fix: Change auth port and app slug (#318)

* change port and app slug

* fix errno check

.circleci/config.yml

@@ -14,4 +14,4 @@ workflows:
     when:
       false
     jobs:
-      - build
+      - build

.github/workflows/pr.yml

@@ -19,13 +19,13 @@ jobs:
       - name: Install the project
         run: uv sync --all-extras --dev
 
-      # - uses: actions/cache@v3
-      #   with:
-      #     path: ~/.cache/pre-commit/
-      #     key: ${{ hashFiles('.pre-commit-config.yaml') }}
+      - uses: actions/cache@v3
+        with:
+          path: ~/.cache/pre-commit/
+          key: ${{ hashFiles('.pre-commit-config.yaml') }}
 
-      # - name: Run pre-commit
-      #   run: uv run pre-commit run --all-files
+      - name: Run pre-commit
+        run: uv run pre-commit run --all-files
 
       - name: Minimize uv cache
         run: uv cache prune --ci

.gitignore

@@ -14,4 +14,4 @@ modules/
 .tool-versions
 requirements.txt
 SEMVER
-dui3/
+dui3/

.pre-commit-config.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+repos:
+  - repo: local
+    hooks:
+      # Run the linter.
+      - id: ruff
+        name: ruff lint
+        entry: uv run ruff check --force-exclude
+        language: system
+        types_or: [python, pyi]
+      # Run the formatter.
+      - id: ruff-format
+        name: ruff format
+        entry: uv run ruff format --force-exclude
+        language: system
+        types_or: [python, pyi]
+
+  - repo: https://github.com/pre-commit/pre-commit-hooks
+    rev: v5.0.0
+    hooks:
+      - id: end-of-file-fixer
+      - id: trailing-whitespace

README.md

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 </h3>
 <p align="center"><b>Speckle</b> is the data infrastructure for the AEC industry.</p><br/>
 
-<p align="center"><a href="https://twitter.com/SpeckleSystems"><img src="https://img.shields.io/twitter/follow/SpeckleSystems?style=social" alt="Twitter Follow"></a> <a href="https://speckle.community"><img src="https://img.shields.io/discourse/users?server=https%3A%2F%2Fspeckle.community&amp;style=flat-square&amp;logo=discourse&amp;logoColor=white" alt="Community forum users"></a> <a href="https://speckle.systems"><img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/https://-speckle.systems-royalblue?style=flat-square" alt="website"></a> <a href="https://speckle.guide/dev/"><img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/docs-speckle.guide-orange?style=flat-square&amp;logo=read-the-docs&amp;logoColor=white" alt="docs"></a></p>
+<p align="center"><a href="https://twitter.com/SpeckleSystems"><img src="https://img.shields.io/twitter/follow/SpeckleSystems?style=social" alt="Twitter Follow"></a> <a href="https://speckle.community"><img src="https://img.shields.io/discourse/users?server=https%3A%2F%2Fspeckle.community&amp;style=flat-square&amp;logo=discourse&amp;logoColor=white" alt="Community forum users"></a> <a href="https://speckle.systems"><img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/https://-speckle.systems-royalblue?style=flat-square" alt="website"></a> <a href="https://docs.speckle.systems/dev/"><img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/docs-docs.speckle.systems-orange?style=flat-square&amp;logo=read-the-docs&amp;logoColor=white" alt="docs"></a></p>
 <p align="center"><a href="https://github.com/specklesystems/speckle-blender/"><img src="https://circleci.com/gh/specklesystems/speckle-blender.svg?style=svg&amp;circle-token=76eabd350ea243575cbb258b746ed3f471f7ac29" alt="Speckle-Next"></a> </p>
 
 # About Speckle
@@ -25,31 +25,30 @@ What is Speckle? Check our ![YouTube Video Views](https://img.shields.io/youtube
 - **GraphQL API:** get what you need anywhere you want it
 - **Webhooks:** the base for a automation and next-gen pipelines
 - **Built for developers:** we are building Speckle with developers in mind and got tools for every stack
-- **Built for the AEC industry:** Speckle connectors are plugins for the most common software used in the industry such as Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Excel, Unreal Engine, Unity, QGIS, Blender and more!
+- **Built for the AEC industry:** Speckle connectors are plugins for the most common software used in the industry such as Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Blender and more!
 
 ### Try Speckle now!
 
 Give Speckle a try in no time by:
 
-- [![speckle XYZ](https://img.shields.io/badge/https://-speckle.xyz-0069ff?style=flat-square&logo=hackthebox&logoColor=white)](https://speckle.xyz) ⇒ creating an account at our public server
-- [![create a droplet](https://img.shields.io/badge/Create%20a%20Droplet-0069ff?style=flat-square&logo=digitalocean&logoColor=white)](https://marketplace.digitalocean.com/apps/speckle-server?refcode=947a2b5d7dc1) ⇒ deploying an instance in 1 click 
+- [![speckle XYZ](https://img.shields.io/badge/https://-app.speckle.systems-0069ff?style=flat-square&logo=hackthebox&logoColor=white)](https://app.speckle.systems) ⇒ creating an account at our public server
 
 ### Resources
 
 - [![Community forum users](https://img.shields.io/badge/community-forum-green?style=for-the-badge&logo=discourse&logoColor=white)](https://speckle.community) for help, feature requests or just to hang with other speckle enthusiasts, check out our community forum!
 - [![website](https://img.shields.io/badge/tutorials-speckle.systems-royalblue?style=for-the-badge&logo=youtube)](https://speckle.systems) our tutorials portal is full of resources to get you started using Speckle
-- [![docs](https://img.shields.io/badge/docs-speckle.guide-orange?style=for-the-badge&logo=read-the-docs&logoColor=white)](https://speckle.guide/user/blender.html) reference on almost any end-user and developer functionality
-
+- [![docs](https://img.shields.io/badge/docs-docs.speckle.systems-orange?style=for-the-badge&logo=read-the-docs&logoColor=white)](https://docs.speckle.systems/connectors/blender) reference on almost any end-user and developer functionality
 
 # Blender Connector
 
 The Speckle UI can be found in the 3d viewport toolbar (N), under the Speckle tab.
 
-
 ## Installation
+
 We officially support Blender 4.2 and newer, on Windows.
 
 ## Usage
+
 Once enabled in `Preferences -> Addons`,
 The Speckle connector UI can be found in the 3d viewport toolbar (N), under the `Speckle` tab.
 
@@ -63,7 +62,6 @@ The Speckle connector UI can be found in the 3d viewport toolbar (N), under the
 
 The Blender Connector is still a work in progress and, as such, data sent from the Blender connector is a highly lossy exchange. Our connectors are ever evolving to facilitate more and more Speckle usecases. We welcome feedback, requests, edge cases, and contributions!
 
-
 ## Dependency Installation and Compatibility with Other Blender Addons
 
 Upon first launch of the addon, the Speckle connector installs its SpecklePy dependencies in `%appdata%/Speckle/connector_installations` on Windows.
@@ -78,6 +76,40 @@ If you find an addon that conflicts, please try using a different version of tha
 
 If you can't find a version of an addon that works, please let us know on [our forums](https://speckle.community/) the name of the addon, the versions you've tried, the version of the Speckle connector you've tried, and your OS (win/mac/linux).
 
+## Local Development
+
+Pre-resquisits:
+
+- [uv](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/getting-started/installation/)
+- A supported [blender](https://www.blender.org/download/) version
+- [Blender Development](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=JacquesLucke.blender-development) extension for VS Code (recommended)
+
+First time setup (or anytime you change pyproject.toml)
+Run the following commands
+
+```sh
+uv sync
+./export_dependencies.sh
+```
+
+🪟 To activate the environment in a terminal (Windows):
+
+```powershell
+.venv\Scripts\activate
+```
+
+🐧 To activate the environment in a terminal (Linux / macOS):
+
+```sh
+source .venv/bin/activate.fish
+```
+
+---
+
+To run the blender plugin, run the `>Blender: Start`
+from VS code (`ctrl + shift + p`)
+<img width="1469" height="379" alt="image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/9dc174a0-07fc-47c7-85d1-bd5a04d8f8c7" />
+
 ## Contributing
 
 Please make sure you read the [contribution guidelines](.github/CONTRIBUTING.md) for an overview of the best practices we try to follow.
@@ -89,6 +121,3 @@ The Speckle Community hangs out on [the forum](https://discourse.speckle.works),
 ## License
 
 Unless otherwise described, the code in this repository is licensed under the Apache-2.0 License. Please note that some modules, extensions or code herein might be otherwise licensed. This is indicated either in the root of the containing folder under a different license file, or in the respective file's header. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us via [email](mailto:hello@speckle.systems).
-
-## Notes
-Thanks to [Tom Svilans](http://tomsvilans.com) ([Github](https://github.com/tsvilans)) for the original v1 contribution!

bpy_speckle/__init__.py

@@ -34,6 +34,8 @@ bl_info = {
 
 # UI
 from .connector.ui.main_panel import SPECKLE_PT_main_panel
+from .connector.ui.update_panel import SPECKLE_PT_update_panel
+from .connector.ui.model_cards_panel import SPECKLE_PT_model_cards_panel
 from .connector.utils.account_manager import speckle_workspace
 from .connector.ui.project_selection_dialog import (
     SPECKLE_OT_project_selection_dialog,
@@ -68,6 +70,10 @@ from .connector.blender_operators.model_card_settings import (
 )
 from .connector.blender_operators.select_objects import SPECKLE_OT_select_objects
 from .connector.blender_operators.add_account_button import SPECKLE_OT_add_account
+from .connector.blender_operators.add_account_button import (
+    SPECKLE_OT_show_auth_error,
+    SPECKLE_OT_dismiss_popup,
+)
 from .connector.blender_operators.model_card_load_button import (
     SPECKLE_OT_load_model_card,
 )
@@ -80,6 +86,8 @@ from .connector.blender_operators.add_project_by_url import (
 
 from .connector.blender_operators.create_project import SPECKLE_OT_create_project
 from .connector.blender_operators.create_model import SPECKLE_OT_create_model
+from .connector.blender_operators.version_check import SPECKLE_OT_version_check
+from .connector.blender_operators.update_button import SPECKLE_OT_update_button
 from .connector.utils.account_manager import (
     speckle_account,
     get_default_account_id,
@@ -105,6 +113,14 @@ from .connector.ui.account_selection_dialog import (
 )
 
 
+def delayed_version_check():
+    """Timer function to check for updates after addon startup"""
+    try:
+        bpy.ops.speckle.version_check()
+    except Exception as e:
+        print(f"[Speckle] Failed to check for updates: {e}")
+
+
 def invoke_window_manager_properties():
     # Accounts
     WindowManager.speckle_accounts = bpy.props.CollectionProperty(type=speckle_account)
@@ -139,11 +155,17 @@ def invoke_window_manager_properties():
     )
     # Objects
     WindowManager.speckle_objects = bpy.props.CollectionProperty(type=speckle_object)
+    # Update checking
+    WindowManager.update_available = bpy.props.BoolProperty(default=False)
+    WindowManager.latest_version = bpy.props.StringProperty(default="")
+    WindowManager.update_url = bpy.props.StringProperty(default="")
 
 
 # Classes to load
 classes = (
+    SPECKLE_PT_update_panel,
     SPECKLE_PT_main_panel,
+    SPECKLE_PT_model_cards_panel,
     SPECKLE_OT_publish,
     SPECKLE_OT_load,
     SPECKLE_OT_project_selection_dialog,
@@ -166,11 +188,15 @@ classes = (
     SPECKLE_OT_delete_model_card,
     SPECKLE_OT_select_objects,
     SPECKLE_OT_add_account,
+    SPECKLE_OT_show_auth_error,
+    SPECKLE_OT_dismiss_popup,
     SPECKLE_OT_load_model_card,
     SPECKLE_OT_publish_model_card,
     SPECKLE_OT_add_project_by_url,
     SPECKLE_OT_create_project,
     SPECKLE_OT_create_model,
+    SPECKLE_OT_version_check,
+    SPECKLE_OT_update_button,
     speckle_account,
     SPECKLE_UL_workspaces_list,
     SPECKLE_OT_workspace_selection_dialog,
@@ -203,8 +229,20 @@ def register():
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"[Speckle] Failed to pre-warm client: {e}")
 
