wireframe_color_type = "OBJECT"
 
 
 class UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator(Operator):

From b5125933e1be67c837a562e824ef8e20b81cfd9a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2025 06:50:58 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 05/14] fixup! fix: set both solid and wireframe color to
 object color in all views of the 3D viewport on migration to new
 color-handling

---
 .../migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py          | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
index 2c3554f9..2191bf12 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ def upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials() -> None:
             drone.material_slots[0].material = template_material
 
 
-def set_solid_shading_color_type_to_object() -> None:
+def set_all_shading_color_types_to_object() -> None:
     """Sets the object color source of the solid shading mode of the
     3D Viewport to use object color."""
     shading = bpy.context.space_data.shading
@@ -75,6 +75,6 @@ class UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator(Operator):
     def execute(self, context):
         add_object_info_to_shader_node_tree_of_drone_template()
         upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials()
-        set_solid_shading_color_type_to_object()
+        set_all_shading_color_types_to_object()
 
         return {"FINISHED"}

From 827a44fa887012b7641d765938fbffc7dd75b1fc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2025 08:56:20 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 06/14] fix: add logging to migration operator

---
 .../use_common_material_for_all_drones.py     | 37 +++++++++++++++++--
 1 file changed, 33 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
index 2191bf12..440168ef 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 import bpy
+import logging
+
 from bpy.types import Operator
+from time import time
 
 from sbstudio.plugin.actions import ensure_action_exists_for_object
 from sbstudio.plugin.constants import Collections, Templates
@@ -12,6 +15,8 @@
 
 __all__ = ("UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator",)
 
+log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
 
 def add_object_info_to_shader_node_tree_of_drone_template() -> None:
     """Checks drone template and if it seems to be old, upgrade
@@ -37,7 +42,9 @@ def upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials() -> None:
     template = Templates.find_drone(create=False)
     template_material = get_material_for_led_light_color(template)
     drones = Collections.find_drones()
-    for drone in drones.objects:
+    num_drones = len(drones.objects)
+    last_log = time()
+    for i, drone in enumerate(drones.objects):
         material = get_material_for_led_light_color(drone)
         if material and material.name == f"LED color of {drone.name}":
             # copy color animation from shader node to drone
@@ -53,12 +60,25 @@ def upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials() -> None:
                 set_keyframes(drone, "color", keyframes, interpolation="LINEAR")
             # reset drone's material to the template material
             drone.material_slots[0].material = template_material
+        if time() - last_log > 10 or i == num_drones - 1:
+            log.info(
+                f"    {(i + 1) / num_drones * 100:.1f}% ready, "
+                f"{i + 1}/{num_drones} drones converted"
+            )
+            last_log = time()
 
 
 def set_all_shading_color_types_to_object() -> None:
-    """Sets the object color source of the solid shading mode of the
-    3D Viewport to use object color."""
-    shading = bpy.context.space_data.shading
+    """Sets the object color source of the solid and wireframe
+    shading types of the 3D Viewport to use object color."""
+    shading = getattr(bpy.context.space_data, "shading", None)
+    if shading is None:
+        log.warning(
+            "Space data does not have 'shading' property. "
+            "Call again with 3D Viewport open!"
+        )
+        return
+
     shading.color_type = "OBJECT"
     shading.wireframe_color_type = "OBJECT"
 
@@ -73,8 +93,17 @@ class UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator(Operator):
     bl_label = "Use Shared Material For All Drones Migration"
 
     def execute(self, context):
+        log.info("Upgrade started.")
+
+        log.info("Modifying shader node tree of drone template...")
         add_object_info_to_shader_node_tree_of_drone_template()
+
+        log.info("Simplifying drone color animation storage...")
         upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials()
+
+        log.info("Changing 3D Viewport shader color types to 'OBJECT'...")
         set_all_shading_color_types_to_object()
 