+    # Use a timer to delay the version check
+    bpy.app.timers.register(delayed_version_check, first_interval=2.0)
+
 
 def unregister():
+    # Clear any pending timers to prevent duplicate calls
+    if bpy.app.timers.is_registered(delayed_version_check):
+        bpy.app.timers.unregister(delayed_version_check)
+
+    # Clean up authentication server
+    from .connector.blender_operators.add_account_button import cleanup_auth_server
+
+    cleanup_auth_server()
+
     icons.unload_icons()
     unregister_speckle_state()  # Unregister SpeckleState
     _client_cache.clear()

bpy_speckle/connector/blender_operators/add_account_button.py

@@ -1,6 +1,15 @@
 import bpy
-import webbrowser
+import textwrap
 from bpy.types import Event, Context
+from typing import Optional
+from ..utils.authentication import (
+    AuthenticationServer,
+    SPECKLE_AUTH_PORT,
+)
+
+
+# Global auth server instance
+_auth_server = None
 
 
 class SPECKLE_OT_add_account(bpy.types.Operator):
@@ -16,6 +25,10 @@ class SPECKLE_OT_add_account(bpy.types.Operator):
         default="https://app.speckle.systems",
     )
 
+    _timer = None
+    _timeout_counter = 0
+    _max_timeout = 300  # 5 minutes in seconds (300 checks at ~1 sec intervals)
+
     def invoke(self, context: Context, event: Event) -> set[str]:
         return context.window_manager.invoke_props_dialog(self)
 
@@ -25,14 +38,222 @@ class SPECKLE_OT_add_account(bpy.types.Operator):
         layout.prop(self, "server_url", text="Server URL")
 
     def execute(self, context: Context) -> set[str]:
-        # Logic to handle sign in
-        api_url = "http://localhost:29364"
-        url = f"{api_url}/auth/add-account?serverUrl={self.server_url}"
-        webbrowser.open(url)
-        self.report({"INFO"}, f"Adding account from {self.server_url}: {url}")
+        print(f"[Add Account] Starting authentication for server: {self.server_url}")
+        cleanup_auth_server()
 
-        # Force redraw
-        context.window.screen = context.window.screen
-        context.area.tag_redraw()
+        # Try to start own auth server first - it will fail gracefully if port is in use
+        global _auth_server
+        _auth_server = AuthenticationServer(port=SPECKLE_AUTH_PORT)
 
+        if _auth_server.start():
+            return self._initiate_own_server_flow(context)
+
+        # Server failed to start - port is in use
+        _auth_server = None
+        print(f"[Add Account] Port {SPECKLE_AUTH_PORT} is already in use")
+        self.report(
+            {"ERROR"},
+            f"Port {SPECKLE_AUTH_PORT} is already in use. Please close any application using it and try again.",
+        )
+        return {"CANCELLED"}
+
+    def _initiate_own_server_flow(self, context: Context) -> set[str]:
+        """Start auth flow with our own server."""
+        try:
+            _auth_server.open_auth_url(self.server_url)
+            self._start_modal_timer(context)
+            return {"RUNNING_MODAL"}
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"[Add Account] Failed to open browser: {e}")
+            self.report({"ERROR"}, f"Failed to open browser: {e}")
+            cleanup_auth_server()
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+
+    def _start_modal_timer(self, context: Context):
+        """Start modal timer for auth polling."""
+        self._timeout_counter = 0
+        wm = context.window_manager
+        self._timer = wm.event_timer_add(1.0, window=context.window)
+        wm.modal_handler_add(self)
+
+    def modal(self, context: Context, event: Event) -> set[str]:
+        global _auth_server
+
+        if event.type != "TIMER":
+            return {"PASS_THROUGH"}
+
+        # Check for timeout
+        self._timeout_counter += 1
+        if self._timeout_counter >= self._max_timeout:
+            print("[Add Account] Authentication timed out after 5 minutes")
+            self._cleanup(context)
+            self.report(
+                {"WARNING"},
+                "Authentication timed out after 5 minutes. Please try again.",
+            )
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+
+        # Check for no active auth server
+        if not _auth_server:
+            print("[Add Account] No active auth server, cancelling")
+            self._cleanup(context)
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+
+        # Check auth server completion
+        if _auth_server.is_complete():
+            return self._finish_auth(
+                context,
+                _auth_server.is_successful(),
+                _auth_server.get_error_message(),
+                "Auth server",
+            )
+
+        # Still waiting
+        return {"RUNNING_MODAL"}
+
+    def _finish_auth(
+        self,
+        context: Context,
+        is_successful: bool,
+        error_msg: Optional[str],
+        auth_type: str,
+    ) -> set[str]:
+        """Complete authentication and cleanup."""
+        print(
+            f"[Add Account] {auth_type} authentication complete. Success: {is_successful}"
+        )
+        self._cleanup(context)
+        return self._handle_auth_complete(context, is_successful, error_msg)
+
+    def _handle_auth_complete(
+        self, context: Context, is_successful: bool, error_msg: Optional[str]
+    ) -> set[str]:
+        """Handle authentication completion and update UI state."""
+        if is_successful:
+            print("[Add Account] Account added successfully - refreshing UI")
+
+            # Import account management functions
+            from ..utils.account_manager import get_account_enum_items, _client_cache
+            from ..ui.account_selection_dialog import (
+                update_workspaces_list,
+                update_projects_list,
+            )
+
+            # Get the newly added account (most recent one)
+            accounts = get_account_enum_items()
+            if accounts and accounts[0][0] != "NO_ACCOUNTS":
+                new_account_id = accounts[-1][0]  # Last account added
+
+                # Set as selected account
+                context.window_manager.selected_account_id = new_account_id
+
+                # Clear client cache to force re-authentication
+                _client_cache.clear()
+
+                # Refresh UI state
+                try:
+                    update_workspaces_list(context)
+                    update_projects_list(context)
+                except Exception as e:
+                    print(f"[Add Account] Error refreshing UI state: {e}")
+
+                self.report({"INFO"}, "Account added successfully and is now active!")
+            else:
+                self.report({"INFO"}, "Account added successfully!")
+
+            return {"FINISHED"}
+        else:
+            error_details = error_msg if error_msg else "Unknown error"
+            print(f"[Add Account] Authentication failed: {error_details}")
+            self.report({"ERROR"}, f"Authentication failed: {error_details}")
+
+            # Show persistent error popup with details
+            # Store error in window manager for the popup operator
+            context.window_manager["speckle_auth_error"] = error_details
+            bpy.ops.speckle.show_auth_error("INVOKE_DEFAULT")
+
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+
+    def _cleanup(self, context: Context):
+        # Remove timer
+        if self._timer is not None:
+            context.window_manager.event_timer_remove(self._timer)
+            self._timer = None
+
+        # Shutdown auth server/authenticator
+        cleanup_auth_server()
+
+
+def cleanup_auth_server():
+    """Shutdown auth server on addon unload."""
+    global _auth_server
+
+    if _auth_server is not None:
+        try:
+            _auth_server.shutdown()
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"[Add Account] Failed to cleanup auth server: {e}")
+            print(f"[Add Account] Port {SPECKLE_AUTH_PORT} may still be occupied")
+        _auth_server = None
+
+
+class SPECKLE_OT_show_auth_error(bpy.types.Operator):
+    """Show persistent error dialog for authentication failures."""
+
+    bl_idname = "speckle.show_auth_error"
+    bl_label = "Authentication Error"
+    bl_options = {"INTERNAL"}
+
+    def execute(self, context: Context) -> set[str]:
+        # Clean up the temporary error message
+        if "speckle_auth_error" in context.window_manager:
+            del context.window_manager["speckle_auth_error"]
+        return {"FINISHED"}
+
+    def invoke(self, context: Context, event: Event) -> set[str]:
+        return context.window_manager.invoke_popup(self, width=450)
+
+    def draw(self, context: Context):
+        layout = self.layout
+
+        # Error header
+        box = layout.box()
+        row = box.row()
+        row.label(text="", icon="ERROR")
+        row.label(text="Authentication Failed", icon="NONE")
+
+        layout.separator()
+
+        # Error details
+        error_details = context.window_manager.get(
+            "speckle_auth_error", "Unknown error"
+        )
+        col = layout.column(align=True)
+
+        # Wrap long error messages
+        wrapper = textwrap.TextWrapper(width=60)
+        for line in error_details.split("\n"):
+            if line:
+                for wrapped_line in wrapper.wrap(line):
+                    col.label(text=wrapped_line)
+            else:
+                col.label(text="")
+
+        layout.separator()
+
+        # Close button
+        layout.operator("speckle.dismiss_popup", text="Close", icon="X")
+
+
+class SPECKLE_OT_dismiss_popup(bpy.types.Operator):
+    """Dismiss popup dialog."""
+
+    bl_idname = "speckle.dismiss_popup"
+    bl_label = "Dismiss"
+    bl_options = {"INTERNAL"}
+
+    def execute(self, context: Context) -> set[str]:
+        # Clean up any temporary data
+        if "speckle_auth_error" in context.window_manager:
+            del context.window_manager["speckle_auth_error"]
         return {"FINISHED"}

bpy_speckle/connector/blender_operators/create_model.py

@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 import bpy
 from bpy.types import Context, Event, UILayout
 from specklepy.core.api.inputs import CreateModelInput
-from specklepy.core.api.models import Model
+from typing import Tuple
 
-from ..utils.account_manager import _client_cache
+from ..utils.account_manager import _client_cache, can_create_model
 
 
 class SPECKLE_OT_create_model(bpy.types.Operator):
@@ -11,22 +11,37 @@ class SPECKLE_OT_create_model(bpy.types.Operator):
     bl_label = "Create Model"
     bl_description = "Create a new Speckle model"
 
+    _can_create: bool = True
+
     model_name: bpy.props.StringProperty(name="Model Name")  # type: ignore
 
+    @classmethod
+    def description(cls, context: Context, properties) -> str:
+        if not cls._can_create:
+            return "Workspace limits have been reached"
+        return "Create a new Speckle model"
+
     def execute(self, context: Context) -> set[str]:
         wm = context.window_manager
 
+        authorized, auth_message = can_create_model(
+            wm.selected_account_id, wm.selected_project_id
+        )
+        if not authorized:
+            self.report({"ERROR"}, auth_message)
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+
         if not self.model_name.strip():
             self.report({"ERROR"}, "Model name cannot be empty")
             return {"CANCELLED"}
 
         try:
-            model = _create_model(
+            model_id, model_name = create_model(
                 wm.selected_account_id, wm.selected_project_id, self.model_name
             )
-            wm.selected_model_id = model.id
-            wm.selected_model_name = model.name
-            self.report({"INFO"}, f"Created model: {model.name} -> ID: {model.id}")
+            wm.selected_model_id = model_id
+            wm.selected_model_name = model_name
+            self.report({"INFO"}, f"Created model: {model_name} -> ID: {model_id}")
             # Force redraw
             context.window.screen = context.window.screen
             context.area.tag_redraw()
@@ -51,17 +66,19 @@ def unregister() -> None:
     bpy.utils.unregister_class(SPECKLE_OT_create_model)
 
 
-def _create_model(account_id: str, project_id: str, model_name: str) -> Model:
+def create_model(account_id: str, project_id: str, model_name: str) -> Tuple[str, str]:
     try:
         # Get cached client
         client = _client_cache.get_client(account_id)
+        if not client:
+            raise ValueError(f"Could not get client for account: {account_id}")
 
         model = client.model.create(
             input=CreateModelInput(
                 name=model_name, description="", project_id=project_id
             )
         )
-        return model
+        return (model.id, model.name)
     except Exception as e:
         # Clear cache on error to prevent stale clients
         _client_cache.clear()

bpy_speckle/connector/blender_operators/create_project.py

@@ -1,11 +1,9 @@
-from typing import Optional
-
 import bpy
 from bpy.types import Context, Event, UILayout
-from specklepy.core.api.enums import ProjectVisibility
-from specklepy.core.api.inputs import ProjectCreateInput
+
 from specklepy.core.api.inputs.project_inputs import WorkspaceProjectCreateInput
-from specklepy.core.api.models import Project
+from specklepy.core.api.enums import ProjectVisibility
+from typing import Tuple
 
 from ..utils.account_manager import _client_cache
 
@@ -23,16 +21,14 @@ class SPECKLE_OT_create_project(bpy.types.Operator):
 
     def execute(self, context: Context) -> set[str]:
         wm = context.window_manager
-        project = _create_project(
+        project_id, project_name = create_project(
             wm.selected_account_id,
             self.project_name,
-            None
-            if wm.selected_workspace.id == "personal"
-            else wm.selected_workspace.id,
+            wm.selected_workspace.id,
         )
-        wm.selected_project_id = project.id
-        wm.selected_project_name = project.name
-        self.report({"INFO"}, f"Created project: {project.name} -> ID: {project.id}")
+        wm.selected_project_id = project_id
+        wm.selected_project_name = project_name
+        self.report({"INFO"}, f"Created project: {project_name} -> ID: {project_id}")
         # Force redraw
         context.window.screen = context.window.screen
         context.area.tag_redraw()
@@ -54,32 +50,24 @@ def unregister() -> None:
     bpy.utils.unregister_class(SPECKLE_OT_create_project)
 
 
-def _create_project(
-    account_id: str, project_name: str, workspace_id: Optional[str]
-) -> Project:
+def create_project(
+    account_id: str, project_name: str, workspace_id: str
+) -> Tuple[str, str]:
     try:
         # Get cached client
         client = _client_cache.get_client(account_id)
-
-        if workspace_id:
-            project = client.project.create_in_workspace(
-                input=WorkspaceProjectCreateInput(
-                    name=project_name,
-                    description="",
-                    visibility=ProjectVisibility.PUBLIC,
-                    workspaceId=workspace_id,
-                )
-            )
-        else:
-            project = client.project.create(
-                input=ProjectCreateInput(
-                    name=project_name,
-                    description="",
-                    visibility=ProjectVisibility.PUBLIC,
-                )
+        if not client:
+            raise Exception(f"Could not get client for account: {account_id}")
+        project = client.project.create_in_workspace(
+            input=WorkspaceProjectCreateInput(
+                name=project_name,
+                description="",
+                visibility=ProjectVisibility("PUBLIC"),
+                workspaceId=workspace_id,
             )
+        )
 
-        return project
+        return (project.id, project.name)
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"Failed to create project: {str(e)}")
         # Clear cache on error to prevent stale clients

bpy_speckle/connector/blender_operators/model_card_publish_button.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import bpy
 from typing import Set
 from bpy.types import Context, Event
 from ..operations.publish_operation import publish_operation
+from ..utils.account_manager import can_create_version
 
 
 class SPECKLE_OT_publish_model_card(bpy.types.Operator):
@@ -27,6 +28,14 @@ class SPECKLE_OT_publish_model_card(bpy.types.Operator):
             self.model_card_id
         )
 
+        # On-demand permission check
+        authorized, auth_message = can_create_version(
+            model_card.account_id, model_card.project_id, model_card.model_id
+        )
+        if not authorized:
+            self.report({"ERROR"}, auth_message)
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+
         # set wm
         wm.selected_account_id = model_card.account_id
         wm.selected_project_id = model_card.project_id

bpy_speckle/connector/blender_operators/publish_button.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ from bpy.types import Event
 from typing import Set
 
 from ..operations.publish_operation import publish_operation
-from ..utils.account_manager import get_server_url_by_account_id
+from ..utils.account_manager import get_server_url_by_account_id, can_create_version
 from ..utils.model_card_utils import model_card_exists, update_model_card_objects
 
 
@@ -55,6 +55,11 @@ class SPECKLE_OT_publish(bpy.types.Operator):
             self.report({"ERROR"}, "No model selected")
             return {"CANCELLED"}
 
+        authorized, auth_message = can_create_version(account_id, project_id, model_id)
+        if not authorized:
+            self.report({"ERROR"}, auth_message)
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+
         objects_to_convert = []
         for speckle_obj in wm.speckle_objects:
             blender_obj = bpy.data.objects.get(speckle_obj.name)

bpy_speckle/connector/blender_operators/update_button.py

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+import bpy
+import webbrowser
+from bpy.types import Context
+
+
+class SPECKLE_OT_update_button(bpy.types.Operator):
+    """Operator for opening the download URL for the latest Speckle Blender connector"""
+
+    bl_idname = "speckle.update_button"
+    bl_label = "Update"
+    bl_description = "Download the latest version of the Speckle Blender connector"
+
+    def execute(self, context: Context) -> set[str]:
+        wm = context.window_manager
+
+        if not wm.update_url:
+            self.report({"ERROR"}, "No update URL available")
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+
+        try:
+            webbrowser.open(wm.update_url)
+            self.report({"INFO"}, f"Opening download page for v{wm.latest_version}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.report({"ERROR"}, f"Failed to open download page: {str(e)}")
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+
+        return {"FINISHED"}

bpy_speckle/connector/blender_operators/version_check.py

@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+import bpy
+from bpy.types import Context
+from specklepy.core.api.connector_versions import get_latest_version
+
+# Get current version from bl_info
+from ... import bl_info
+
+
+class SPECKLE_OT_version_check(bpy.types.Operator):
+    """Operator for checking if a newer version of the Speckle Blender connector is available"""
+
+    bl_idname = "speckle.version_check"
+    bl_label = "Check for Updates"
+    bl_description = (
+        "Check if a newer version of the Speckle Blender connector is available"
+    )
+
+    def execute(self, context: Context) -> set[str]:
+        wm = context.window_manager
+
+        # Reset previous state
+        wm.update_available = False
+        wm.latest_version = ""
+        wm.update_url = ""
+
+        try:
+            current_version = bl_info["version"]
+            current_version_str = (
+                f"{current_version[0]}.{current_version[1]}.{current_version[2]}"
+            )
+
+            # Get latest version info
+            latest_version_info = get_latest_version("blender", False)
+            latest_version_str = latest_version_info.number  # semantic version string
+
+            # Compare versions - if they're different, show update
+            if latest_version_str != current_version_str:
+                wm.update_available = True
+                wm.latest_version = latest_version_str
+                wm.update_url = str(
+                    latest_version_info.url
+                )  # Convert HttpUrl to string
+                self.report({"INFO"}, f"Update available: v{latest_version_str}")
+            else:
+                self.report({"INFO"}, "You have the latest version")
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            error_msg = f"Failed to check for updates: {str(e)}"
+            self.report({"ERROR"}, error_msg)
+
+        return {"FINISHED"}

bpy_speckle/connector/operations/load_operation.py

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ from typing import Dict, Union
 import bpy
 from bpy.types import Context
 from specklepy.core.api import host_applications, operations
+from specklepy.core.api.inputs.version_inputs import MarkReceivedVersionInput
 from specklepy.logging import metrics
 from specklepy.objects.graph_traversal.default_traversal import (
     create_default_traversal_function,
@@ -17,7 +18,10 @@ from ...converter.to_native import (
     instance_definition_proxy_to_native,
     render_material_proxy_to_native,
 )
-from ...converter.utils import find_object_by_id
+from ...converter.utils import (
+    build_object_id_map,
+    get_project_workspace_id,
+)
 from ..utils.account_manager import _client_cache
 from ..utils.get_ascendants import get_ascendants
 
@@ -30,20 +34,35 @@ def load_operation(
     """
 
     wm = context.window_manager
+    accountId: str = wm.selected_account_id  # type: ignore
+    projectId: str = wm.selected_project_id  # type: ignore
+    versionId: str = wm.selected_version_id  # type: ignore
 
     # get cached client
-    client = _client_cache.get_client(context.window_manager.selected_account_id)
+    client = _client_cache.get_client(accountId)
+    if not client:
+        print("No Speckle client found")
+        return {}
 
-    print(f"Using client for account: {context.window_manager.selected_account_id}")
+    print(f"Using client for account: {accountId}")
 
-    transport = ServerTransport(stream_id=wm.selected_project_id, client=client)
+    transport = ServerTransport(stream_id=projectId, client=client)
 
-    version = client.version.get(wm.selected_version_id, wm.selected_project_id)
+    version = client.version.get(versionId, projectId)
     obj_id = version.referenced_object
+    if not obj_id:
+        raise ValueError("Unable to receive version beyond workspaces limit")
 
     version_data = operations.receive(obj_id, transport)
 
     metrics.set_host_app("blender")
+    client.version.received(
+        MarkReceivedVersionInput(
+            version_id=version.id,
+            project_id=projectId,
+            source_application="blender",
+        )
+    )
 
     metrics.track(
         metrics.RECEIVE,
@@ -56,15 +75,21 @@ def load_operation(
                 version.source_application
             ).slug,
             "isMultiplayer": version.author_user.id != client.account.userInfo.id,
-            "workspace_id": client.project.get(wm.selected_project_id).workspace_id,
+            "workspace_id": get_project_workspace_id(client, wm.selected_project_id),
         },
     )
 
+    # Build object ID map once
+    object_id_map = build_object_id_map(version_data)
+
     # Create material mapping first
     material_mapping = render_material_proxy_to_native(version_data)
 
     definition_collections, definition_objects = instance_definition_proxy_to_native(
-        version_data, material_mapping, instance_loading_mode=instance_loading_mode
+        version_data,
+        material_mapping,
+        instance_loading_mode=instance_loading_mode,
+        object_id_map=object_id_map,
     )
 
     definitions_root_collection = None
@@ -78,7 +103,8 @@ def load_operation(
     for definition in find_instance_definitions(version_data).values():
         definition_object_ids.update(definition.objects)
         for obj_id in definition.objects:
-            found_obj = find_object_by_id(version_data, obj_id)
+            # Use ID map
+            found_obj = object_id_map.get(obj_id)
             if found_obj:
                 if hasattr(found_obj, "id"):
                     definition_object_ids.add(found_obj.id)

bpy_speckle/connector/operations/publish_operation.py

@@ -1,22 +1,132 @@
-from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Tuple
-
 import bpy
-from bpy.types import Collection as BlenderCollection
-from bpy.types import Context
-from specklepy.core.api import operations
-from specklepy.core.api.inputs.version_inputs import CreateVersionInput
-from specklepy.logging import metrics
+from bpy.types import Context, Collection as BlenderCollection
+from typing import List, Optional, Dict, Tuple
+
 from specklepy.objects import Base
 from specklepy.objects.models.collections.collection import Collection
-from specklepy.objects.models.units import Units
+from specklepy.core.api import operations
 from specklepy.transports.server import ServerTransport
+from specklepy.core.api.inputs.version_inputs import CreateVersionInput
+from specklepy.objects.models.units import Units
+from specklepy.logging.exceptions import GraphQLException, WorkspacePermissionException
+from specklepy.core.api.inputs.model_ingestion_inputs import (
+    ModelIngestionCreateInput,
+    ModelIngestionStartProcessingInput,
+    ModelIngestionSuccessInput,
+    ModelIngestionFailedInput,
+    SourceDataInput,
+)
 