+        log.info("Upgrade successful.")
+
         return {"FINISHED"}

From 5a1bf1a9b90fcf9ff13f7fc3e41ba8ae63a7eb7d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2025 10:13:12 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 07/14] fix: configure logging explicitly as in Blender 4.5
 default log level is warn, not info

---
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py | 11 +++++++++++
 1 file changed, 11 insertions(+)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
index 1ab2c702..f3553174 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
@@ -71,6 +71,16 @@ def update_pyro_particles_of_drones(*args):
         update_pyro_particles_of_object(drone)
 
 
+def config_logging(*args):
+    import logging
+
+    logging.basicConfig(
+        format="%(asctime)s.%(msecs)03d %(levelname)s: %(message)s",
+        level=logging.INFO,
+        datefmt="%H:%M:%S",
+    )
+
+
 class InitializationTask(Task):
     """Background task that is called every time a new file is loaded."""
 
@@ -81,5 +91,6 @@ class InitializationTask(Task):
             remove_legacy_formation_constraints,
             setup_random_seed,
             update_pyro_particles_of_drones,
+            config_logging,
         ]
     }

From f435f3be1c457e93b96f641edc210e9a558e8e68 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2025 11:20:27 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 08/14] feat: add MigrationOperator for automatic
 user-confirmed migration operators

---
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py | 31 ++++++++
 .../use_common_material_for_all_drones.py     | 75 ++++++++++++++-----
 .../sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py   |  5 ++
 3 files changed, 91 insertions(+), 20 deletions(-)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py
index 55cc2d72..0f95fe79 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py
@@ -496,3 +496,34 @@ def _propose_marker_count(self, context: Context) -> int:
         else:
             num_existing_markers = 0
         return max(0, num_drones - num_existing_markers)
+
+
+class MigrationOperator(Operator):
+    """Operator mixin for migrations/upgrades for files created in earlier
+    versions of the Skybrush Studio for Blender plugin."""
+
+    @classmethod
+    def poll(cls, context: Context):
+        return context.scene.skybrush
+
+    def execute(self, context: Context):
+        if self.needs_migration():
+            return self.execute_migration(context)
+
+        return {"FINISHED"}
+
+    def invoke(self, context: Context, event):
+        if self.needs_migration():
+            return context.window_manager.invoke_confirm(
+                self, event, title=self.bl_label, message=self.bl_description
+            )
+
+        return {"CANCELLED"}
+
+    def needs_migration(self) -> bool:
+        """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration."""
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+    def execute_migration(self, context: Context):
+        """Executes the migration/upgrade on the current Blender content."""
+        raise NotImplementedError
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
index 440168ef..f71f3674 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 import bpy
 import logging
 
-from bpy.types import Operator
 from time import time
 
 from sbstudio.plugin.actions import ensure_action_exists_for_object
@@ -12,6 +11,7 @@
     get_material_for_led_light_color,
     _get_shader_node_and_input_for_diffuse_color_of_material,
 )
+from sbstudio.plugin.operators.base import MigrationOperator
 
 __all__ = ("UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator",)
 
@@ -36,6 +36,22 @@ def add_object_info_to_shader_node_tree_of_drone_template() -> None:
             raise SkybrushStudioAddonError("Template drone shader node tree mismatch")
 
 
+def set_all_shading_color_types_to_object() -> None:
+    """Sets the object color source of the solid and wireframe
+    shading types of the 3D Viewport to use object color."""
+    shading = getattr(bpy.context.space_data, "shading", None)
+    if shading is None:
+        log.warning(
+            "Space data does not have a 'shading' property. "
+            "Set Object Color and Wireframe color to Object "
+            "in your 3D Viewport's Viewport Shading properties manually!"
+        )
+        return
+
+    shading.color_type = "OBJECT"
+    shading.wireframe_color_type = "OBJECT"
+
+
 def upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials() -> None:
     """Moves drone color animation from shader nodes to object colors
     and replaces drone material with template material."""
@@ -62,37 +78,52 @@ def upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials() -> None:
             drone.material_slots[0].material = template_material
         if time() - last_log > 10 or i == num_drones - 1:
             log.info(
-                f"    {(i + 1) / num_drones * 100:.1f}% ready, "
+                f"{(i + 1) / num_drones * 100:.1f}% ready, "
                 f"{i + 1}/{num_drones} drones converted"
             )
             last_log = time()
 