-from ... import bl_info
 from ...converter.to_speckle import convert_to_speckle
 from ...converter.to_speckle.material_to_speckle import (
     add_render_material_proxies_to_base,
 )
+from ...converter.utils import get_project_workspace_id
 from ..utils.account_manager import _client_cache
+from specklepy.logging import metrics
+from ... import bl_info
+
+
+def _check_use_model_ingestion_send(client, project_id: str, model_id: str) -> bool:
+    """Check if the server supports model ingestion and the user is authorized."""
+    try:
+        result = client.model.can_create_model_ingestion(project_id, model_id)
+        result.ensure_authorised()
+        return True
+    except GraphQLException:
+        return False
+
+
+def _build_source_data() -> SourceDataInput:
+    """Build data input for model ingestion."""
+    file_name = bpy.path.basename(bpy.data.filepath)
+    if not file_name:
+        file_name = "Untitled.blend"
+
+    file_size_bytes: Optional[int] = None
+    if bpy.data.filepath:
+        import os
+
+        try:
+            file_size_bytes = os.path.getsize(bpy.data.filepath)
+        except OSError:
+            pass
+
+    blender_version = ".".join(map(str, bl_info["blender"]))
+    return SourceDataInput(
+        source_application_slug="blender",
+        source_application_version=blender_version,
+        file_name=file_name,
+        file_size_bytes=file_size_bytes,
+    )
+
+
+def _send_via_ingestion(
+    client,
+    project_id: str,
+    model_id: str,
+    obj_id: str,
+    version_message: str,
+) -> str:
+    """Send via the model ingestion. Returns version_id."""
+    source_data = _build_source_data()
+
+    create_input = ModelIngestionCreateInput(
+        project_id=project_id,
+        model_id=model_id,
+        source_data=source_data,
+        progress_message="Model ingestion created",
+    )
+    ingestion = client.model_ingestion.create(create_input)
+    ingestion_id = ingestion.id
+
+    try:
+        start_input = ModelIngestionStartProcessingInput(
+            project_id=project_id,
+            ingestion_id=ingestion_id,
+            progress_message="Processing model ingestion",
+            source_data=source_data,
+        )
+        client.model_ingestion.start_processing(start_input)
+
+        success_input = ModelIngestionSuccessInput(
+            project_id=project_id,
+            ingestion_id=ingestion_id,
+            root_object_id=obj_id,
+            version_message=version_message,
+        )
+        version_id = client.model_ingestion.complete(success_input)
+        return version_id
+    except Exception:
+        try:
+            fail_input = ModelIngestionFailedInput(
+                project_id=project_id,
+                ingestion_id=ingestion_id,
+                error_reason="Failed during processing",
+            )
+            client.model_ingestion.fail_with_error(fail_input)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        raise
+
+
+def _send_via_version_create(
+    client,
+    project_id: str,
+    model_id: str,
+    obj_id: str,
+    version_message: str,
+) -> str:
+    """Send via the legacy version.create() flow. Returns version_id."""
+    version_input = CreateVersionInput(
+        objectId=obj_id,
+        modelId=model_id,
+        projectId=project_id,
+        message=version_message,
+        sourceApplication="blender",
+    )
+    version = client.version.create(version_input)
+    return version.id
 
 
 def publish_operation(
@@ -33,8 +143,16 @@ def publish_operation(
     try:
         # get cached client
         client = _client_cache.get_client(wm.selected_account_id)
+        if not client:
+            return False, "No Speckle client found", None
 
-        transport = ServerTransport(stream_id=wm.selected_project_id, client=client)
+        project_id = wm.selected_project_id
+        model_id = wm.selected_model_id
+
+        # check ingestion support before sending data (fail fast on permission errors)
+        use_ingestion = _check_use_model_ingestion_send(client, project_id, model_id)
+
+        transport = ServerTransport(stream_id=project_id, client=client)
 
         # build collection hierarchy and convert objects
         root_collection = build_collection_hierarchy(
@@ -49,29 +167,36 @@ def publish_operation(
 
         obj_id = operations.send(root_collection, [transport])
 
-        version_input = CreateVersionInput(
-            object_id=obj_id,
-            model_id=wm.selected_model_id,
-            project_id=wm.selected_project_id,
-            message=version_message,
-            source_application="blender",
+        if use_ingestion:
+            version_id = _send_via_ingestion(
+                client, project_id, model_id, obj_id, version_message
+            )
+        else:
+            version_id = _send_via_version_create(
+                client, project_id, model_id, obj_id, version_message
+            )
+
+        # Get account for metrics tracking
+        from specklepy.core.api.credentials import get_local_accounts
+
+        account = next(
+            (acc for acc in get_local_accounts() if acc.id == wm.selected_account_id),
+            None,
         )
 
-        version = client.version.create(version_input)
-        version_id = version.id
-
-        # track metrics
-        metrics.set_host_app("blender")
-        metrics.track(
-            metrics.SEND,
-            client.account,
-            {
-                "ui": "dui3",
-                "hostAppVersion": ".".join(map(str, bl_info["blender"])),
-                "core_version": ".".join(map(str, bl_info["version"])),
-                "workspace_id": client.project.get(wm.selected_project_id).workspace_id,
-            },
-        )
+        if account:
+            # track metrics
+            metrics.set_host_app("blender")
+            metrics.track(
+                metrics.SEND,
+                account,
+                {
+                    "ui": "dui3",
+                    "hostAppVersion": ".".join(map(str, bl_info["blender"])),
+                    "core_version": ".".join(map(str, bl_info["version"])),
+                    "workspace_id": get_project_workspace_id(client, project_id),
+                },
+            )
 
         # count total objects for success message
         total_objects = count_objects_in_collection(root_collection)
@@ -82,6 +207,9 @@ def publish_operation(
             version_id,
         )
 
+    except WorkspacePermissionException as e:
+        return False, f"Permission denied: {str(e)}", None
+
     except Exception as e:
         import traceback
 

bpy_speckle/connector/ui/account_selection_dialog.py

@@ -123,7 +123,11 @@ def update_workspaces_list(context: Context) -> None:
         workspace: speckle_workspace = wm.speckle_workspaces.add()
         workspace.id = id
         workspace.name = name
-    wm.selected_workspace.id = get_active_workspace(wm.selected_account_id)["id"]
+    active_workspace = get_active_workspace(wm.selected_account_id)
+    if active_workspace:
+        wm.selected_workspace.id = active_workspace["id"]
+    elif wm.speckle_workspaces:
+        wm.selected_workspace.id = wm.speckle_workspaces[0].id
     print("Updated Workspaces List!")
 
 

bpy_speckle/connector/ui/main_panel.py

@@ -104,70 +104,3 @@ class SPECKLE_PT_main_panel(bpy.types.Panel):
             row = layout.row()
             row.enabled = project_selected and model_selected and version_selected
             row.operator("speckle.load", text="Load Model", icon="IMPORT")
-
-        layout.separator()
-
-        # group model cards by project name
-        project_groups = {}
-        for model_card in context.scene.speckle_state.model_cards:
-            project_name = (
-                model_card.project_name if model_card.project_name else "No Project"
-            )
-            if project_name not in project_groups:
-                project_groups[project_name] = []
-            project_groups[project_name].append(model_card)
-
-        for project_name, model_cards in project_groups.items():
-            project_box = layout.box()
-            project_row = project_box.row()
-            project_row.label(text=f"Project: {project_name}", icon="TRIA_RIGHT")
-
-            for model_card in model_cards:
-                box: UILayout = project_box.box()
-                row_1: UILayout = box.row()
-                row_2: UILayout = box.row()
-
-                if model_card.is_publish:
-                    # Publish button in the model card
-                    row_1.operator(
-                        "speckle.model_card_publish", text="", icon="EXPORT"
-                    ).model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()
-                    # Selection filter button in the model card
-                    row_2.operator(
-                        "speckle.selection_filter_dialog",
-                        text=f"Selection: {len(model_card.objects)} objects",
-                    ).model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()
-                elif not model_card.is_publish:
-                    # Load button in the model card
-                    row_1.operator(
-                        "speckle.model_card_load", text="", icon="IMPORT"
-                    ).model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()
-                    version_button_text = (
-                        f"Latest: {model_card.version_id}"
-                        if model_card.load_option == "LATEST"
-                        else f"{model_card.version_id}"
-                    )
-                    row_2.operator(
-                        "speckle.version_selection_dialog",
-                        text=version_button_text,
-                    ).model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()
-                    # TODO: Get last updated time
-
-                else:
-                    print({"ERROR"}, "Model card state unknown")
-                    return
-
-                row_1.label(text=f"{model_card.model_name}")
-
-                # Select button in the model card
-                select_op = row_1.operator(
-                    "speckle.select_objects",
-                    text="",
-                    icon_value=get_icon("object_highlight"),
-                )
-                select_op.model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()
-
-                # Settings button in the model card
-                row_1.operator(
-                    "speckle.model_card_settings", text="", icon="COLLAPSEMENU"
-                ).model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()

bpy_speckle/connector/ui/model_cards_panel.py

@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+import bpy
+from bpy.types import UILayout, Context
+from .icons import get_icon
+
+
+class SPECKLE_PT_model_cards_panel(bpy.types.Panel):
+    """
+    Panel for displaying Speckle model cards.
+    """
+
+    bl_label = "Model Cards"
+    bl_idname = "SPECKLE_PT_model_cards_panel"
+    bl_space_type = "VIEW_3D"
+    bl_region_type = "UI"
+    bl_category = "Speckle"
+    bl_order = 1
+
+    @classmethod
+    def poll(cls, context: Context) -> bool:
+        """Only show panel when model cards exist"""
+        return bool(context.scene.speckle_state.model_cards)
+
+    def draw(self, context: Context) -> None:
+        layout: UILayout = self.layout
+
+        # group model cards by project name
+        project_groups = {}
+        for model_card in context.scene.speckle_state.model_cards:
+            project_name = (
+                model_card.project_name if model_card.project_name else "No Project"
+            )
+            if project_name not in project_groups:
+                project_groups[project_name] = []
+            project_groups[project_name].append(model_card)
+
+        for project_name, model_cards in project_groups.items():
+            project_box = layout.box()
+            project_row = project_box.row()
+            project_row.label(text=f"Project: {project_name}", icon="TRIA_RIGHT")
+
+            for model_card in model_cards:
+                box: UILayout = project_box.box()
+                row_1: UILayout = box.row()
+                row_2: UILayout = box.row()
+
+                if model_card.is_publish:
+                    # Publish button in the model card
+                    row_1.operator(
+                        "speckle.model_card_publish", text="", icon="EXPORT"
+                    ).model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()
+                    # Selection filter button in the model card
+                    row_2.operator(
+                        "speckle.selection_filter_dialog",
+                        text=f"Selection: {len(model_card.objects)} objects",
+                    ).model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()
+                elif not model_card.is_publish:
+                    # Load button in the model card
+                    row_1.operator(
+                        "speckle.model_card_load", text="", icon="IMPORT"
+                    ).model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()
+                    version_button_text = (
+                        f"Latest: {model_card.version_id}"
+                        if model_card.load_option == "LATEST"
+                        else f"{model_card.version_id}"
+                    )
+                    row_2.operator(
+                        "speckle.version_selection_dialog",
+                        text=version_button_text,
+                    ).model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()
+                    # TODO: Get last updated time
+
+                else:
+                    print({"ERROR"}, "Model card state unknown")
+                    return
+
+                row_1.label(text=f"{model_card.model_name}")
+
+                # Select button in the model card
+                select_op = row_1.operator(
+                    "speckle.select_objects",
+                    text="",
+                    icon_value=get_icon("object_highlight"),
+                )
+                select_op.model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()
+
+                # Settings button in the model card
+                row_1.operator(
+                    "speckle.model_card_settings", text="", icon="COLLAPSEMENU"
+                ).model_card_id = model_card.get_model_card_id()

bpy_speckle/connector/ui/model_selection_dialog.py

@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
 import bpy
-from bpy.types import Context, Event, PropertyGroup, UILayout
-
+from bpy.types import UILayout, Context, PropertyGroup, Event
 from ..utils.model_manager import get_models_for_project
 from ..utils.version_manager import get_latest_version
+from ..utils.account_manager import can_create_model
+from ..blender_operators.create_model import SPECKLE_OT_create_model
 
 
 class SPECKLE_UL_models_list(bpy.types.UIList):
@@ -95,6 +96,11 @@ class SPECKLE_OT_model_selection_dialog(bpy.types.Operator):
     def invoke(self, context: Context, event: Event) -> set[str]:
         self.update_models_list(context)
 
+        wm = context.window_manager
+        authorized, _ = can_create_model(wm.selected_account_id, wm.selected_project_id)
+        self._can_create_model = authorized
+        SPECKLE_OT_create_model._can_create = authorized
+
         return context.window_manager.invoke_props_dialog(self)
 
     def draw(self, context: Context) -> None:
@@ -105,7 +111,9 @@ class SPECKLE_OT_model_selection_dialog(bpy.types.Operator):
         row = layout.row(align=True)
         row.prop(self, "search_query", icon="VIEWZOOM", text="")  # search bar
         if wm.ui_mode != "LOAD":
-            row.operator("speckle.create_model", icon="ADD", text="")
+            sub = row.row(align=True)
+            sub.enabled = getattr(self, "_can_create_model", True)
+            sub.operator("speckle.create_model", icon="ADD", text="")
 
         layout.template_list(
             "SPECKLE_UL_models_list",

bpy_speckle/connector/ui/project_selection_dialog.py

@@ -120,10 +120,18 @@ class SPECKLE_OT_project_selection_dialog(bpy.types.Operator):
         if wm.selected_account_id == "":
             wm.selected_account_id = get_default_account_id()
 