 
-def set_all_shading_color_types_to_object() -> None:
-    """Sets the object color source of the solid and wireframe
-    shading types of the 3D Viewport to use object color."""
-    shading = getattr(bpy.context.space_data, "shading", None)
-    if shading is None:
-        log.warning(
-            "Space data does not have 'shading' property. "
-            "Call again with 3D Viewport open!"
-        )
-        return
+def needs_migration():
+    """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration."""
+    # TODO: what should be the optimal method to check if file
+    # needs migration or not? We check the template material now
+    # as it is most probably not modified by the users frequently
+    try:
+        template = Templates.find_drone(create=False)
+    except (KeyError, ValueError):
+        return False
 
-    shading.color_type = "OBJECT"
-    shading.wireframe_color_type = "OBJECT"
+    template_material = get_material_for_led_light_color(template)
+    if template_material is None:
+        return False
+
+    _, input = _get_shader_node_and_input_for_diffuse_color_of_material(
+        template_material
+    )
 
+    return not input.is_linked
 
-class UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator(Operator):
-    """Upgrades old Blender file content (<=3.13.2) that uses
-    a different material for all drone objects to store color animation to
-    new version in which all drones share a common material.
+
+class UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator(MigrationOperator):
+    """Upgrades old Skybrush Studio for Blender file content (<=3.13.2)
+    that uses a separate material for all drone objects to a new version
+    in which all drones share a common material. This speeds up light effect
+    handling substantially.
     """
 
     bl_idname = "skybrush.use_shared_material_for_all_drones_migration"
-    bl_label = "Use Shared Material For All Drones Migration"
+    bl_label = "Update file content to speed up light effect rendering"
+    bl_description = (
+        "Upgrade your old (<=3.13.2) Skybrush Studio for Blender file content\n"
+        "to speed up light effect playback and show export, by replacing all\n"
+        "drone object materials to a shared template material, modifying its shader\n"
+        "node tree and storing color animations in the drone object's 'color' property\n"
+    )
+
+    def execute_migration(self, context):
+        """Executes the migration/upgrade on the current Blender content."""
 
-    def execute(self, context):
         log.info("Upgrade started.")
 
         log.info("Modifying shader node tree of drone template...")
@@ -107,3 +138,7 @@ def execute(self, context):
         log.info("Upgrade successful.")
 
         return {"FINISHED"}
+
+    def needs_migration(self) -> bool:
+        """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration."""
+        return needs_migration()
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
index f3553174..64bea2a4 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
@@ -81,6 +81,10 @@ def config_logging(*args):
     )
 
 
+def perform_migrations(*args):
+    bpy.ops.skybrush.use_shared_material_for_all_drones_migration("INVOKE_DEFAULT")
+
+
 class InitializationTask(Task):
     """Background task that is called every time a new file is loaded."""
 
@@ -92,5 +96,6 @@ class InitializationTask(Task):
             setup_random_seed,
             update_pyro_particles_of_drones,
             config_logging,
+            perform_migrations,
         ]
     }

From addb96f556f57eac9417df78c8dfe9768d624ce0 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2025 11:00:16 +0100
Subject: [PATCH 09/14] feat: add internal version number for automating
 migration handling

---
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py     | 11 ++++-
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py | 41 +++++++++++++++----
 .../use_common_material_for_all_drones.py     | 13 ++++--
 .../sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py   |  1 +
 4 files changed, 53 insertions(+), 13 deletions(-)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py
index adad15ff..d2f6f7bf 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-from bpy.props import PointerProperty
+from bpy.props import IntProperty, PointerProperty
 from bpy.types import PropertyGroup
 
 from .formations_panel import FormationsPanelProperties
@@ -35,3 +35,12 @@ class DroneShowAddonProperties(PropertyGroup):
         type=DroneShowAddonFileSpecificSettings
     )
     storyboard: Storyboard = PointerProperty(type=Storyboard)
+    version: IntProperty = IntProperty(
+        name="Version",
+        description=(
+            "Current version of the show content stored in Blender. "
+            "Version 1 is the initial version (plugin version <= 3.13.2). "
+            "Version 2 uses a shared material for all drones to speed up light effects."
+        ),
+        default=1,
+    )
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py
index 0f95fe79..65677a16 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 from numpy.typing import NDArray
 from typing import Any, Optional
 
-from bpy.props import BoolProperty, EnumProperty
+from bpy.props import BoolProperty, EnumProperty, IntProperty
 from bpy.types import Collection, Context, Object, Operator
 from bpy_extras.io_utils import ExportHelper
 
@@ -502,28 +502,53 @@ class MigrationOperator(Operator):
     """Operator mixin for migrations/upgrades for files created in earlier
     versions of the Skybrush Studio for Blender plugin."""
 
+    version_from = IntProperty(name="Input format version", options={"HIDDEN"})
+    version_to = IntProperty(name="Output format version", options={"HIDDEN"})
+
     @classmethod
     def poll(cls, context: Context):
         return context.scene.skybrush
 
     def execute(self, context: Context):
-        if self.needs_migration():
-            return self.execute_migration(context)
+        if context.scene.skybrush.version < self.version_from:
+            raise RuntimeError(
+                f"Input format version should be {self.version_from}, "
+                f"not {context.scene.skybrush.version}"
+            )
+        elif context.scene.skybrush.version == self.version_from:
+            retval = (
+                self.execute_migration(context)
+                if self.needs_migration()
+                else {"FINISHED"}
+            )
+            if retval == {"FINISHED"}:
+                context.scene.skybrush.version = self.version_to
+
+            return retval
 
         return {"FINISHED"}
 
     def invoke(self, context: Context, event):
+        self.initialize_migration()
+
+        if context.scene.skybrush.version >= self.version_to:
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+
         if self.needs_migration():
             return context.window_manager.invoke_confirm(
                 self, event, title=self.bl_label, message=self.bl_description
             )
+        else:
+            return self.execute(context)
 
-        return {"CANCELLED"}
+    def execute_migration(self, context: Context):
+        """Executes the migration/upgrade on the current Blender content."""
+        raise NotImplementedError
 
-    def needs_migration(self) -> bool:
-        """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration."""
+    def initialize_migration(self) -> None:
+        """Initializes the operator by setting up the from/to versions."""
         raise NotImplementedError
 
-    def execute_migration(self, context: Context):
-        """Executes the migration/upgrade on the current Blender content."""
+    def needs_migration(self) -> bool:
+        """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration."""
         raise NotImplementedError
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
index f71f3674..6bf6b027 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
@@ -121,6 +121,15 @@ class UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator(MigrationOperator):
         "node tree and storing color animations in the drone object's 'color' property\n"
     )
 
+    def initialize_migration(self) -> None:
+        """Initializes the operator by setting up the from/to versions."""
+        self.version_from = 1
+        self.version_to = 2
+
+    def needs_migration(self) -> bool:
+        """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration."""
+        return needs_migration()
+
     def execute_migration(self, context):
         """Executes the migration/upgrade on the current Blender content."""
 