-        wm.selected_workspace.id = get_active_workspace(wm.selected_account_id)["id"]
-        wm.selected_workspace.name = get_active_workspace(wm.selected_account_id)[
-            "name"
-        ]
+        active_workspace = get_active_workspace(wm.selected_account_id)
+        if active_workspace:
+            wm.selected_workspace.id = active_workspace["id"]
+            wm.selected_workspace.name = active_workspace["name"]
+        else:
+            from .account_selection_dialog import update_workspaces_list
+
+            update_workspaces_list(context)
+            workspaces = list(wm.speckle_workspaces)
+            if workspaces:
+                wm.selected_workspace.id = workspaces[0].id
+                wm.selected_workspace.name = workspaces[0].name
 
         # Fetch projects from server
         projects: List[Tuple[str, str, str, str, bool]] = get_projects_for_account(

bpy_speckle/connector/ui/selection_filter_dialog.py

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ from typing import List
 from bpy.types import Operator, Context, Object
 from bpy.props import EnumProperty
 from ..utils.model_card_utils import update_model_card_objects
+from ..utils.account_manager import can_create_version
 
 
 class SPECKLE_OT_selection_filter_dialog(Operator):
@@ -45,6 +46,14 @@ class SPECKLE_OT_selection_filter_dialog(Operator):
             update_model_card_objects(model_card, user_selection)
             self.report({"INFO"}, "Selection updated")
 
+            # On-demand permission check before publishing
+            authorized, auth_message = can_create_version(
+                model_card.account_id, model_card.project_id, model_card.model_id
+            )
+            if not authorized:
+                self.report({"ERROR"}, auth_message)
+                return {"CANCELLED"}
+
             # Call the publish operator
             bpy.ops.speckle.model_card_publish(
                 model_card_id=self.model_card_id, version_message=self.version_message

bpy_speckle/connector/ui/update_panel.py

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+import bpy
+from bpy.types import UILayout, Context
+
+
+class SPECKLE_PT_update_panel(bpy.types.Panel):
+    """Panel for displaying connector update notifications"""
+
+    bl_label = "Update Speckle"
+    bl_idname = "SPECKLE_PT_update_panel"
+    bl_space_type = "VIEW_3D"
+    bl_region_type = "UI"
+    bl_category = "Speckle"
+    bl_order = 0  # This ensures it appears above the main panel
+
+    @classmethod
+    def poll(cls, context: Context) -> bool:
+        """Only show this panel when an update is available"""
+        wm = context.window_manager
+        return getattr(wm, "update_available", False)
+
+    def draw(self, context: Context) -> None:
+        layout: UILayout = self.layout
+        wm = context.window_manager
+
+        # Get current version from bl_info
+        from ... import bl_info
+
+        current_version = bl_info["version"]
+        current_version_str = (
+            f"{current_version[0]}.{current_version[1]}.{current_version[2]}"
+        )
+
+        # Update notification
+        box = layout.box()
+        box.alert = True  # Makes the box stand out with alert styling
+
+        col = box.column()
+        col.label(text="New version available!", icon="INFO")
+
+        row = col.row()
+        row.label(text=f"Current: v{current_version_str}")
+
+        row = col.row()
+        row.label(text=f"Latest: v{wm.latest_version}")
+
+        # Update button
+        row = col.row()
+        row.operator("speckle.update_button", text="Download Update", icon="LINKED")

bpy_speckle/connector/utils/account_manager.py

@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
-from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Tuple
-
 import bpy
+from specklepy.core.api.credentials import get_local_accounts
+from typing import List, Tuple, Optional, Dict
+from urllib.parse import urlparse
+from specklepy.core.api.credentials import Account
 from specklepy.core.api.client import SpeckleClient
-from specklepy.core.api.credentials import Account, get_local_accounts
 from specklepy.core.api.wrapper import StreamWrapper
-
 from .misc import strip_non_ascii
 
 
@@ -24,11 +24,9 @@ class SpeckleClientCache:
         if not account:
             raise ValueError(f"No account found for ID: {account_id}")
 
-        assert account.serverInfo.url
-        client = SpeckleClient(
-            host=account.serverInfo.url,
-            use_ssl=account.serverInfo.url.startswith("https"),
-        )
+        url = account.serverInfo.url
+        use_ssl = urlparse(url).scheme.lower() != "http"
+        client = SpeckleClient(host=url, use_ssl=use_ssl)
         client.authenticate_with_account(account)
         self._clients[account_id] = client
         return client
@@ -97,22 +95,20 @@ def get_workspaces(account_id: str) -> List[Tuple[str, str]]:
                 for ws in workspaces
                 if ws.creation_state is None or ws.creation_state.completed
             ]
-            personal_projects_text = "Personal Projects (Legacy)"
-        else:
-            workspace_list = []
-            personal_projects_text = "Personal Projects"
 
-        workspace_list.append(("personal", personal_projects_text))
-
-        if workspaces_enabled:
             active_workspace = client.active_user.get_active_workspace()
             default_workspace_id = (
-                active_workspace.id if active_workspace else "personal"
+                active_workspace.id
+                if active_workspace
+                else (workspaces[0].id if workspaces else None)
             )
 
-            result = reorder_tuple(workspace_list, default_workspace_id)
+            if default_workspace_id:
+                result = reorder_tuple(workspace_list, default_workspace_id)
+            else:
+                result = workspace_list
         else:
-            result = workspace_list
+            result = []
 
         return result
     except Exception as e:
@@ -150,7 +146,7 @@ def get_active_workspace(account_id: str) -> Optional[Dict[str, str]]:
         active_workspace = client.active_user.get_active_workspace()
         if active_workspace:
             return {"id": active_workspace.id, "name": active_workspace.name}
-        return {"id": "personal", "name": "Personal Projects"}
+        return None
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"Error in get_active_workspace: {str(e)}")
         _client_cache.clear()
@@ -184,7 +180,6 @@ def get_project_from_url(
     try:
         wrapper = StreamWrapper(url)
         account = wrapper.get_account()
-        assert account.id
         client = _client_cache.get_client(account.id)
 
         # get the stream_id (project_id) from the wrapper
@@ -267,16 +262,42 @@ def can_load(client, project) -> Tuple[bool, str]:
         return False, error_msg
 
 
-def can_publish(client, project) -> Tuple[bool, str]:
+def can_create_version(
+    account_id: str, project_id: str, model_id: str
+) -> Tuple[bool, str]:
     try:
-        permissions = client.project.get_permissions(project.id)
+        client = _client_cache.get_client(account_id)
+        permissions = client.model.get_permissions(project_id, model_id)
 
-        if permissions.can_publish.authorized:
+        if permissions.can_create_version.authorized:
             return True, ""
         else:
+            message = getattr(permissions.can_create_version, "message", None)
             return (
                 False,
-                "Your role on this project doesn't give you permission to publish.",
+                message
+                or "Your role on this project doesn't give you permission to publish.",
+            )
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        error_msg = f"Failed to check permissions: {str(e)}"
+        print(error_msg)
+        return False, error_msg
+
+
+def can_create_model(account_id: str, project_id: str) -> Tuple[bool, str]:
+    try:
+        client = _client_cache.get_client(account_id)
+        permissions = client.project.get_permissions(project_id)
+
+        if permissions.can_create_model.authorized:
+            return True, ""
+        else:
+            message = getattr(permissions.can_create_model, "message", None)
+            return (
+                False,
+                message
+                or "You don't have permission to create models in this project.",
             )
 
     except Exception as e:
@@ -292,15 +313,12 @@ def can_create_project_in_workspace(account_id: str, workspace_id: str) -> bool:
     try:
         client = _client_cache.get_client(account_id)
 
-        if workspace_id == "personal":
-            return client.active_user.can_create_personal_projects().authorized
-        else:
-            try:
-                workspace = client.workspace.get(workspace_id)
-                return workspace.permissions.can_create_project.authorized
-            except Exception as e:
-                print(f"Failed to get workspace: {str(e)}")
-                return False
+        try:
+            workspace = client.workspace.get(workspace_id)
+            return workspace.permissions.can_create_project.authorized
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"Failed to get workspace: {str(e)}")
+            return False
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"Error in can_create_project_in_workspace: {str(e)}")
         _client_cache.clear()  # Clear cache on error