@@ -138,7 +147,3 @@ def execute_migration(self, context):
         log.info("Upgrade successful.")
 
         return {"FINISHED"}
-
-    def needs_migration(self) -> bool:
-        """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration."""
-        return needs_migration()
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
index 64bea2a4..eff1512f 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
@@ -82,6 +82,7 @@ def config_logging(*args):
 
 
 def perform_migrations(*args):
+    # version 1 -> 2
     bpy.ops.skybrush.use_shared_material_for_all_drones_migration("INVOKE_DEFAULT")
 
 

From 67e43cf9a92fac38e4c8139094bb4ed7ee8416a1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2025 16:36:22 +0100
Subject: [PATCH 10/14] fix: do not mess around with logging as a default init
 call

---
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py | 5 +++--
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
index eff1512f..3cd4722c 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/tasks/initialization.py
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ def update_pyro_particles_of_drones(*args):
         update_pyro_particles_of_object(drone)
 
 
-def config_logging(*args):
+def _config_logging(*args):
     import logging
 
     logging.basicConfig(
@@ -96,7 +96,8 @@ class InitializationTask(Task):
             remove_legacy_formation_constraints,
             setup_random_seed,
             update_pyro_particles_of_drones,
-            config_logging,
+            # enable this below for neat logs
+            # _config_logging,
             perform_migrations,
         ]
     }

From a6ed36f84dbfcadb746482abd025ca3cfa2745ee Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2025 16:48:14 +0100
Subject: [PATCH 11/14] fix: update viewport object and wireframe colors
 properly on all active 3D viewports

---
 .../use_common_material_for_all_drones.py     | 20 +++++++------------
 1 file changed, 7 insertions(+), 13 deletions(-)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
index 6bf6b027..ccd4b64f 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@
     _get_shader_node_and_input_for_diffuse_color_of_material,
 )
 from sbstudio.plugin.operators.base import MigrationOperator
+from sbstudio.plugin.views import find_all_3d_views
 
 __all__ = ("UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator",)
 
@@ -39,17 +40,9 @@ def add_object_info_to_shader_node_tree_of_drone_template() -> None:
 def set_all_shading_color_types_to_object() -> None:
     """Sets the object color source of the solid and wireframe
     shading types of the 3D Viewport to use object color."""
-    shading = getattr(bpy.context.space_data, "shading", None)
-    if shading is None:
-        log.warning(
-            "Space data does not have a 'shading' property. "
-            "Set Object Color and Wireframe color to Object "
-            "in your 3D Viewport's Viewport Shading properties manually!"
-        )
-        return
-
-    shading.color_type = "OBJECT"
-    shading.wireframe_color_type = "OBJECT"
+    for space in find_all_3d_views():
+        space.shading.color_type = "OBJECT"
+        space.shading.wireframe_color_type = "OBJECT"
 
 
 def upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials() -> None:
@@ -115,10 +108,11 @@ class UseSharedMaterialForAllDronesMigrationOperator(MigrationOperator):
     bl_idname = "skybrush.use_shared_material_for_all_drones_migration"
     bl_label = "Update file content to speed up light effect rendering"
     bl_description = (
-        "Upgrade your old (<=3.13.2) Skybrush Studio for Blender file content\n"
+        "Upgrade your old (<4.0) Skybrush Studio for Blender file content\n"
         "to speed up light effect playback and show export, by replacing all\n"
         "drone object materials to a shared template material, modifying its shader\n"
-        "node tree and storing color animations in the drone object's 'color' property\n"
+        "node tree and storing color animations in the drone object's 'color' property.\n"
+        "The upgrade also changes active 3D Viewport wireframe and object color to 'OBJECT'.\n"
     )
 
     def initialize_migration(self) -> None:

From 3e226590db96673c410d64f959aa1c108b409f0c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2025 09:59:17 +0100
Subject: [PATCH 12/14] feat: add warnings to panels on version, formation size
 or shading color mismatch

---
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py     |  7 ++
 .../sbstudio/plugin/panels/formations.py      | 31 +++-----
 .../sbstudio/plugin/panels/led_control.py     |  7 ++
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py | 70 +++++++++++++++++++
 4 files changed, 94 insertions(+), 21 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py
index d2f6f7bf..a9837762 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py
@@ -42,5 +42,12 @@ class DroneShowAddonProperties(PropertyGroup):
             "Version 1 is the initial version (plugin version <= 3.13.2). "
             "Version 2 uses a shared material for all drones to speed up light effects."
         ),
+        min=1,
+        max=2,
         default=1,
     )
+
+    @property
+    def latest_version(self) -> int:
+        """Returns the latest plugin file format version available."""
+        return self.__annotations__["version"].keywords["max"]
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/panels/formations.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/panels/formations.py
index 1b3fa2b5..9fdc258d 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/panels/formations.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/panels/formations.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 from bpy.types import Panel
 
 from sbstudio.plugin.menus import GenerateMarkersMenu
-from sbstudio.plugin.model.formation import count_markers_in_formation
 from sbstudio.plugin.operators import (
     CreateFormationOperator,
     CreateTakeoffGridOperator,
@@ -16,7 +15,11 @@
     UpdateFormationOperator,
     AppendFormationToStoryboardOperator,
 )
-from sbstudio.plugin.stats import get_drone_count
+from sbstudio.plugin.utils.warnings import (
+    draw_bad_shader_color_source_warning,
+    draw_formation_size_warning,
+    draw_version_warning,
+)
 
 __all__ = ("FormationsPanel",)
 
@@ -40,14 +43,15 @@ def poll(cls, context):
         return context.scene.skybrush.formations
 
     def draw(self, context):
-        scene = context.scene
-        formations = scene.skybrush.formations
+        formations = context.scene.skybrush.formations
         if not formations:
             return
 
-        selected_formation = formations.selected
         layout = self.layout
 
+        draw_version_warning(context, layout)
+        draw_bad_shader_color_source_warning(context, layout)
+
         layout.operator(CreateTakeoffGridOperator.bl_idname, icon="ADD")
 
         row = layout.row(align=True)
@@ -67,22 +71,7 @@ def draw(self, context):
         row.operator(DeselectFormationOperator.bl_idname, text="Deselect")
         row.operator(GetFormationStatisticsOperator.bl_idname, text="Stats")
 
-        if selected_formation:
-            num_drones = get_drone_count()
-            num_markers = count_markers_in_formation(formations.selected)
-
-            # If the number of markers in the formation is different from the
-            # number of drones, show a warning as we won't know what to do with
-            # the extra or missing drones
-            if num_markers != num_drones:
-                row = layout.box()
-                row.alert = False
-                row.label(
-                    text=f"Formation size: {num_markers} "
-                    f"{'<' if num_markers < num_drones else '>'} "
-                    f"{num_drones}",
-                    icon="ERROR",
-                )
+        draw_formation_size_warning(context, layout)
 
         row = layout.row(align=True)
         row.menu(
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/panels/led_control.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/panels/led_control.py
index 91d7d528..9d3412d9 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/panels/led_control.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/panels/led_control.py
@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@
     ApplyColorsToSelectedDronesOperator as ApplyColors,
 )
 from sbstudio.plugin.utils.bloom import bloom_effect_supported
+from sbstudio.plugin.utils.warnings import (
+    draw_bad_shader_color_source_warning,
+    draw_version_warning,
+)
 
 
 class LEDControlPanel(Panel):
@@ -32,6 +36,9 @@ def draw(self, context):
 