bpy_speckle/connector/utils/authentication.py

@@ -0,0 +1,575 @@
+"""
+Speckle authentication module for Blender connector.
+
+Implements OAuth-style authentication flow with a local HTTP server,
+eliminating the dependency on the desktop service.
+"""
+
+import errno
+import json
+import secrets
+import string
+import sys
+import threading
+import webbrowser
+from http.server import BaseHTTPRequestHandler, HTTPServer
+from typing import Optional, Dict, Any, Tuple
+from urllib.parse import urlparse, parse_qs
+from urllib.request import Request, urlopen
+from urllib.error import URLError, HTTPError
+
+
+# Speckle Blender dedicated app constants (registered server-side)
+SPECKLE_APP_ID = "sblndrdui"  # Dedicated app ID for Blender connector
+SPECKLE_AUTH_PORT = 29365  # Port for local auth callback server
+
+
+def get_user_agent() -> str:
+    """Get User-Agent string identifying the Blender connector to prevent Cloudflare blocking."""
+    try:
+        from pathlib import Path
+
+        # Get the extension directory
+        addon_dir = Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent
+
+        # Try to read version from blender_manifest.toml
+        manifest_path = addon_dir / "blender_manifest.toml"
+        if manifest_path.exists():
+            with open(manifest_path, "r") as f:
+                for line in f:
+                    if line.startswith("version = "):
+                        version = line.split("=")[1].strip().strip('"')
+                        break
+                else:
+                    version = "3.0.0"
+        else:
+            version = "3.0.0"
+    except Exception:
+        # Fallback if we can't determine version
+        version = "3.0.0"
+
+    python_version = f"{sys.version_info.major}.{sys.version_info.minor}"
+    return f"Speckle-Blender-Connector/{version} (Python/{python_version})"
+
+
+class AuthenticationError(Exception):
+    """Raised when authentication fails."""
+
+    pass
+
+
+def generate_challenge() -> str:
+    """Generate a random 12-character alphanumeric challenge string."""
+    chars = string.ascii_letters + string.digits
+    return "".join(secrets.choice(chars) for _ in range(12))
+
+
+class ThreadSafeAuthServer(HTTPServer):
+    """Thread-safe HTTP server for Speckle authentication with locked state management."""
+
+    def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+        self._lock = threading.Lock()
+        self._server_url: Optional[str] = None
+        self._challenge: Optional[str] = None
+        self._auth_complete: bool = False
+        self._auth_success: bool = False
+        self._error_message: Optional[str] = None
+        self._request_count: int = 0
+
+    @property
+    def server_url(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        with self._lock:
+            return self._server_url
+
+    @server_url.setter
+    def server_url(self, value: str) -> None:
+        with self._lock:
+            self._server_url = value
+
+    @property
+    def challenge(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        with self._lock:
+            return self._challenge
+
+    @challenge.setter
+    def challenge(self, value: str) -> None:
+        with self._lock:
+            self._challenge = value
+
+    @property
+    def is_complete(self) -> bool:
+        with self._lock:
+            return self._auth_complete
+
+    @property
+    def is_successful(self) -> bool:
+        with self._lock:
+            return self._auth_success
+
+    @property
+    def error_message(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        with self._lock:
+            return self._error_message
+
+    def set_auth_success(self) -> None:
+        """Mark authentication as successful (sets auth_complete LAST for atomicity)."""
+        with self._lock:
+            self._auth_success = True
+            self._error_message = None
+            self._auth_complete = True  # Set LAST to prevent partial reads
+
+    def set_auth_failure(self, error_message: str) -> None:
+        """Mark authentication as failed (sets auth_complete LAST for atomicity)."""
+        with self._lock:
+            self._auth_success = False
+            self._error_message = error_message
+            self._auth_complete = True  # Set LAST to prevent partial reads
+
+    def increment_request_count(self) -> int:
+        """Increment and return request count."""
+        with self._lock:
+            self._request_count += 1
+            return self._request_count
+
+    @property
+    def request_count(self) -> int:
+        with self._lock:
+            return self._request_count
+
+
+class SpeckleAuthHandler(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
+    """HTTP request handler for Speckle authentication flow with /auth/add-account and callback routes."""
+
+    def log_message(self, format, *args):
+        print(f"[Auth Server] {format % args}")
+
+    def do_GET(self):
+        self.server.increment_request_count()
+
+        parsed_path = urlparse(self.path)
+        query_params = parse_qs(parsed_path.query)
+
+        if parsed_path.path == "/auth/add-account":
+            self._handle_add_account(query_params)
+        elif parsed_path.path == "/":
+            self._handle_callback(query_params)
+        else:
+            self._send_error_response(404, "Not Found")
+
+    def _handle_add_account(self, query_params: Dict[str, list]):
+        """Handle initial add-account request, generate challenge and redirect to Speckle server."""
+        # Get server URL from query params
+        server_url = query_params.get("serverUrl", ["https://app.speckle.systems"])[0]
+        self.server.server_url = server_url.rstrip("/")
+
+        # Generate challenge
+        self.server.challenge = generate_challenge()
+
+        # Construct redirect URL
+        auth_url = f"{self.server.server_url}/authn/verify/{SPECKLE_APP_ID}/{self.server.challenge}"
+
+        print(f"[Auth Server] Redirecting to: {auth_url}")
+
+        # Send redirect response
+        self.send_response(302)
+        self.send_header("Location", auth_url)
+        self.end_headers()
+
+    def _handle_callback(self, query_params: Dict[str, list]):
+        """Handle callback from Speckle server, exchange access code for tokens and save account."""
+        # Get access code from query params
+        access_code_list = query_params.get("access_code", [])
+
+        if not access_code_list:
+            self._redirect_to_failure("fail-no-access-code")
+            return
+
+        access_code = access_code_list[0]
+
+        try:
+            # Exchange access code for tokens
+            tokens = exchange_access_code_for_tokens(
+                access_code, self.server.challenge, self.server.server_url
+            )
+
+            # Get user and server info
+            user_info, server_info = get_user_and_server_info(
+                tokens["token"], self.server.server_url
+            )
+
+            # Save account
+            save_account_to_storage(
+                tokens["token"], tokens["refreshToken"], user_info, server_info
+            )
+
+            # Mark as successful (sets auth_complete LAST atomically)
+            self.server.set_auth_success()
+
+            # Redirect to success page
+            self._redirect_to_success()
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"[Auth Server] Error during authentication: {e}")
+            # Mark as failed (sets auth_complete LAST atomically)
+            self.server.set_auth_failure(str(e))
+            self._redirect_to_failure("fail")
+
+    def _redirect_to_success(self):
+        self.send_response(302)
+        self.send_header(
+            "Location", "https://www.speckle.systems/connector-auth/success"
+        )
+        self.end_headers()
+
+    def _redirect_to_failure(self, reason: str):
+        self.send_response(302)
+        self.send_header(
+            "Location", f"https://www.speckle.systems/connector-auth/{reason}"
+        )
+        self.end_headers()
+
+    def _send_error_response(self, code: int, message: str):
+        self.send_response(code)
+        self.send_header("Content-type", "text/html")
+        self.end_headers()
+        self.wfile.write(
+            f"<html><body><h1>{code} {message}</h1></body></html>".encode()
+        )
+
+
+def _handle_auth_error(e: AuthenticationError) -> None:
+    """Re-raise AuthenticationError with user-friendly message for network errors."""
+    error_str = str(e)
+    if "Network error" in error_str or "URLError" in error_str:
+        raise AuthenticationError(
+            "Network error while authenticating. Please check your internet connection."
+        ) from e
+    raise
+
+
+def _post_json(
+    url: str,
+    body: Dict[str, Any],
+    auth_token: Optional[str] = None,
+    error_context: str = "Request",
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """Make POST request with JSON body and optional Bearer token."""
+    # Encode body as JSON
+    data = json.dumps(body).encode("utf-8")
+
+    # Build headers
+    headers = {"Content-Type": "application/json", "User-Agent": get_user_agent()}
+
+    # Add Authorization header if token provided
+    if auth_token:
+        headers["Authorization"] = f"Bearer {auth_token}"
+
+    try:
+        request = Request(url, data=data, headers=headers)
+        with urlopen(request, timeout=30) as response:
+            response_data = json.loads(response.read().decode("utf-8"))
+            return response_data
+
+    except HTTPError as e:
+        error_body = e.read().decode("utf-8") if e.fp else "No error details"
+        raise AuthenticationError(f"{error_context} failed: {e.code} {error_body}")
+    except URLError as e:
+        raise AuthenticationError(f"Network error during {error_context}: {e.reason}")
+    except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
+        raise AuthenticationError(f"Invalid JSON response from {error_context}: {e}")
+
+
+def exchange_access_code_for_tokens(
+    access_code: str, challenge: str, server_url: str
+) -> Dict[str, str]:
+    """Exchange access code and challenge for authentication tokens."""
+    if not challenge:
+        raise AuthenticationError("No challenge available")
+
+    # Prepare request body
+    body = {
+        "appId": SPECKLE_APP_ID,
+        "appSecret": SPECKLE_APP_ID,
+        "accessCode": access_code,
+        "challenge": challenge,
+    }
+
+    # Make POST request
+    url = f"{server_url}/auth/token"
+    try:
+        response_data = _post_json(url, body, error_context="token exchange")
+    except AuthenticationError as e:
+        _handle_auth_error(e)
+
+    # Validate response
+    if "token" not in response_data or "refreshToken" not in response_data:
+        raise AuthenticationError("Invalid response from token endpoint")
+
+    return {
+        "token": response_data["token"],
+        "refreshToken": response_data["refreshToken"],
+    }
+
+
+def get_user_and_server_info(
+    token: str, server_url: str
+) -> Tuple[Dict[str, Any], Dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Get user and server information using GraphQL query with auth token."""
+    # Prepare GraphQL query
+    query = """
+    query {
+        activeUser {
+            id
+            name
+            email
+            company
+            avatar
+        }
+        serverInfo {
+            name
+            company
+            adminContact
+            description
+            version
+        }
+    }
+    """
+
+    body = {"query": query}
+
+    # Make POST request
+    url = f"{server_url}/graphql"
+    try:
+        response_data = _post_json(
+            url, body, auth_token=token, error_context="user info request"
+        )
+    except AuthenticationError as e:
+        _handle_auth_error(e)
+
+    # Validate response
+    if "data" not in response_data:
+        raise AuthenticationError("Invalid GraphQL response")
+
+    data = response_data["data"]
+
+    if "activeUser" not in data or "serverInfo" not in data:
+        raise AuthenticationError("Missing user or server info in response")
+
+    user_info = data["activeUser"]
+    server_info = data["serverInfo"]
+
+    # Ensure server URL is set correctly
+    server_info["url"] = server_url.rstrip("/")
+
+    return user_info, server_info
+
+
+def save_account_to_storage(
+    token: str,
+    refresh_token: str,
+    user_info: Dict[str, Any],
+    server_info: Dict[str, Any],
+) -> None:
+    """Save account to Accounts.db SQLite database for compatibility with specklepy."""
+    try:
+        import sqlite3
+        import hashlib
+        import os
+        from specklepy.core.api.credentials import speckle_path_provider
+
+        # Generate account ID (hash of email + server URL)
+        account_id_string = f"{user_info['email']}-{server_info['url']}"
+        account_id = hashlib.md5(account_id_string.encode()).hexdigest().upper()
+
+        # Construct account object matching the expected format
+        account_data = {
+            "id": account_id,
+            "token": token,
+            "refreshToken": refresh_token,
+            "isDefault": True,
+            "isOnline": True,
+            "serverInfo": {
+                "name": server_info["name"],
+                "company": server_info.get("company"),
+                "version": server_info.get("version"),
+                "description": server_info.get("description"),
+                "url": server_info["url"],
+            },
+            "userInfo": {
+                "id": user_info["id"],
+                "name": user_info["name"],
+                "email": user_info["email"],
+                "company": user_info.get("company"),
+                "avatar": user_info.get("avatar"),
+            },
+        }
+
+        # Get database path
+        speckle_folder = speckle_path_provider.user_speckle_folder_path()
+        db_path = os.path.join(speckle_folder, "Accounts.db")
+
+        # Ensure the Speckle folder exists
+        os.makedirs(speckle_folder, exist_ok=True)
+
+        # Connect to database and save account
+        # Use IMMEDIATE isolation level to acquire write lock immediately,
+        # preventing race conditions in concurrent account additions
+        conn = sqlite3.connect(db_path, isolation_level="IMMEDIATE")
+        try:
+            with conn:
+                cursor = conn.cursor()
+
+                # Create table if it doesn't exist
+                cursor.execute("""
+                    CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS objects (
+                        hash TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
+                        content TEXT
+                    )
+                """)
+
+                # If setting as default, remove default flag from other accounts
+                # Use batch update to make the operation more atomic
+                if account_data["isDefault"]:
+                    cursor.execute("SELECT hash, content FROM objects")
+                    rows = cursor.fetchall()
+
+                    # Build list of updates to execute in batch
+                    updates = []
+                    for existing_id, existing_content in rows:
+                        try:
+                            existing_account = json.loads(existing_content)
+                            if existing_account.get("isDefault", False):
+                                existing_account["isDefault"] = False
+                                updates.append(
+                                    (json.dumps(existing_account), existing_id)
+                                )
+                        except json.JSONDecodeError:
+                            # Skip malformed accounts
+                            continue
+
+                    # Execute all updates in batch for better atomicity
+                    if updates:
+                        cursor.executemany(
+                            "UPDATE objects SET content = ? WHERE hash = ?", updates
+                        )
+
+                # Insert or replace the account
+                cursor.execute(
+                    "INSERT OR REPLACE INTO objects (hash, content) VALUES (?, ?)",
+                    (account_id, json.dumps(account_data)),
+                )
+
+                conn.commit()
+        finally:
+            conn.close()
+
+        print(
+            f"[Auth] Successfully saved account: {user_info['email']} @ {server_info['url']} (ID: {account_id})"
+        )
+
+        # Track account creation event
+        try:
+            from specklepy.logging import metrics
+
+            metrics.track(metrics.HOST_APP, "connector", "account", {"action": "add"})
+        except Exception as e:
+            # Don't fail if metrics tracking fails
+            print(f"[Auth] Failed to track metrics: {e}")
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        raise AuthenticationError(f"Failed to save account: {e}")
+
+
+class AuthenticationServer:
+    """Manages local HTTP server for Speckle authentication in a background thread."""
+
+    def __init__(self, port: int = SPECKLE_AUTH_PORT):
+        self.port = port
+        self.server: Optional[ThreadSafeAuthServer] = None
+        self.thread: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
+        self.shutdown_event = threading.Event()
+
+    def start(self) -> bool:
+        """Start HTTP server in background thread."""
+        try:
+            # Create thread-safe server (state initialized in constructor)
+            self.server = ThreadSafeAuthServer(
+                ("127.0.0.1", self.port), SpeckleAuthHandler
+            )
+
+            # Start server in background thread
+            self.thread = threading.Thread(target=self._run_server, daemon=True)
+            self.thread.start()
+
+            print(f"[Auth Server] Started on http://127.0.0.1:{self.port}")
+            return True
+
+        except OSError as e:
+            if e.errno in (errno.EADDRINUSE, 10048):  # Address already in use
+                print(f"[Auth Server] Port {self.port} is already in use.")
+            else:
+                print(f"[Auth Server] Failed to start server: {e}")
+            return False
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"[Auth Server] Unexpected error starting server: {e}")
+            return False
+
+    def _run_server(self):
+        try:
+            # Set a timeout so handle_request doesn't block forever
+            self.server.timeout = 0.5
+
+            # Server should handle a maximum of 3 requests:
+            # 1. /auth/add-account (redirect to Speckle)
+            # 2. / callback (from Speckle with access_code)
+            # 3. Maybe a favicon or other browser request
+            # After that or when shutdown is signaled, stop
+            max_requests = 5  # Allow a few extra for browser quirks
+
+            while (
+                not self.shutdown_event.is_set()
+                and self.server.request_count < max_requests
+            ):
+                self.server.handle_request()
+
+                # If auth is complete, we can stop serving
+                if self.server.is_complete:
+                    print("[Auth Server] Authentication complete, stopping server")
+                    break
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"[Auth Server] Error in server thread: {e}")
+            self.server.set_auth_failure(f"Server thread crashed: {e}")
+
+    def shutdown(self):
+        if self.server:
+            self.shutdown_event.set()
+            try:
+                # Give the server thread a moment to see the shutdown event
+                if self.thread and self.thread.is_alive():
+                    self.thread.join(timeout=2.0)
+
+                self.server.server_close()
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(f"[Auth Server] Error during shutdown: {e}")
+
+            self.server = None
+            self.thread = None
+            print("[Auth Server] Shutdown complete")
+
+    def is_complete(self) -> bool:
+        return self.server.is_complete if self.server else False
+
+    def is_successful(self) -> bool:
+        return self.server.is_successful if self.server else False
+
+    def get_error_message(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        return self.server.error_message if self.server else None
+
+    def open_auth_url(self, server_url: str = "https://app.speckle.systems"):
+        """Open authentication URL in browser to initiate auth flow."""
+        # Trigger the add-account endpoint
+        url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{self.port}/auth/add-account?serverUrl={server_url}"
+        webbrowser.open(url)
+        print("[Auth Server] Opening browser to initiate authentication...")