         layout = self.layout
 
+        draw_version_warning(context, layout)
+        draw_bad_shader_color_source_warning(context, layout)
+
         row = layout.row()
         col = row.column()
         col.prop(led_control, "primary_color", text="Primary", icon="COLOR")
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ba7a1b6c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py
@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+from bpy.types import Context
+
+from sbstudio.plugin.model.formation import count_markers_in_formation
+from sbstudio.plugin.stats import get_drone_count
+
+__all__ = (
+    "draw_bad_shader_color_source_warning",
+    "draw_formation_size_warning",
+    "draw_version_warning",
+)
+
+
+def _draw_warning(layout, text: str) -> None:
+    row = layout.box()
+    row.alert = False
+    row.label(text=text, icon="ERROR")
+
+
+def draw_bad_shader_color_source_warning(context: Context, layout) -> None:
+    """Draw a bad shader color source warning to a layout, if needed."""
+    label = (
+        "Set shader Wireframe Color to 'OBJECT'"
+        if (
+            context.space_data.shading.type == "WIREFRAME"
+            and context.space_data.shading.wireframe_color_type != "OBJECT"
+        )
+        else "Set shader Object Color to 'OBJECT'"
+        if (
+            context.space_data.shading.type == "SOLID"
+            and context.space_data.shading.color_type != "OBJECT"
+        )
+        else None
+    )
+    if label:
+        _draw_warning(layout, text=label)
+
+
+def draw_formation_size_warning(context: Context, layout) -> None:
+    """Draw a formation size warning to a layout, if needed."""
+    formations = context.scene.skybrush.formations
+    if not formations:
+        return
+
+    selected_formation = formations.selected
+    if not selected_formation:
+        return
+
+    num_drones = get_drone_count()
+    num_markers = count_markers_in_formation(selected_formation)
+
+    # If the number of markers in the formation is different from the
+    # number of drones, show a warning as we won't know what to do with
+    # the extra or missing drones
+    if num_markers != num_drones:
+        _draw_warning(
+            layout,
+            text=f"Formation size: {num_markers} "
+            f"{'<' if num_markers < num_drones else '>'} "
+            f"{num_drones}",
+        )
+
+
+def draw_version_warning(context: Context, layout) -> None:
+    """Draw a version warning to a layout, if needed."""
+    skybrush = context.scene.skybrush
+    if skybrush.version < skybrush.latest_version:
+        _draw_warning(
+            layout,
+            text=f"File format is old (version {skybrush.version} < {skybrush.latest_version})",
+        )

From a391b29f76d945d3822d1cf31d63c903ed8b6cbe Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:57:14 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 13/14] fix: do not use __annotations__ when getting latest
 version

---
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/constants.py      | 3 +++
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py     | 9 +++------
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py | 5 +++--
 3 files changed, 9 insertions(+), 8 deletions(-)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/constants.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/constants.py
index 74fe2a6d..80eaa06d 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/constants.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/constants.py
@@ -46,6 +46,9 @@
 DEFAULT_OUTDOOR_DRONE_RADIUS = 0.5
 """Default outdoor drone radius"""
 
+LATEST_SKYBRUSH_PLUGIN_VERSION = 2
+"""The latest (current) plugin version."""
+
 NUM_PYRO_CHANNELS = 6
 """The number of pyro channels that we support."""
 
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py
index a9837762..14c85dbf 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/model/show.py
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 from bpy.props import IntProperty, PointerProperty
 from bpy.types import PropertyGroup
 
+from sbstudio.plugin.constants import LATEST_SKYBRUSH_PLUGIN_VERSION
+
 from .formations_panel import FormationsPanelProperties
 from .led_control import LEDControlPanelProperties
 from .light_effects import LightEffectCollection
@@ -43,11 +45,6 @@ class DroneShowAddonProperties(PropertyGroup):
             "Version 2 uses a shared material for all drones to speed up light effects."
         ),
         min=1,
-        max=2,
+        max=LATEST_SKYBRUSH_PLUGIN_VERSION,
         default=1,
     )
-
-    @property
-    def latest_version(self) -> int:
-        """Returns the latest plugin file format version available."""
-        return self.__annotations__["version"].keywords["max"]
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py
index ba7a1b6c..456ea715 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 from bpy.types import Context
 