bpy_speckle/connector/utils/model_card_utils.py

@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional
+
 import bpy
 from bpy.types import Context
-from typing import Dict, Any, Optional
+
 from ..utils.property_groups import speckle_model_card
 
 
@@ -316,11 +318,17 @@ def update_model_card_objects(
     if isinstance(converted_objects, list):
         converted_objects = {obj.name: obj for obj in converted_objects}
 
+    # Using a set keeps lookup O(1)
+    object_names = set()
+    collection_names = set()
+
     for obj in converted_objects.values():
         # Handle collections
         if isinstance(obj, bpy.types.Collection):
-            if obj.name in (o.name for o in model_card.collections):
+            if obj.name in collection_names:
                 continue
+            collection_names.add(obj.name)
+
             s_col = model_card.collections.add()
             s_col.name = obj.name
             s_col.applicationId = obj.get("applicationId", "")
@@ -334,8 +342,10 @@ def update_model_card_objects(
 
         # Handle objects
         elif isinstance(obj, bpy.types.Object):
-            if obj.name in (o.name for o in model_card.objects):
+            if obj.name in object_names:
                 continue
+            object_names.add(obj.name)
+
             s_obj = model_card.objects.add()
             s_obj.name = obj.name
             s_obj.applicationId = obj.get("applicationId", "")

bpy_speckle/connector/utils/model_manager.py

@@ -1,10 +1,8 @@
-from typing import List, Optional, Tuple
-
 from specklepy.core.api.inputs.project_inputs import ProjectModelsFilter
 from specklepy.core.api.models.current import Model
-
-from .account_manager import _client_cache
+from typing import List, Tuple, Optional
 from .misc import format_relative_time, strip_non_ascii
+from .account_manager import _client_cache
 
 
 def get_models_for_project(
@@ -20,9 +18,17 @@ def get_models_for_project(
             )
             return []
 
+        # Get cached client
         client = _client_cache.get_client(account_id)
+        if not client:
+            print(f"Error: Could not get client for account: {account_id}")
+            return []
 
-        client.project.get(project_id)
+        try:
+            client.project.get(project_id)
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"Error: Project with ID {project_id} not found: {str(e)}")
+            return []
 
         filter = ProjectModelsFilter(search=search) if search else None
 

bpy_speckle/connector/utils/project_manager.py

@@ -1,16 +1,14 @@
-from typing import List, Optional, Tuple
-
 from specklepy.core.api.client import SpeckleClient
-from specklepy.core.api.credentials import Account
-from specklepy.core.api.inputs.project_inputs import WorksaceProjectsFilter
 from specklepy.core.api.resources.current.workspace_resource import WorkspaceResource
-
-from .account_manager import _client_cache
+from specklepy.core.api.inputs.project_inputs import WorksaceProjectsFilter
+from typing import List, Tuple, Optional
+from specklepy.core.api.credentials import Account
 from .misc import format_relative_time, format_role, strip_non_ascii
+from .account_manager import _client_cache
 
 
 def get_projects_for_account(
-    account_id: str, workspace_id: str, search: Optional[str] = None
+    account_id: str, workspace_id: str = None, search: Optional[str] = None
 ) -> List[Tuple[str, str, str, str, bool]]:
     """
     fetches projects for a given account from the Speckle server
@@ -32,9 +30,6 @@ def get_projects_for_account(
             print(f"Error: Could not find account with ID: {account_id}")
             return []
 
-        if workspace_id == "personal":
-            return _get_personal_projects_with_permissions(client, search)
-
         try:
             workspace_resource = WorkspaceResource(
                 account, client.url, client.httpclient, client.server.version()
@@ -97,44 +92,6 @@ def get_projects_for_account(
         return []
 
 
-def _get_personal_projects_with_permissions(
-    client: SpeckleClient, search: Optional[str] = None
-) -> List[Tuple[str, str, str, str, bool]]:
-    """
-    helper function to get personal projects with permissions using the old method
-    """
-    from specklepy.core.api.inputs.user_inputs import UserProjectsFilter
-
-    from .account_manager import can_load
-
-    filter = UserProjectsFilter(
-        search=search,
-        workspace_id=None,
-        personal_only=True,
-        include_implicit_access=True,
-    )
-
-    projects = client.active_user.get_projects(limit=10, filter=filter).items
-
-    result = []
-    for project in projects:
-        can_load_permission, _ = can_load(client, project)
-
-        result.append(
-            (
-                strip_non_ascii(project.name),
-                format_role(getattr(project, "role", ""))
-                if hasattr(project, "role") and project.role
-                else "",
-                format_relative_time(project.updated_at),
-                project.id,
-                can_load_permission,
-            )
-        )
-
-    return result
-
-
 def _get_projects_with_individual_permissions(
     client: SpeckleClient,
     workspace_id: str,
@@ -144,13 +101,12 @@ def _get_projects_with_individual_permissions(
     Fallback helper function to get projects with permissions using individual API calls
     """
     from specklepy.core.api.inputs.user_inputs import UserProjectsFilter
-
     from .account_manager import can_load
 
     filter = UserProjectsFilter(
         search=search,
-        workspace_id=workspace_id,
-        personal_only=False,
+        workspaceId=workspace_id,
+        personalOnly=False,
         include_implicit_access=True,
     )
 

bpy_speckle/connector/utils/version_manager.py

@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
-from typing import List, Tuple
-
 from specklepy.core.api.client import SpeckleClient
-from specklepy.core.api.models.current import Version
-
 from .account_manager import _client_cache
+from typing import List, Tuple
 from .misc import format_relative_time
+from specklepy.core.api.inputs.model_inputs import ModelVersionsFilter
+from specklepy.core.api.models.current import Version
 
 
 def get_versions_for_model(
@@ -21,11 +20,17 @@ def get_versions_for_model(
             )
             return []
 
+        # Get cached client
         client: SpeckleClient = _client_cache.get_client(account_id)
+        if not client:
+            print(f"Error: Could not get client for account: {account_id}")
+            return []
+
+        filter: ModelVersionsFilter = ModelVersionsFilter(priorityIds=[])
 
         # Get versions
-        versions = client.version.get_versions(
-            project_id=project_id, model_id=model_id, limit=10
+        versions: List[Version] = client.version.get_versions(
+            project_id=project_id, model_id=model_id, limit=10, filter=filter
         )
         versions_list: List[Tuple[str, str, str]] = []
         for version in versions.items:
@@ -61,6 +66,9 @@ def get_latest_version(
 
         # Get cached client
         client: SpeckleClient = _client_cache.get_client(account_id)
+        if not client:
+            print(f"Error: Could not get client for account: {account_id}")
+            return ("", "", "")
 
         # Get versions (limit to 1 since we only need the latest)
         versions: List[Version] = client.version.get_versions(

bpy_speckle/converter/to_native.py

@@ -1,26 +1,27 @@
-from typing import Any, Iterable, List, Optional, Tuple, Dict
-from specklepy.objects import Base
-from specklepy.objects import DataObject
+from typing import Any, Dict, Iterable, List, Optional, Tuple
+
+import bpy
+import mathutils
+from bpy.types import Object
+from specklepy.objects import Base, DataObject
 from specklepy.objects.geometry import (
-    Line,
-    Polyline,
-    Mesh,
     Arc,
     Circle,
-    Ellipse,
     Curve,
-    Polycurve,
+    Ellipse,
+    Line,
+    Mesh,
     Point,
+    Polycurve,
+    Polyline,
+)
+from specklepy.objects.models.units import (
+    get_scale_factor_to_meters,
+    get_units_from_string,
 )
 from specklepy.objects.proxies import InstanceProxy
-from specklepy.objects.models.units import (
-    get_units_from_string,
-    get_scale_factor_to_meters,
-)
-import bpy
-from bpy.types import Object
-import mathutils
-from ..converter.utils import create_material_from_proxy, find_object_by_id
+
+from ..converter.utils import create_material_from_proxy
 
 # Display value property aliases to check for
 DISPLAY_VALUE_PROPERTY_ALIASES = [
@@ -159,7 +160,14 @@ def convert_to_native(
     else:
         # Fallback to display value if direct conversion not supported
         mesh, children = display_value_to_native(
-            speckle_object, object_name, data_block_name, scale, material_mapping
+            speckle_object,
+            object_name,
+            data_block_name,
+            scale,
+            material_mapping,
+            definition_collections,
+            root_collection,
+            instance_loading_mode,
         )
         if mesh:
             # Create a mesh object with the object_name (simple name) and mesh data
@@ -176,7 +184,11 @@ def convert_to_native(
             # Ensure the converted object has the correct name (especially for DataObjects)
             if isinstance(speckle_object, DataObject):
                 converted_object.name = object_name
-                data_block_name = converted_object.data.name
+                if (
+                    hasattr(converted_object, "data")
+                    and converted_object.data is not None
+                ):
+                    data_block_name = converted_object.data.name
 
             # If there are multiple objects, parent remaining ones to the first
             for child in children[1:]:
@@ -197,6 +209,9 @@ def display_value_to_native(
     data_block_name: str,
     scale: float,
     material_mapping: Optional[Dict[str, bpy.types.Material]] = None,
+    definition_collections: Optional[Dict[str, bpy.types.Collection]] = None,
+    root_collection: Optional[bpy.types.Collection] = None,
+    instance_loading_mode: str = "INSTANCE_PROXIES",
 ) -> Tuple[Optional[bpy.types.Mesh], List[Object]]:
     """
     fallback conversion mechanism using displayValue if present
@@ -215,6 +230,9 @@ def display_value_to_native(
         DISPLAY_VALUE_PROPERTY_ALIASES,
         True,
         material_mapping,
+        definition_collections,
+        root_collection,
+        instance_loading_mode,
     )
 
     # If the parent had an applicationId and we created a mesh, apply the material
@@ -247,6 +265,9 @@ def elements_to_native(
     data_block_name: str,
     scale: float,
     material_mapping: Optional[Dict[str, bpy.types.Material]] = None,
+    definition_collections: Optional[Dict[str, bpy.types.Collection]] = None,
+    root_collection: Optional[bpy.types.Collection] = None,
+    instance_loading_mode: str = "INSTANCE_PROXIES",
 ) -> List[Object]:
     """
     convert elements collection of a speckle object
@@ -259,6 +280,9 @@ def elements_to_native(
         ELEMENTS_PROPERTY_ALIASES,
         False,
         material_mapping,
+        definition_collections,
+        root_collection,
+        instance_loading_mode,
     )
     return elements
 
@@ -271,12 +295,16 @@ def _members_to_native(
     members: Iterable[str],
     combineMeshes: bool,
     material_mapping: Optional[Dict[str, bpy.types.Material]] = None,
+    definition_collections: Optional[Dict[str, bpy.types.Collection]] = None,
+    root_collection: Optional[bpy.types.Collection] = None,
+    instance_loading_mode: str = "INSTANCE_PROXIES",
 ) -> Tuple[Optional[bpy.types.Mesh], List[Object]]:
     """
     converts a given speckle_object by converting specified members
     """
     meshes: List[Mesh] = []
     others: List[Base] = []
+    instance_proxies: List[InstanceProxy] = []
 
     for alias in members:
         display = getattr(speckle_object, alias, None)
@@ -285,10 +313,13 @@ def _members_to_native(
         MAX_DEPTH = 255  # some large value, to prevent infinite recursion
 
         def separate(value: Any) -> bool:
-            nonlocal meshes, others, count, MAX_DEPTH
+            nonlocal meshes, others, instance_proxies, count, MAX_DEPTH
 
             if combineMeshes and isinstance(value, Mesh):
                 meshes.append(value)
+            elif isinstance(value, InstanceProxy):
+                # Handle InstanceProxy objects separately - they need definition_collections
+                instance_proxies.append(value)
             elif isinstance(value, Base):
                 others.append(value)
             elif isinstance(value, list):
@@ -318,10 +349,28 @@ def _members_to_native(
     # Check if the original object is a DataObject
     is_data_object = isinstance(speckle_object, DataObject)
 
+    # Process InstanceProxy objects - do not add to children list as they are already
+    for item in instance_proxies:
+        try:
+            convert_to_native(
+                item,
+                material_mapping,
+                definition_collections=definition_collections,
+                root_collection=root_collection,
+                instance_loading_mode="LINKED_DUPLICATES",  # always use Linked Duplicates for displayValue proxies
+            )
+        except Exception as ex:
+            print(f"Failed to convert instance proxy in display value {item}: {ex}")
+
+    # Process other objects
     for item in others:
         try:
             blender_object = convert_to_native(
-                item, material_mapping, instance_loading_mode="INSTANCE_PROXIES"
+                item,
+                material_mapping,
+                definition_collections=definition_collections,
+                root_collection=root_collection,
+                instance_loading_mode=instance_loading_mode,
             )
             if blender_object:
                 # If the parent is a DataObject, override the name of the converted child
@@ -647,7 +696,7 @@ def render_material_proxy_to_native(
             continue
 
         render_material = proxy.value
-        material_name = getattr(render_material, "name", "Material")
+        material_name = getattr(render_material, "name", None) or "Material"
 
         # create or get existing material
         blender_material = create_material_from_proxy(render_material, material_name)
@@ -666,6 +715,7 @@ def arc_to_native(
     converts a Speckle arc to a Blender NURBS curve.
     """
     import math
+
     import mathutils
 
     curve = bpy.data.curves.new(data_block_name, type="CURVE")
@@ -800,6 +850,7 @@ def circle_to_native(
     converts a Speckle circle to a Blender NURBS curve.
     """
     import math
+
     import mathutils
 
     curve = bpy.data.curves.new(data_block_name, type="CURVE")
@@ -987,7 +1038,14 @@ def curve_to_native(
     ):
         print("curve_to_native: degree 2 curve, falling back to displayValue")
         mesh, children = display_value_to_native(
-            speckle_curve, object_name, data_block_name, scale
+            speckle_curve,
+            object_name,
+            data_block_name,
+            scale,
+            None,
+            None,
+            None,
+            "INSTANCE_PROXIES",
         )
         if mesh:
             curve_obj = bpy.data.objects.new(object_name, mesh)
@@ -1059,7 +1117,14 @@ def polycurve_to_native(
             and speckle_polycurve.displayValue
         ):
             mesh, children = display_value_to_native(
-                speckle_polycurve, object_name, data_block_name, scale
+                speckle_polycurve,
+                object_name,
+                data_block_name,
+                scale,
+                None,
+                None,
+                None,
+                "INSTANCE_PROXIES",
             )
             if mesh:
                 curve_obj = bpy.data.objects.new(object_name, mesh)
@@ -1211,6 +1276,7 @@ def instance_definition_proxy_to_native(
     material_mapping: Dict[str, Any],
     processed_definitions: Dict[str, Any] = None,
     instance_loading_mode: str = "INSTANCE_PROXIES",
+    object_id_map: Optional[Dict[str, Base]] = None,
 ) -> Tuple[Dict[str, bpy.types.Collection], Dict[str, Any]]:
     """
     converts instance definition proxies to Blender collections recursively
@@ -1262,7 +1328,8 @@ def instance_definition_proxy_to_native(
         # Process objects, including nested instances
         if hasattr(definition, "objects") and isinstance(definition.objects, list):
             for obj_id in definition.objects:
-                found_obj = find_object_by_id(root_object, obj_id)
+                # Use the ID map for lookup
+                found_obj = object_id_map.get(obj_id) if object_id_map else None
 
                 if found_obj:
                     try:
@@ -1276,7 +1343,9 @@ def instance_definition_proxy_to_native(
                             if max_depth > 0:  # Only process if max_depth allows
                                 assert (
                                     found_obj.definitionId in definition_collections
-                                ), f"Definition collection not found for nested instance {found_obj.definitionId}"
+                                ), (
+                                    f"Definition collection not found for nested instance {found_obj.definitionId}"
+                                )
 
                                 if instance_loading_mode == "LINKED_DUPLICATES":
                                     blender_obj = instance_proxy_to_linked_duplicates(
@@ -1362,7 +1431,8 @@ def instance_proxy_to_linked_duplicates(
         print(f"Definition collection not found for instance {speckle_instance.id}")
         return None
 
-    unit_scale = proxy_scale(speckle_instance)
+    # Use the scale from the parent context
+    unit_scale = scale
 
     # convert transformation matrix
     matrix = mathutils.Matrix(
@@ -1397,7 +1467,6 @@ def instance_proxy_to_linked_duplicates(
     location, rotation, scale_vector = matrix.decompose()
     location = location * unit_scale
 
-    # create transformation matrix
     final_matrix = (
         mathutils.Matrix.Translation(location)
         @ rotation.to_matrix().to_4x4()
@@ -1409,10 +1478,8 @@ def instance_proxy_to_linked_duplicates(
     parent_empty.empty_display_type = "PLAIN_AXES"
     parent_empty.empty_display_size = 0.1
 
-    parent_empty.matrix_world = final_matrix
-
-    # link parent to root collection
     root_collection.objects.link(parent_empty)
+    parent_empty.matrix_world = final_matrix
 
     parent_empty["speckle_id"] = speckle_instance.id
     parent_empty["speckle_type"] = speckle_instance.speckle_type
@@ -1422,15 +1489,14 @@ def instance_proxy_to_linked_duplicates(
 
     duplicated_objects = []
     for obj in definition_collection.objects:
-        # create a copy of the object with linked data
         duplicate_obj = obj.copy()
-
         duplicate_obj.name = f"{obj.name}_{speckle_instance.id[:8]}"
 
         root_collection.objects.link(duplicate_obj)
 
-        # apply the instance transformation directly to each object
-        duplicate_obj.matrix_world = final_matrix @ obj.matrix_world
+        duplicate_obj.parent = parent_empty
+        duplicate_obj.matrix_parent_inverse.identity()
+        duplicate_obj.matrix_basis = obj.matrix_world
 
         duplicated_objects.append(duplicate_obj)
 
@@ -1450,7 +1516,8 @@ def instance_proxy_to_native(
         print(f"Definition collection not found for instance {speckle_instance.id}")
         return None
 
-    unit_scale = proxy_scale(speckle_instance)
+    # Use the scale from the parent context
+    unit_scale = scale
 
     # convert transformation matrix
     matrix = mathutils.Matrix(
@@ -1483,35 +1550,24 @@ def instance_proxy_to_native(
     )
 
     location, rotation, scale_vector = matrix.decompose()
-
     location = location * unit_scale
-
-    bpy.ops.object.collection_instance_add(
-        collection=definition_collection.name,
-        align="WORLD",
-        location=(0, 0, 0),
-        rotation=(0, 0, 0),
-        scale=(1, 1, 1),
-    )
-
-    instance_obj = bpy.context.active_object
-
+    instance_name = f"Instance_{speckle_instance.id}"
+    instance_obj = bpy.data.objects.new(instance_name, None)
+    instance_obj.instance_type = "COLLECTION"
+    instance_obj.instance_collection = definition_collection
     instance_obj.empty_display_size = 0
 
-    instance_name = f"Instance_{speckle_instance.id}"
-    instance_obj.name = instance_name
-
-    if instance_obj.name not in root_collection.objects:
-        for coll in instance_obj.users_collection:
-            coll.objects.unlink(instance_obj)
-        root_collection.objects.link(instance_obj)
+    # Link to root collection
+    root_collection.objects.link(instance_obj)
 
+    # Store metadata
     instance_obj["speckle_id"] = speckle_instance.id
     instance_obj["speckle_type"] = speckle_instance.speckle_type
     instance_obj["definition_id"] = speckle_instance.definitionId
     if hasattr(speckle_instance, "maxDepth"):
         instance_obj["max_depth"] = speckle_instance.maxDepth
 
+    # Apply transformation
     final_matrix = (
         mathutils.Matrix.Translation(location)
         @ rotation.to_matrix().to_4x4()

bpy_speckle/converter/utils.py

@@ -1,10 +1,11 @@
-from typing import Tuple, List, Optional
+from typing import Tuple, List, Optional, Dict
 import bpy
 import mathutils
 from specklepy.objects import Base
 from specklepy.objects.graph_traversal.default_traversal import (
     create_default_traversal_function,
 )
+from specklepy.core.api.client import SpeckleClient
 
 
 def to_rgba(argb_int: int) -> Tuple[float, float, float, float]:
@@ -117,6 +118,25 @@ def transform_matrix(transform: List[float]) -> mathutils.Matrix:
     )
 
 
+def build_object_id_map(root_object: Base) -> Dict[str, Base]:
+    """
+    Builds a dictionary mapping object IDs (both id and applicationId) to objects.
+    """
+    id_map = {}
+    traversal_function = create_default_traversal_function()
+
+    for traversal_item in traversal_function.traverse(root_object):
+        obj = traversal_item.current
+
+        if hasattr(obj, "id") and obj.id:
+            id_map[obj.id] = obj
+
+        if hasattr(obj, "applicationId") and obj.applicationId:
+            id_map[obj.applicationId] = obj
+
+    return id_map
+
+
 def find_object_by_id(root_object: Base, target_id: str) -> Optional[Base]:
     """
     finds an object using traversal, checking both id and applicationId
@@ -186,3 +206,21 @@ def find_object_by_id(root_object: Base, target_id: str) -> Optional[Base]:
         return None
 
     return deep_search(root_object)
+
+
+def get_project_workspace_id(client: SpeckleClient, project_id: str) -> Optional[str]:
+    workspace_id = None
+    server_version = client.project.server_version or client.server.version()
+
+    # Local yarn builds of server will report a server version if "dev"
+    # We'll assume that local builds are up-to-date with the latest features
+    if server_version[0] == "dev":
+        maj = 999
+        min = 999
+    else:
+        maj = server_version[0]
+        min = server_version[1]
+
+    if maj > 2 or (maj == 2 and min > 20):
+        workspace_id = client.project.get(project_id).workspace_id
+    return workspace_id

export_dependencies.ps1

@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env pwsh
+$ErrorActionPreference = "Stop"
+
+uv pip compile pyproject.toml --output-file bpy_speckle/requirements.txt --generate-hashes

patch_version.py

@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ def patch_manifest(simple_version: str):
 
         for index, line in enumerate(lines):
             if line.startswith("version ="):
-                lines[index] = f'version = "{version[0]}.{version[1]}.{version[2]}",\n'
+                lines[index] = f'version = "{version[0]}.{version[1]}.{version[2]}"\n'
                 print(f"Patched connector version number in {FILE_PATH}")
                 break
 

pyproject.toml

@@ -5,12 +5,12 @@ description = "Next-Gen Speckle connector for Blender!"
 requires-python = ">=3.11.9, <4.0.0"
 license = "Apache-2.0"
 dependencies = [
-    "specklepy>=3.0.3",
+    "specklepy>=3.2.4",
 ]
 
 [dependency-groups]
 dev = [
-    "fake-bpy-module-latest>=20240524,<20240525",
-    "ruff>=0.4.4,<0.5",
+    "fake-bpy-module-latest>=20260126",
+    "ruff==0.14.14",
+    "pre-commit>=4.0.1",
 ]
-