+from sbstudio.plugin.constants import LATEST_SKYBRUSH_PLUGIN_VERSION
 from sbstudio.plugin.model.formation import count_markers_in_formation
 from sbstudio.plugin.stats import get_drone_count
 
@@ -63,8 +64,8 @@ def draw_formation_size_warning(context: Context, layout) -> None:
 def draw_version_warning(context: Context, layout) -> None:
     """Draw a version warning to a layout, if needed."""
     skybrush = context.scene.skybrush
-    if skybrush.version < skybrush.latest_version:
+    if skybrush.version < LATEST_SKYBRUSH_PLUGIN_VERSION:
         _draw_warning(
             layout,
-            text=f"File format is old (version {skybrush.version} < {skybrush.latest_version})",
+            text=f"File format is old (version {skybrush.version} < {LATEST_SKYBRUSH_PLUGIN_VERSION})",
         )

From 77a6a85da8761b6b7be13bb2bcce636ede27bf4d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Gabor Vasarhelyi <vasarhelyi@collmot.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:08:33 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 14/14] fix: several small fixes based on review from @ntamas

---
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py        |  5 ++++-
 .../migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py | 12 +++++++++---
 src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py        | 11 +++--------
 3 files changed, 16 insertions(+), 12 deletions(-)

diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py
index 65677a16..57baa79c 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/base.py
@@ -550,5 +550,8 @@ def initialize_migration(self) -> None:
         raise NotImplementedError
 
     def needs_migration(self) -> bool:
-        """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration."""
+        """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration.
+
+        Note that return value is checked based on actual content,
+        irrespective of the current plugin version."""
         raise NotImplementedError
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
index ccd4b64f..2327c1fc 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/operators/migrations/use_common_material_for_all_drones.py
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ def upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials() -> None:
     last_log = time()
     for i, drone in enumerate(drones.objects):
         material = get_material_for_led_light_color(drone)
-        if material and material.name == f"LED color of {drone.name}":
+        if material:
             # copy color animation from shader node to drone
             node_tree = material.node_tree
             if node_tree.animation_data:
@@ -78,7 +78,10 @@ def upgrade_drone_color_animations_and_drone_materials() -> None:
 
 
 def needs_migration():
-    """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration."""
+    """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration.
+
+    Note that return value is checked based on actual content,
+    irrespective of the current plugin version."""
     # TODO: what should be the optimal method to check if file
     # needs migration or not? We check the template material now
     # as it is most probably not modified by the users frequently
@@ -121,7 +124,10 @@ def initialize_migration(self) -> None:
         self.version_to = 2
 
     def needs_migration(self) -> bool:
-        """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration."""
+        """Returns whether the current Blender content needs migration.
+
+        Note that return value is checked based on actual content,
+        irrespective of the current plugin version."""
         return needs_migration()
 
     def execute_migration(self, context):
diff --git a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py
index 456ea715..1b098230 100644
--- a/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py
+++ b/src/modules/sbstudio/plugin/utils/warnings.py
@@ -19,17 +19,12 @@ def _draw_warning(layout, text: str) -> None:
 
 def draw_bad_shader_color_source_warning(context: Context, layout) -> None:
     """Draw a bad shader color source warning to a layout, if needed."""
+    shading = context.space_data.shading
     label = (
         "Set shader Wireframe Color to 'OBJECT'"
-        if (
-            context.space_data.shading.type == "WIREFRAME"
-            and context.space_data.shading.wireframe_color_type != "OBJECT"
-        )
+        if (shading.type == "WIREFRAME" and shading.wireframe_color_type != "OBJECT")
         else "Set shader Object Color to 'OBJECT'"
-        if (
-            context.space_data.shading.type == "SOLID"
-            and context.space_data.shading.color_type != "OBJECT"
-        )
+        if (shading.type == "SOLID" and shading.color_type != "OBJECT")
         else None
     )
     if label: