From 26ea12cc4c05cc27c3f0b9610e5023b39b8262c2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "kaosat.dev" <kaosat.dev@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:02:50 +0200
Subject: [PATCH] feat(auto_export):  * added operator to deal with the root
 path & sub paths in a smarter way  * various paths are not settable
 "manually" as pure text anymore  * overhauled ui for paths  * overhauled
 internal handling of paths  * further refinements to paths handling  *
 related fixes & tweaks  * UI restructure & split out of change detection  *
 basic export/assets folder now only available in Ui when blueprints are not
 in use  * overhauled bevy integration tests, now done in "two passes" as the
 external library needs to be exported first  * cleanups & improvements to the
 test above  * started overhauling & massively simplifying the rest of the
 tests, starting with change_tracking

---
 tools/bevy_components/registry/operators.py   |    1 +
 tools/gltf_auto_export/__init__.py            |    6 +-
 .../auto_export/auto_export.py                |   35 +-
 .../auto_export/export_blueprints.py          |    6 +-
 .../auto_export/export_main_scenes.py         |   17 +-
 ..._export.py => get_blueprints_to_export.py} |    4 +-
 .../auto_export/get_levels_to_export.py       |    5 +-
 .../gltf_auto_export/auto_export/operators.py |   43 +-
 .../auto_export/preferences.py                |   54 +-
 tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/tracker.py |    4 +-
 .../modules/export_materials.py               |    5 +-
 .../tests/expected_bevy_hierarchy.json        |    2 +-
 .../tests/test_bevy_integration.py            |   52 +-
 .../tests/test_bevy_integration_prepare.py    |   69 ++
 .../tests/test_change_tracking.py             | 1019 ++++-------------
 tools/gltf_auto_export/todo.md                |    2 +
 tools/gltf_auto_export/ui/operators.py        |   83 ++
 17 files changed, 552 insertions(+), 855 deletions(-)
 rename tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/{get_collections_to_export.py => get_blueprints_to_export.py} (96%)
 create mode 100644 tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_bevy_integration_prepare.py

diff --git a/tools/bevy_components/registry/operators.py b/tools/bevy_components/registry/operators.py
index 8d84413..185314d 100644
--- a/tools/bevy_components/registry/operators.py
+++ b/tools/bevy_components/registry/operators.py
@@ -181,6 +181,7 @@ class OT_OpenFilebrowser(Operator, ImportHelper):
         default='*.json', 
         options={'HIDDEN'} 
     ) # type: ignore
+    
     def execute(self, context): 
         """Do something with the selected file(s)."""
         #filename, extension = os.path.splitext(self.filepath) 
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/__init__.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/__init__.py
index 17b2a7c..027a47f 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/__init__.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/__init__.py
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ from .ui.main import (GLTF_PT_auto_export_change_detection, GLTF_PT_auto_export_
 
                       GLTF_PT_auto_export_SidePanel
                       )
-from .ui.operators import (SCENES_LIST_OT_actions)
+from .ui.operators import (OT_OpenFolderbrowser, SCENES_LIST_OT_actions)
 from .helpers.generate_complete_preferences_dict import generate_complete_preferences_dict_gltf
 
 
@@ -104,6 +104,8 @@ classes = [
     SCENE_UL_GLTF_auto_export,
     SCENES_LIST_OT_actions,
 
+
+    OT_OpenFolderbrowser,
     AutoExportGLTF, 
     #AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences,
 
@@ -118,8 +120,6 @@ classes = [
     GLTF_PT_auto_export_blueprints,
     GLTF_PT_auto_export_SidePanel,
     GLTF_PT_auto_export_blueprints_list,
-    GLTF_PT_auto_export_changes_list,
-
     AutoExportTracker,
 ]
 
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/auto_export.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/auto_export.py
index 6fc7117..1a561a5 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/auto_export.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/auto_export.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import traceback
 
 from .preferences import AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences
 
-from .get_collections_to_export import get_collections_to_export
+from .get_blueprints_to_export import get_blueprints_to_export
 from .get_levels_to_export import get_levels_to_export
 from .get_standard_exporter_settings import get_standard_exporter_settings
 
@@ -30,27 +30,33 @@ def auto_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, addon_prefs):
         # path to the current blend file
         file_path = bpy.data.filepath
         # Get the folder
-        folder_path = os.path.dirname(file_path)
+        blend_file_path = os.path.dirname(file_path)
+
         # get the preferences for our addon
+        export_root_folder = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_root_folder")
+        export_output_folder = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_output_folder")
+        export_models_path = os.path.join(blend_file_path, export_output_folder)
+
         #should we use change detection or not 
         export_change_detection = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_change_detection")
+        export_scene_settings = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_scene_settings")
 
         do_export_blueprints = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_blueprints")
-        export_output_folder = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_output_folder")
-        export_models_path = os.path.join(folder_path, export_output_folder)
-
         export_materials_library = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_materials_library")
-        export_scene_settings = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_scene_settings")
+        print("export_materials_library", export_materials_library)
 
         # standard gltf export settings are stored differently
         standard_gltf_exporter_settings = get_standard_exporter_settings()
         gltf_extension = standard_gltf_exporter_settings.get("export_format", 'GLB')
         gltf_extension = '.glb' if gltf_extension == 'GLB' else '.gltf'
 
-        # here we do a bit of workaround by creating an override # TODO: do this at the "UI" level
-        export_blueprints_path = os.path.join(folder_path, export_output_folder, getattr(addon_prefs,"export_blueprints_path")) if getattr(addon_prefs,"export_blueprints_path") != '' else folder_path
-        #print('addon_prefs', AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences.__annotations__)#)addon_prefs.__annotations__)
+        # generate the actual complete output path
+        export_blueprints_path = os.path.join(blend_file_path, export_root_folder, getattr(addon_prefs,"export_blueprints_path"))
+        export_levels_path = os.path.join(blend_file_path, export_root_folder, getattr(addon_prefs, "export_levels_path"))
 
+        print("export_blueprints_path", export_blueprints_path)
+       
+        # here we do a bit of workaround by creating an override # TODO: do this at the "UI" level
         print("collection_instances_combine_mode", addon_prefs.collection_instances_combine_mode)
         """if hasattr(addon_prefs, "__annotations__") :
             tmp = {}
@@ -66,6 +72,7 @@ def auto_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, addon_prefs):
             addon_prefs = SimpleNamespace(**tmp) #copy.deepcopy(addon_prefs)
             addon_prefs.__annotations__ = tmp"""
         addon_prefs.export_blueprints_path = export_blueprints_path
+        addon_prefs.export_levels_path = export_levels_path
         addon_prefs.export_gltf_extension = gltf_extension
         addon_prefs.export_models_path = export_models_path
 
@@ -91,7 +98,7 @@ def auto_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, addon_prefs):
         if do_export_blueprints:
             print("EXPORTING")
             # get blueprints/collections infos
-            (blueprints_to_export) = get_collections_to_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, blueprints_data, addon_prefs)
+            (blueprints_to_export) = get_blueprints_to_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, blueprints_data, addon_prefs)
              
             # get level/main scenes infos
             (main_scenes_to_export) = get_levels_to_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, blueprints_data, addon_prefs)
@@ -99,7 +106,7 @@ def auto_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, addon_prefs):
             # since materials export adds components we need to call this before blueprints are exported
             # export materials & inject materials components into relevant objects
             if export_materials_library:
-                export_materials(blueprints_data.blueprint_names, library_scenes, folder_path, addon_prefs)
+                export_materials(blueprints_data.blueprint_names, library_scenes, blend_file_path, addon_prefs)
 
             # update the list of tracked exports
             exports_total = len(blueprints_to_export) + len(main_scenes_to_export) + (1 if export_materials_library else 0)
@@ -131,7 +138,7 @@ def auto_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, addon_prefs):
                 print("export MAIN scenes")
                 for scene_name in main_scenes_to_export:
                     print("     exporting scene:", scene_name)
-                    export_main_scene(bpy.data.scenes[scene_name], folder_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data)
+                    export_main_scene(bpy.data.scenes[scene_name], blend_file_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data)
 
             # now deal with blueprints/collections
             do_export_library_scene = not export_change_detection or changed_export_parameters or len(blueprints_to_export) > 0
@@ -141,7 +148,7 @@ def auto_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, addon_prefs):
                 """for (scene_name, blueprints_to_export)  in blueprints_per_scene.items():
                     print("     exporting blueprints from scene:", scene_name)
                     print("     blueprints to export", blueprints_to_export)"""
-                export_blueprints(blueprints_to_export, folder_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data)
+                export_blueprints(blueprints_to_export, blend_file_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data)
 
             # reset current scene from backup
             bpy.context.window.scene = old_current_scene
@@ -154,7 +161,7 @@ def auto_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, addon_prefs):
 
         else:
             for scene_name in main_scene_names:
-                export_main_scene(bpy.data.scenes[scene_name], folder_path, addon_prefs, [])
+                export_main_scene(bpy.data.scenes[scene_name], blend_file_path, addon_prefs, [])
 
 
 
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/export_blueprints.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/export_blueprints.py
index 2cdd289..7677f40 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/export_blueprints.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/export_blueprints.py
@@ -7,10 +7,10 @@ from .export_gltf import (generate_gltf_export_preferences)
 from ..helpers.helpers_scenes import clear_hollow_scene, copy_hollowed_collection_into
 
    
-def export_blueprints(blueprints, folder_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data):
-    export_output_folder = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_output_folder")
+def export_blueprints(blueprints, blend_file_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data):
+    export_blueprints_path = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_blueprints_path")
     gltf_export_preferences = generate_gltf_export_preferences(addon_prefs)
-    export_blueprints_path = os.path.join(folder_path, export_output_folder, getattr(addon_prefs,"export_blueprints_path")) if getattr(addon_prefs,"export_blueprints_path") != '' else folder_path
+    
     try:
         # save current active collection
         active_collection =  bpy.context.view_layer.active_layer_collection
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/export_main_scenes.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/export_main_scenes.py
index 01ff620..d3d469b 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/export_main_scenes.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/export_main_scenes.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import os
 import bpy
+from pathlib import Path
 
 from ..constants import TEMPSCENE_PREFIX
 from ..helpers.generate_and_export import generate_and_export
@@ -9,17 +10,19 @@ from ..helpers.helpers_scenes import clear_hollow_scene, copy_hollowed_collectio
 from ..helpers.helpers_blueprints import inject_blueprints_list_into_main_scene, remove_blueprints_list_from_main_scene
 
 # export all main scenes
-def export_main_scenes(scenes, folder_path, addon_prefs): 
+def export_main_scenes(scenes, blend_file_path, addon_prefs): 
     for scene in scenes:
-        export_main_scene(scene, folder_path, addon_prefs)
+        export_main_scene(scene, blend_file_path, addon_prefs)
 
-def export_main_scene(scene, folder_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data): 
+def export_main_scene(scene, blend_file_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data): 
     gltf_export_preferences = generate_gltf_export_preferences(addon_prefs)
+    export_root_folder = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_root_folder")
     export_output_folder = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_output_folder")
+    export_levels_path = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_levels_path")
+
     export_blueprints = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_blueprints")
     export_separate_dynamic_and_static_objects = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_separate_dynamic_and_static_objects")
 
-    gltf_output_path = os.path.join(folder_path, export_output_folder, scene.name)
     export_settings = { **gltf_export_preferences, 
                        'use_active_scene': True, 
                        'use_active_collection':True, 
@@ -30,7 +33,8 @@ def export_main_scene(scene, folder_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data):
                        }
 
     if export_blueprints : 
-        
+        gltf_output_path = os.path.join(export_levels_path, scene.name)
+
         inject_blueprints_list_into_main_scene(scene, blueprints_data)
 
         if export_separate_dynamic_and_static_objects:
@@ -46,7 +50,7 @@ def export_main_scene(scene, folder_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data):
             )
 
             # then export all dynamic objects
-            gltf_output_path = os.path.join(folder_path, export_output_folder, scene.name+ "_dynamic")
+            gltf_output_path = os.path.join(export_levels_path, scene.name+ "_dynamic")
             generate_and_export(
                 addon_prefs, 
                 temp_scene_name=TEMPSCENE_PREFIX,
@@ -68,6 +72,7 @@ def export_main_scene(scene, folder_path, addon_prefs, blueprints_data):
             )
 
     else:
+        gltf_output_path = os.path.join(export_root_folder, export_output_folder, scene.name)
         print("       exporting gltf to", gltf_output_path, ".gltf/glb")
         export_gltf(gltf_output_path, export_settings)
 
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/get_collections_to_export.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/get_blueprints_to_export.py
similarity index 96%
rename from tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/get_collections_to_export.py
rename to tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/get_blueprints_to_export.py
index 7664df9..f635ebc 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/get_collections_to_export.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/get_blueprints_to_export.py
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 import bpy
-
+import os
 from ..helpers.helpers_scenes import (get_scenes, )
 from ..helpers.helpers_blueprints import find_blueprints_not_on_disk
 
 # TODO: this should also take the split/embed mode into account: if a nested collection changes AND embed is active, its container collection should also be exported
-def get_collections_to_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, blueprints_data, addon_prefs):
+def get_blueprints_to_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, blueprints_data, addon_prefs):
     export_change_detection = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_change_detection")
     export_gltf_extension = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_gltf_extension", ".glb")
     export_blueprints_path = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_blueprints_path", "")
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/get_levels_to_export.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/get_levels_to_export.py
index a8c2867..a93e9e9 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/get_levels_to_export.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/get_levels_to_export.py
@@ -43,14 +43,13 @@ def changed_object_in_scene(scene_name, changes_per_scene, blueprints_data, coll
 def get_levels_to_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, blueprints_data, addon_prefs):
     export_change_detection = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_change_detection")
     export_gltf_extension = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_gltf_extension")
-    export_models_path = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_models_path")
+    export_levels_path = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_levels_path")
     collection_instances_combine_mode = getattr(addon_prefs, "collection_instances_combine_mode")
 
     [main_scene_names, level_scenes, library_scene_names, library_scenes] = get_scenes(addon_prefs)
  
     # determine list of main scenes to export
     # we have more relaxed rules to determine if the main scenes have changed : any change is ok, (allows easier handling of changes, render settings etc)
-    main_scenes_to_export = [scene_name for scene_name in main_scene_names if not export_change_detection or changed_export_parameters or scene_name in changes_per_scene.keys() or changed_object_in_scene(scene_name, changes_per_scene, blueprints_data, collection_instances_combine_mode) or not check_if_blueprint_on_disk(scene_name, export_models_path, export_gltf_extension) ]
+    main_scenes_to_export = [scene_name for scene_name in main_scene_names if not export_change_detection or changed_export_parameters or scene_name in changes_per_scene.keys() or changed_object_in_scene(scene_name, changes_per_scene, blueprints_data, collection_instances_combine_mode) or not check_if_blueprint_on_disk(scene_name, export_levels_path, export_gltf_extension) ]
 
-    print("main_scenes_to_export", main_scenes_to_export, changes_per_scene)
     return (main_scenes_to_export)
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/operators.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/operators.py
index d2f13dd..ddea709 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/operators.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/operators.py
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ from bpy.types import Operator
 from bpy_extras.io_utils import ExportHelper
 from bpy.props import (IntProperty, StringProperty, BoolProperty)
 
+from ..ui.operators import OT_OpenFolderbrowser, draw_folder_browser
+
 #from ..ui.main import GLTF_PT_auto_export_general, GLTF_PT_auto_export_main, GLTF_PT_auto_export_root
 
 from .preferences import (AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences, AutoExportGltfPreferenceNames)
@@ -35,10 +37,6 @@ class AutoExportGLTF(Operator, AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences):#, ExportHelper):
         'export_change_detection',
         'export_scene_settings',
 
-        'main_scenes',
-        'library_scenes',
-        'main_scenes_index',
-        'library_scenes_index',
         'main_scene_names',
         'library_scene_names',
 
@@ -108,6 +106,7 @@ class AutoExportGLTF(Operator, AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences):#, ExportHelper):
         return export_props
 
     def save_settings(self, context):
+        print("save settings")
         auto_export_settings = self.format_settings()
         self.properties['main_scene_names'] = auto_export_settings['main_scene_names']
         self.properties['library_scene_names'] = auto_export_settings['library_scene_names']
@@ -121,7 +120,7 @@ class AutoExportGLTF(Operator, AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences):#, ExportHelper):
         #print("saving settings", bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"].as_string(), "raw", json.dumps(export_props))
    
     def load_settings(self, context):
-        # print("loading settings")
+        print("loading settings")
         settings = None
         try:
             settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"].as_string()
@@ -160,6 +159,8 @@ class AutoExportGLTF(Operator, AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences):#, ExportHelper):
                 print("error", error)
                 self.report({"ERROR"}, "Loading export settings failed. Removed corrupted settings")
                 bpy.data.texts.remove(bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"])
+        else:
+            self.will_save_settings = True
 
     """
     This should ONLY be run when actually doing exports/aka calling auto_export function, because we only care about the difference in settings between EXPORTS
@@ -312,7 +313,7 @@ class AutoExportGLTF(Operator, AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences):#, ExportHelper):
             self.load_settings(context)
         if self.will_save_settings:
             self.save_settings(context)
-
+        #print("self", self.auto_export)
         if self.auto_export: # only do the actual exporting if auto export is actually enabled
             #changes_per_scene = context.window_manager.auto_export_tracker.changed_objects_per_scene
 
@@ -334,14 +335,11 @@ class AutoExportGLTF(Operator, AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences):#, ExportHelper):
     
     def invoke(self, context, event):
         #print("invoke")
-
         bpy.context.window_manager.auto_export_tracker.disable_change_detection()
         self.load_settings(context)
         wm = context.window_manager
         #wm.fileselect_add(self)
         return context.window_manager.invoke_props_dialog(self, title="Auto export", width=640)
-        #context.window_manager.modal_handler_add(self)    
-
         return {'RUNNING_MODAL'}
     
     """def modal(self, context, event):
@@ -372,15 +370,25 @@ class AutoExportGLTF(Operator, AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences):#, ExportHelper):
             section = layout.box()
             section.enabled = controls_enabled
  
-            section.prop(self, "export_root_folder")
-            section.prop(operator, "export_output_folder", text="Export Folder relative to root")
+            draw_folder_browser(section, "Export root folder", self.export_root_folder, "export_root_folder")
+            row = section.row()
+            draw_folder_browser(row, "Assets Folder (non blueprints mode only)", self.export_root_folder, "export_output_folder")
+            row.enabled = not self.export_blueprints
+            section.prop(operator, "export_blueprints")
             section.prop(operator, "export_scene_settings")
-            section.prop(operator, "export_change_detection")
+
             """header, panel = layout.panel("my_panel_id", default_closed=False)
             header.label(text="Hello World")
             if panel:
                 panel.label(text="Success")"""
             
+        toggle_icon = "TRIA_DOWN" if self.show_change_detection_settings else "TRIA_RIGHT"
+        layout.prop(operator, "show_change_detection_settings", text="Change Detection", icon=toggle_icon)
+        if self.show_change_detection_settings:
+            section = layout.box()
+            section.enabled = controls_enabled
+            section.prop(operator, "export_change_detection", text="Use change detection")
+
         # main/level scenes
         toggle_icon = "TRIA_DOWN" if self.show_scene_settings else "TRIA_RIGHT"
         layout.prop(operator, "show_scene_settings", text="Scenes", icon=toggle_icon)
@@ -436,17 +444,19 @@ class AutoExportGLTF(Operator, AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences):#, ExportHelper):
         if self.show_blueprint_settings:
             section = layout.box()
             section.enabled = controls_enabled
-            section.prop(operator, "export_blueprints")
             section = section.box()
             section.enabled = controls_enabled and self.export_blueprints
 
             # collections/blueprints 
-            section.prop(operator, "export_blueprints_path")
+            draw_folder_browser(section, "Blueprints folder", self.export_root_folder, "export_blueprints_path")
+            #section.prop(operator, "export_blueprints_path")
             section.prop(operator, "collection_instances_combine_mode")
             section.prop(operator, "export_marked_assets")
             section.separator()
 
-            section.prop(operator, "export_levels_path")
+            draw_folder_browser(section, "Levels folder", self.export_root_folder, "export_levels_path")
+            #section.prop(operator, "export_levels_path")
+
             section.prop(operator, "export_separate_dynamic_and_static_objects")
             section.separator()
 
@@ -454,7 +464,8 @@ class AutoExportGLTF(Operator, AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences):#, ExportHelper):
             section.prop(operator, "export_materials_library")
             section = section.box()
             section.enabled = controls_enabled and self.export_materials_library
-            section.prop(operator, "export_materials_path")
+            draw_folder_browser(section, 'Materials folder', self.export_root_folder, "export_materials_path")
+            #section.prop(operator, "export_materials_path")
 
 
     def cancel(self, context):
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/preferences.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/preferences.py
index d53d92f..6eccfb0 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/preferences.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/preferences.py
@@ -14,12 +14,16 @@ AutoExportGltfPreferenceNames = [
     'will_save_settings',
     'direct_mode',# specific to main auto_export operator
 
+    'show_general_settings',
     'auto_export',
     'export_root_folder',
     'export_output_folder',
-    'export_change_detection',
     'export_scene_settings',
 
+    'show_change_detection_settings',
+    'export_change_detection',
+
+    'show_scene_settings',
     'main_scenes',
     'library_scenes',
     'main_scenes_index',
@@ -27,6 +31,7 @@ AutoExportGltfPreferenceNames = [
     'main_scene_names',
     'library_scene_names',
 
+    'show_blueprint_settings',
     'export_blueprints',
     'export_blueprints_path',
     'export_marked_assets',
@@ -80,17 +85,31 @@ class AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences(AddonPreferences):
     export_root_folder: StringProperty(
         name = "Project Root Path",
         description="The root folder of your (Bevy) project (not assets!)",
-        subtype='DIR_PATH',
-        default='../',
-        update=on_export_output_folder_updated) # type: ignore
+        # subtype='DIR_PATH',
+        default='../'
+        #update=on_export_output_folder_updated) # type: ignore
+    )
     
     export_output_folder: StringProperty(
         name='Export folder',
         description='The root folder for all exports(relative to the root folder/path) Defaults to "assets" ',
         default='./assets',
-        subtype='DIR_PATH',
-        options={'HIDDEN'},
-        update=on_export_output_folder_updated
+        #subtype='DIR_PATH',
+        options={'HIDDEN'}
+        # update=on_export_output_folder_updated
+    ) # type: ignore
+
+    # for UI only, workaround for lacking panels
+    show_change_detection_settings: BoolProperty(
+        name="show change detection settings",
+        description="show/hide change detection settings (UI only: has no impact on exports)",
+        default=True
+    ) # type: ignore 
+
+    export_change_detection: BoolProperty(
+        name='Change detection',
+        description='Use change detection to determine what/if should be exported',
+        default=True
     ) # type: ignore
 
     # scenes 
@@ -101,12 +120,6 @@ class AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences(AddonPreferences):
         default=True
     ) # type: ignore 
 
-    export_change_detection: BoolProperty(
-        name='Change detection',
-        description='Use change detection to determine what/if should be exported',
-        default=True
-    ) # type: ignore
-
     # scene components
     export_scene_settings: BoolProperty(
         name='Export scene settings',
@@ -124,22 +137,22 @@ class AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences(AddonPreferences):
 
     export_blueprints: BoolProperty(
         name='Export Blueprints',
-        description='Replaces collection instances with an Empty with a BlueprintName custom property',
+        description='Replaces collection instances with an Empty with a BlueprintName custom property, and enabled a lot more features !',
         default=True
     ) # type: ignore
 
     export_blueprints_path: StringProperty(
         name='Blueprints path',
         description='path to export the blueprints to (relative to the export folder)',
-        default='./blueprints',
-        subtype='DIR_PATH'
+        default='assets/blueprints',
+        #subtype='DIR_PATH'
     ) # type: ignore
 
     export_levels_path: StringProperty(
         name='Levels path',
         description='path to export the levels (main scenes) to (relative to the export folder)',
-        default='./levels',
-        subtype='DIR_PATH'
+        default='assets/levels',
+        #subtype='DIR_PATH'
     ) # type: ignore
 
     export_separate_dynamic_and_static_objects: BoolProperty(
@@ -155,11 +168,12 @@ class AutoExportGltfAddonPreferences(AddonPreferences):
         description='remove materials from blueprints and use the material library instead',
         default=False
     ) # type: ignore
+
     export_materials_path: StringProperty(
         name='Materials path',
         description='path to export the materials libraries to (relative to the export folder)',
-        default='./materials',
-        subtype='DIR_PATH'
+        default='assets/materials',
+        #subtype='DIR_PATH'
     ) # type: ignore
 
     """ combine mode can be 
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/tracker.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/tracker.py
index 30a54aa..7559036 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/tracker.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/auto_export/tracker.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from bpy.types import (PropertyGroup)
 from bpy.props import (PointerProperty, IntProperty, StringProperty)
 
 from .did_export_settings_change import did_export_settings_change
-from .get_collections_to_export import get_collections_to_export
+from .get_blueprints_to_export import get_blueprints_to_export
 
 from ..constants import TEMPSCENE_PREFIX
 from .internals import BlueprintsToExport
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ class AutoExportTracker(PropertyGroup):
         addon_prefs = SimpleNamespace(**tmp)
 
         #print("cls.changed_objects_per_scene", cls.changed_objects_per_scene)
-        (collections, collections_to_export, internal_collections, collections_per_scene) = get_collections_to_export(cls.changed_objects_per_scene, export_settings_changed, addon_prefs)
+        (collections, collections_to_export, internal_collections, collections_per_scene) = get_blueprints_to_export(cls.changed_objects_per_scene, export_settings_changed, addon_prefs)
         #print("collections to export", collections_to_export)
         try:
             # we save this list of collections in the context
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/modules/export_materials.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/modules/export_materials.py
index 2187ff7..4322a4d 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/modules/export_materials.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/modules/export_materials.py
@@ -93,6 +93,8 @@ def clear_materials_scene(temp_scene):
 def export_materials(collections, library_scenes, folder_path, addon_prefs):
     gltf_export_preferences = generate_gltf_export_preferences(addon_prefs)
     export_materials_path = getattr(addon_prefs,"export_materials_path")
+    export_root_folder = getattr(addon_prefs, "export_root_folder")
+
 
     used_material_names = get_all_materials(collections, library_scenes)
     current_project_name = Path(bpy.context.blend_data.filepath).stem
@@ -105,7 +107,8 @@ def export_materials(collections, library_scenes, folder_path, addon_prefs):
                     'use_renderable': False,
                     'export_apply':True
                     }
-    gltf_output_path = os.path.join(folder_path, export_materials_path, current_project_name + "_materials_library")
+                    
+    gltf_output_path = os.path.join(export_root_folder, export_materials_path, current_project_name + "_materials_library")
 
     print("       exporting Materials to", gltf_output_path, ".gltf/glb")
 
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/expected_bevy_hierarchy.json b/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/expected_bevy_hierarchy.json
index 31a0f94..150da44 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/expected_bevy_hierarchy.json
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/expected_bevy_hierarchy.json
@@ -1 +1 @@
-{"b_RightForeArm_07":["b_RightHand_08","b_RightHand_08"],"Blueprint1_mesh":["Cube.001","Cube.001"],"b_LeftFoot01_017":["b_LeftFoot02_018","b_LeftFoot02_018"],"Cylinder.001":["Cylinder.002","Blueprint7_hierarchy.001","Empty_as_child"],"Blueprint8_animated_no_bones":["Cylinder.002"],"b_LeftLeg01_015":["b_LeftLeg02_016","b_LeftLeg02_016"],"b_Spine02_03":["b_Neck_04","b_RightUpperArm_06","b_LeftUpperArm_09","b_Neck_04","b_RightUpperArm_06","b_LeftUpperArm_09"],"Blueprint4_nested":["Blueprint3"],"Collection 2":["Blueprint8_animated_no_bones","Collection 2 1","Empty_in_collection","Spot"],"b_Spine01_02":["b_Spine02_03","b_Spine02_03"],"b_Neck_04":["b_Head_05","b_Head_05"],"Fox_mesh":["fox1","fox1"],"Blueprint7_hierarchy.001":["Blueprint4_nested.001","Cube.001"],"Collection 2 1":["Empty_in_sub_collection"],"Blueprint3_mesh":["Cylinder","Cylinder"],"Plane":["Plane"],"Blueprint1":["Blueprint1_mesh"],"Cylinder":["Cylinder.001","Cylinder.001"],"b_Tail02_013":["b_Tail03_014","b_Tail03_014"],"b_RightLeg02_020":["b_RightFoot01_021","b_RightFoot01_021"],"Blueprint4_nested.001":["Blueprint3"],"Light":["Light","DirectionalLight Gizmo"],"Blueprint1.001":["Blueprint1_mesh"],"b_Root_00":["b_Hip_01","b_Hip_01"],"Blueprint3":["Blueprint3_mesh","Blueprint3_mesh"],"b_RightLeg01_019":["b_RightLeg02_020","b_RightLeg02_020"],"b_LeftLeg02_016":["b_LeftFoot01_017","b_LeftFoot01_017"],"b_RightUpperArm_06":["b_RightForeArm_07","b_RightForeArm_07"],"Camera":["Camera Gizmo"],"b_LeftUpperArm_09":["b_LeftForeArm_010","b_LeftForeArm_010"],"b_Tail01_012":["b_Tail02_013","b_Tail02_013"],"world":["no_name"],"no_name":["Parent_Object","Blueprint6_animated.001","lighting_components_World","assets_list_World_components","Collection","Collection 2"],"Cube.001":["Cube.002","Cylinder","Cube.002","Cylinder"],"Cylinder.002":["Cylinder.003"],"_rootJoint":["b_Root_00","b_Root_00"],"Spot":["Spot"],"Collection":["Blueprint1.001","Blueprint4_nested","Blueprint6_animated","Blueprint7_hierarchy","Camera","Cube","Empty","External_blueprint","External_blueprint2","Light","Plane"],"Blueprint6_animated":["Fox"],"Cube":["Cube"],"Parent_Object":["Cube.003","Blueprint1","Cylinder.001"],"b_Hip_01":["b_Spine01_02","b_Tail01_012","b_LeftLeg01_015","b_RightLeg01_019","b_Spine01_02","b_Tail01_012","b_LeftLeg01_015","b_RightLeg01_019"],"b_RightFoot01_021":["b_RightFoot02_022","b_RightFoot02_022"],"Blueprint7_hierarchy":["Cube.001"],"Blueprint6_animated.001":["Fox"],"b_LeftForeArm_010":["b_LeftHand_011","b_LeftHand_011"],"Fox":["Fox_mesh","_rootJoint","Fox_mesh","_rootJoint"]}
\ No newline at end of file
+{"Blueprint7_hierarchy.001":["Blueprint4_nested.001","Cube.001"],"Cylinder":["Cylinder.001","Cylinder.001"],"Blueprint8_animated_no_bones":["Cylinder.002"],"Blueprint7_hierarchy":["Cube.001"],"Collection 2":["Blueprint8_animated_no_bones","Collection 2 1","Empty_in_collection","Spot"],"Fox_mesh":["fox1","fox1"],"_rootJoint":["b_Root_00","b_Root_00"],"b_Root_00":["b_Hip_01","b_Hip_01"],"Blueprint1":["Blueprint1_mesh"],"Fox":["Fox_mesh","_rootJoint","Fox_mesh","_rootJoint"],"Light":["Light","DirectionalLight Gizmo"],"b_Spine01_02":["b_Spine02_03","b_Spine02_03"],"b_RightLeg01_019":["b_RightLeg02_020","b_RightLeg02_020"],"b_LeftFoot01_017":["b_LeftFoot02_018","b_LeftFoot02_018"],"b_LeftForeArm_010":["b_LeftHand_011","b_LeftHand_011"],"Collection":["Blueprint1.001","Blueprint4_nested","Blueprint6_animated","Blueprint7_hierarchy","Camera","Cube","Empty","External_blueprint","External_blueprint2","Light","Plane"],"Cylinder.001":["Cylinder.002","Blueprint7_hierarchy.001","Empty_as_child"],"b_Hip_01":["b_Spine01_02","b_Tail01_012","b_LeftLeg01_015","b_RightLeg01_019","b_Spine01_02","b_Tail01_012","b_LeftLeg01_015","b_RightLeg01_019"],"world":["no_name"],"Parent_Object":["Cube.003","Blueprint1","Cylinder.001"],"Blueprint6_animated.001":["Fox"],"Blueprint4_nested":["Blueprint3"],"Blueprint6_animated":["Fox"],"Cube.001":["Cube.002","Cylinder","Cube.002","Cylinder"],"b_Spine02_03":["b_Neck_04","b_RightUpperArm_06","b_LeftUpperArm_09","b_Neck_04","b_RightUpperArm_06","b_LeftUpperArm_09"],"b_LeftLeg01_015":["b_LeftLeg02_016","b_LeftLeg02_016"],"Blueprint4_nested.001":["Blueprint3"],"b_Tail02_013":["b_Tail03_014","b_Tail03_014"],"b_RightForeArm_07":["b_RightHand_08","b_RightHand_08"],"External_blueprint2_Cylinder":["Cylinder"],"Blueprint3":["Blueprint3_mesh","Blueprint3_mesh"],"External_blueprint2":["External_blueprint2_Cylinder","External_blueprint3"],"b_LeftUpperArm_09":["b_LeftForeArm_010","b_LeftForeArm_010"],"Cube":["Cube"],"Plane":["Plane"],"no_name":["Parent_Object","Blueprint6_animated.001","lighting_components_World","assets_list_World_components","Collection","Collection 2"],"Collection 2 1":["Empty_in_sub_collection"],"External_blueprint_mesh":["Cube.001"],"b_LeftLeg02_016":["b_LeftFoot01_017","b_LeftFoot01_017"],"Cylinder.002":["Cylinder.003"],"b_RightLeg02_020":["b_RightFoot01_021","b_RightFoot01_021"],"b_Neck_04":["b_Head_05","b_Head_05"],"b_RightUpperArm_06":["b_RightForeArm_07","b_RightForeArm_07"],"Spot":["Spot"],"External_blueprint3_Cone":["Cone"],"External_blueprint":["External_blueprint_mesh"],"Blueprint3_mesh":["Cylinder","Cylinder"],"External_blueprint3":["External_blueprint3_Cone"],"Camera":["Camera Gizmo"],"Blueprint1_mesh":["Cube.001","Cube.001"],"Blueprint1.001":["Blueprint1_mesh"],"b_Tail01_012":["b_Tail02_013","b_Tail02_013"],"b_RightFoot01_021":["b_RightFoot02_022","b_RightFoot02_022"]}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_bevy_integration.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_bevy_integration.py
index 370e34b..87e261d 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_bevy_integration.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_bevy_integration.py
@@ -13,14 +13,32 @@ from pixelmatch.contrib.PIL import pixelmatch
 def setup_data(request):
     print("\nSetting up resources...")
 
+    root_path =  "../../testing/bevy_example"
+    assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
+    blueprints_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "blueprints")
+    levels_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "levels")
+
+    models_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
+    materials_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "materials")
+    yield {
+        "root_path": root_path, 
+        "models_path": models_path,
+        "blueprints_path": blueprints_path, 
+        "levels_path": levels_path, 
+        "materials_path":materials_path 
+        }
+
     def finalizer():
-        root_path =  "../../testing/bevy_example"
-        assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
-        models_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
-        materials_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "materials")
+       
         #other_materials_path = os.path.join("../../testing", "other_materials")
 
         print("\nPerforming teardown...")
+        if os.path.exists(blueprints_path):
+            shutil.rmtree(blueprints_path)
+
+        if os.path.exists(levels_path):
+            shutil.rmtree(levels_path)
+
         if os.path.exists(models_path):
             shutil.rmtree(models_path)
 
@@ -52,9 +70,7 @@ def setup_data(request):
 - removes generated files
 """
 def test_export_complex(setup_data):
-    root_path = "../../testing/bevy_example"
-    assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
-    models_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
+    root_path = setup_data["root_path"]
     auto_export_operator = bpy.ops.export_scenes.auto_gltf
 
     # with change detection
@@ -87,7 +103,11 @@ def test_export_complex(setup_data):
     auto_export_operator(
         auto_export=True,
         direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
+        export_root_folder = os.path.abspath(root_path),
+        #export_blueprints_path = os.path.join("assets", "models", "library"),
+        export_output_folder = os.path.join("assets", "models"), #"./models",
+        #export_levels_path = os.path.join("assets", "models"),
+
         export_scene_settings=True,
         export_blueprints=True,
         export_materials_library=True
@@ -98,14 +118,14 @@ def test_export_complex(setup_data):
     # blueprint4 => has an instance, with nested blueprint3, should export
     # blueprint5 => has NO instance, not marked as asset, should NOT export
 
-    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(models_path, "World.glb")) == True
-    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(models_path, "library", "Blueprint1.glb")) == True
-    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(models_path, "library", "Blueprint2.glb")) == True
-    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(models_path, "library", "Blueprint3.glb")) == True
-    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(models_path, "library", "Blueprint4_nested.glb")) == True
-    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(models_path, "library", "Blueprint5.glb")) == False
-    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(models_path, "library", "Blueprint6_animated.glb")) == True
-    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(models_path, "library", "Blueprint7_hierarchy.glb")) == True
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["levels_path"], "World.glb")) == True
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "Blueprint1.glb")) == True
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "Blueprint2.glb")) == True
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "Blueprint3.glb")) == True
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "Blueprint4_nested.glb")) == True
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "Blueprint5.glb")) == False
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "Blueprint6_animated.glb")) == True
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "Blueprint7_hierarchy.glb")) == True
 
     # 'assets_list_'+scene.name+"_components" should have been removed after the export
     assets_list_object_name = "assets_list_"+"World"+"_components"
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_bevy_integration_prepare.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_bevy_integration_prepare.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6501f8d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_bevy_integration_prepare.py
@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+import os
+import json
+import pytest
+import bpy
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def setup_data(request):
+    print("\nSetting up resources...")
+
+    root_path =  "../../testing/bevy_example"
+    assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
+    blueprints_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "blueprints")
+    levels_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "levels")
+
+    models_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
+    materials_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "materials")
+    yield {
+        "root_path": root_path, 
+        "models_path": models_path,
+        "blueprints_path": blueprints_path, 
+        "levels_path": levels_path, 
+        "materials_path":materials_path 
+        }
+    
+# this runs the external blueprints file 
+def test_export_external_blueprints(setup_data):
+    root_path = setup_data["root_path"]
+    auto_export_operator = bpy.ops.export_scenes.auto_gltf
+
+    # with change detection
+    # first, configure things
+    # we use the global settings for that
+    export_props = {
+        "main_scene_names" : [],
+        "library_scene_names": ['Library'],
+    }
+    gltf_settings = {
+        "export_animations": True,
+        "export_optimize_animation_size": False
+    }
+
+    # store settings for the auto_export part
+    stored_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_settings")
+    stored_auto_settings.clear()
+    stored_auto_settings.write(json.dumps(export_props))
+
+    # and store settings for the gltf part
+    stored_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings")
+    stored_gltf_settings.clear()
+    stored_gltf_settings.write(json.dumps(gltf_settings))
+
+
+    auto_export_operator(
+        auto_export=True,
+        direct_mode=True,
+        export_root_folder = os.path.abspath(root_path),
+        #export_blueprints_path = os.path.join("assets", "models", "library"),
+        #export_output_folder = os.path.join("assets", "models"), #"./models",
+        #export_levels_path = os.path.join("assets", "models"),
+
+        export_scene_settings=False,
+        export_blueprints=True,
+        export_materials_library=True,
+        export_marked_assets= True
+    )
+
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "External_blueprint.glb")) == True
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "External_blueprint2.glb")) == True
+    assert os.path.exists(os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "External_blueprint3.glb")) == True
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_change_tracking.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_change_tracking.py
index 3031716..3bfd64f 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_change_tracking.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/tests/test_change_tracking.py
@@ -1,23 +1,39 @@
 import bpy
 import os 
 import json
-import mathutils
 import pytest
 import shutil
 import pathlib
+import mathutils
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def setup_data(request):
     print("\nSetting up resources...")
+    #other_materials_path = os.path.join("../../testing", "other_materials")
+    root_path =  "../../testing/bevy_example"
+    assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
+    blueprints_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "blueprints")
+    levels_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "levels")
 
+    models_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
+    materials_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "materials")
+
+    yield {
+        "root_path": root_path, 
+        "models_path": models_path,
+        "blueprints_path": blueprints_path, 
+        "levels_path": levels_path, 
+        "materials_path":materials_path 
+        }
+    
     def finalizer():
-        root_path =  "../../testing/bevy_example"
-        assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
-        models_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
-        materials_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "materials")
-        #other_materials_path = os.path.join("../../testing", "other_materials")
-
         print("\nPerforming teardown...")
+        if os.path.exists(blueprints_path):
+            shutil.rmtree(blueprints_path)
+
+        if os.path.exists(levels_path):
+            shutil.rmtree(levels_path)
+
         if os.path.exists(models_path):
             shutil.rmtree(models_path)
 
@@ -40,620 +56,222 @@ def setup_data(request):
 
     return None
 
-import bpy
-import os 
-import json
-import pytest
-import shutil
 
-@pytest.fixture
-def setup_data(request):
-    print("\nSetting up resources...")
+def prepare_auto_export(auto_export_overrides={}):
 
-    def finalizer():
-        root_path =  "../../testing/bevy_example"
-        assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
-        models_path =  os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
-        materials_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "materials")
-        #other_materials_path = os.path.join("../../testing", "other_materials")
+    # with change detection
+    # first, configure things
+    # we use the global settings for that
+    export_props = {
+        "main_scene_names" : ['World'],
+        "library_scene_names": ['Library'],
+        **auto_export_overrides
+    }
+  
+    # store settings for the auto_export part
+    stored_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_settings")
+    stored_auto_settings.clear()
+    stored_auto_settings.write(json.dumps(export_props))
 
-        print("\nPerforming teardown...")
-        if os.path.exists(models_path):
-            shutil.rmtree(models_path)
+    gltf_settings = {
+        "export_animations": False,
+        "export_optimize_animation_size": False
+    }
+    # and store settings for the gltf part
+    stored_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings")
+    stored_gltf_settings.clear()
+    stored_gltf_settings.write(json.dumps(gltf_settings))
 
-        if os.path.exists(materials_path):
-            shutil.rmtree(materials_path)
+def run_auto_export(setup_data):
+    auto_export_operator = bpy.ops.export_scenes.auto_gltf
+    auto_export_operator(
+        auto_export=True,
+        direct_mode=True,
+        export_root_folder = os.path.abspath(setup_data["root_path"]),
+        export_output_folder="./models",
+        export_scene_settings=True,
+        export_blueprints=True,
+        export_materials_library=False
+    )
 
-        diagnostics_file_path = os.path.join(root_path, "bevy_diagnostics.json")
-        if os.path.exists(diagnostics_file_path):
-            os.remove(diagnostics_file_path)
+    levels_path = setup_data["levels_path"]
+    level_file_paths = list(map(lambda file_name: os.path.join(levels_path, file_name), sorted(os.listdir(levels_path)))) if os.path.exists(levels_path) else []
+
+    blueprints_path = setup_data["blueprints_path"]
+    blueprints_file_paths = list(map(lambda file_name: os.path.join(blueprints_path, file_name), sorted(os.listdir(blueprints_path)))) if os.path.exists(blueprints_path) else []
+
+    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), blueprints_file_paths + level_file_paths))
+    # assert os.path.exists(world_file_path) == True
+
+    mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index = {}
+    for (index, file_path) in enumerate(blueprints_file_paths + level_file_paths):
+        file_path = pathlib.Path(file_path).stem
+        mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index[file_path] = (modification_times[index], index)
+
+    return (modification_times, mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index)
+
+def run_auto_export_and_compare(setup_data, changes, expected_changed_files = []):
+    (modification_times_first, mapped ) = run_auto_export(setup_data)   
+    for index, change in enumerate(changes):
+        change()
+        (modification_times, mapped ) = run_auto_export(setup_data)   
+
+        changed_files = expected_changed_files[index]
+        changed_file_indices =  [mapped[changed_file][1] for changed_file in changed_files]
+        #print("changed files", changed_files, changed_file_indices, "mapped", mapped)
+        other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in changed_file_indices]
+        other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in changed_file_indices]
+
+        print("other_files_modification_times_new  ", other_files_modification_times)
+        print("other_files_modification_times_first", other_files_modification_times_first)
+        for changed_file_index in changed_file_indices:
+            #print("modification_times_new  [changed_file_index]", modification_times[changed_file_index])
+            #print("modification_times_first[changed_file_index]", modification_times_first[changed_file_index])
+            if changed_file_index in modification_times_first and changed_file_index in modification_times:
+                assert modification_times[changed_file_index] != modification_times_first[changed_file_index], f"failure in change: {index}, at file {changed_file_index}"
+            # TODO: we should throw an error in the "else" case ?
+        assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first ,  f"failure in change: {index}"
         
-        hierarchy_file_path = os.path.join(root_path, "bevy_hierarchy.json")
-        if os.path.exists(hierarchy_file_path):
-            os.remove(hierarchy_file_path)
-
-        screenshot_observed_path = os.path.join(root_path, "screenshot.png")
-        if os.path.exists(screenshot_observed_path):
-            os.remove(screenshot_observed_path)
-
-    request.addfinalizer(finalizer)
-
-    return None
+        # reset the comparing 
+        modification_times_first = modification_times
 
 def test_export_change_tracking_custom_properties(setup_data):
-    root_path = "../../testing/bevy_example"
-    assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
-    models_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
-    auto_export_operator = bpy.ops.export_scenes.auto_gltf
+    # set things up
+    prepare_auto_export()
 
-    # with change detection
-    # first, configure things
-    # we use the global settings for that
-    export_props = {
-        "main_scene_names" : ['World'],
-        "library_scene_names": ['Library'],
-    }
-  
-    # store settings for the auto_export part
-    stored_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_settings")
-    stored_auto_settings.clear()
-    stored_auto_settings.write(json.dumps(export_props))
+    def first_change():
+        # now add a custom property to the cube in the main scene & export again
+        print("----------------")
+        print("main scene change (custom property)")
+        print("----------------")
+        bpy.data.objects["Cube"]["test_property"] = 42
 
-    gltf_settings = {
-        "export_animations": False,
-        "export_optimize_animation_size": False
-    }
-    # and store settings for the gltf part
-    stored_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings")
-    stored_gltf_settings.clear()
-    stored_gltf_settings.write(json.dumps(gltf_settings))
-
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
+    run_auto_export_and_compare(
+        setup_data=setup_data,
+        changes=[first_change],
+        expected_changed_files = [["World"]]    # only the "world" file should have changed
     )
 
-    world_file_path = os.path.join(models_path, "World.glb")
-    assert os.path.exists(world_file_path) == True
-
-    models_library_path = os.path.join(models_path, "library")
-    model_library_file_paths = list(map(lambda file_name: os.path.join(models_library_path, file_name), sorted(os.listdir(models_library_path))))
-    modification_times_first = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-
-    mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index = {}
-    for (index, file_path) in enumerate(model_library_file_paths+ [world_file_path]):
-        file_path = pathlib.Path(file_path).stem
-        mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index[file_path] = (modification_times_first[index], index)
-
-    # now add a custom property to the cube in the main scene & export again
-    print("----------------")
-    print("main scene change (custom property)")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    bpy.data.objects["Cube"]["test_property"] = 42
-    
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # only the "world" file should have changed
-    world_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["World"][1]
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[world_file_index] != modification_times_first[world_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
 def test_export_change_tracking_custom_properties_collection_instances_combine_mode_embed(setup_data):
-    root_path = "../../testing/bevy_example"
-    assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
-    models_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
-    auto_export_operator = bpy.ops.export_scenes.auto_gltf
+    # set things up
+    prepare_auto_export({"collection_instances_combine_mode": "Embed"})
 
-    # with change detection
-    # first, configure things
-    # we use the global settings for that
-    export_props = {
-        "main_scene_names" : ['World'],
-        "library_scene_names": ['Library'],
+    def first_change():
+        # we have no change, but we also have no blueprints exported, because of the embed mode
+        blueprint1_file_path = os.path.join(setup_data["blueprints_path"], "Blueprint1.glb")
+        assert os.path.exists(blueprint1_file_path) == False
 
-        "collection_instances_combine_mode":"Embed"
-    }
-  
-    # store settings for the auto_export part
-    stored_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_settings")
-    stored_auto_settings.clear()
-    stored_auto_settings.write(json.dumps(export_props))
+    def second_change():
+        # add a custom property to the cube in the library scene & export again
+        # this should trigger changes in the main scene as well since the mode is embed & this blueprints has an instance in the main scene
+        print("----------------")
+        print("library change (custom property)")
+        print("----------------")
+        bpy.data.objects["Blueprint1_mesh"]["test_property"] = 42
 
-    gltf_settings = {
-        "export_animations": False,
-        "export_optimize_animation_size": False
-    }
-    # and store settings for the gltf part
-    stored_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings")
-    stored_gltf_settings.clear()
-    stored_gltf_settings.write(json.dumps(gltf_settings))
+    def third_change():
+        # now we set the _combine mode of the instance to "split", so auto_export should:
+        # * not take the changes into account in the main scene
+        # * export the blueprint (so file for Blueprint1 will be changed)
+        bpy.data.objects["Blueprint1"]["_combine"] = "Split"
 
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
+    def fourth_change():
+        print("----------------")
+        print("library change (custom property, forced 'Split' combine mode )")
+        print("----------------")
+
+        bpy.data.objects["Blueprint1_mesh"]["test_property"] = 151
+
+    run_auto_export_and_compare(
+        setup_data=setup_data,
+        changes=[first_change, second_change, third_change, fourth_change],
+        expected_changed_files = [[], ["World"], ["World"], ["World"]]    # only the "world" file should have changed
     )
 
-    world_file_path = os.path.join(models_path, "World.glb")
-    assert os.path.exists(world_file_path) == True
-
-    models_library_path = os.path.join(models_path, "library")
-
-    blueprint1_file_path = os.path.join(models_library_path, "Blueprint1.glb")
-    assert os.path.exists(blueprint1_file_path) == False
-
-
-    mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index = {}
-    model_library_file_paths = []
-    all_files_paths = []
-    if os.path.exists(models_library_path):
-        model_library_file_paths = list(map(lambda file_name: os.path.join(models_library_path, file_name), sorted(os.listdir(models_library_path))))
-        all_files_paths = model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]
-    else:
-        all_files_paths = [world_file_path]
-
-    modification_times_first = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), all_files_paths))
-
-    for (index, file_path) in enumerate(all_files_paths):
-        file_path = pathlib.Path(file_path).stem
-        mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index[file_path] = (modification_times_first[index], index)
-
-    # now add a custom property to the cube in the library scene & export again
-    # this should trigger changes in the main scene as well since the mode is embed & this blueprints has an instance in the main scene
-    print("----------------")
-    print("library change (custom property)")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    bpy.data.objects["Blueprint1_mesh"]["test_property"] = 42
-    
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-    
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-
-    # there should not be a "Blueprint1" file
-    assert os.path.exists(blueprint1_file_path) == False
-
-    # only the "world" file should have changed
-    world_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["World"][1]
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[world_file_index] != modification_times_first[world_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
-    # reset the comparing 
-    modification_times_first = modification_times
-
-
-    # now we set the _combine mode of the instance to "split", so auto_export should:
-    # * not take the changes into account in the main scene
-    # * export the blueprint (so file for Blueprint1 will be changed)
-    bpy.data.objects["Blueprint1"]["_combine"] = "Split"
-
-    # but first do an export so that the changes to _combine are not taken into account
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-    modification_times_first = modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-
-    print("----------------")
-    print("library change (custom property, forced 'Split' combine mode )")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    bpy.data.objects["Blueprint1_mesh"]["test_property"] = 151
-
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-    
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-
-    # the "world" file should have changed
-    world_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["World"][1]
-
-    # the "Blueprint1" file should now exist
-    assert os.path.exists(blueprint1_file_path) == True
-
-    # and the "Blueprint1" file too
-    #blueprint1_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["Blueprint1"][1]
-
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[world_file_index] != modification_times_first[world_file_index]
-    #assert modification_times[blueprint1_file_index] != modification_times_first[blueprint1_file_index]
-
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
-
 
 def test_export_change_tracking_light_properties(setup_data):
-    root_path = "../../testing/bevy_example"
-    assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
-    models_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
-    auto_export_operator = bpy.ops.export_scenes.auto_gltf
+    # set things up
+    prepare_auto_export()
 
-    # with change detection
-    # first, configure things
-    # we use the global settings for that
-    export_props = {
-        "main_scene_names" : ['World'],
-        "library_scene_names": ['Library'],
-    }
-  
-    # store settings for the auto_export part
-    stored_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_settings")
-    stored_auto_settings.clear()
-    stored_auto_settings.write(json.dumps(export_props))
+    def first_change():
+        # now add a custom property to the cube in the main scene & export again
+        print("----------------")
+        print("main scene change (light, energy)")
+        print("----------------")
 
-    gltf_settings = {
-        "export_animations": False,
-        "export_optimize_animation_size": False
-    }
-    # and store settings for the gltf part
-    stored_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings")
-    stored_gltf_settings.clear()
-    stored_gltf_settings.write(json.dumps(gltf_settings))
+        bpy.data.lights["Light"].energy = 100
+        #world_file_path = os.path.join(setup_data["levels_path"], "World.glb")
+        #assert os.path.exists(world_file_path) == True
 
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
+    def second_change():
+        print("----------------")
+        print("main scene change (light, shadow_cascade_count)")
+        print("----------------")
+
+        bpy.data.lights["Light"].shadow_cascade_count = 2
+
+    def third_change():
+        print("----------------")
+        print("main scene change (light, use_shadow)")
+        print("----------------")
+
+        bpy.data.lights["Light"].use_shadow = False
+
+    run_auto_export_and_compare(
+        setup_data=setup_data,
+        changes=[first_change, second_change, third_change],
+        expected_changed_files = [["World"], ["World"], ["World"]]    # only the "world" file should have changed
     )
 
-    world_file_path = os.path.join(models_path, "World.glb")
-    assert os.path.exists(world_file_path) == True
-
-    models_library_path = os.path.join(models_path, "library")
-    model_library_file_paths = list(map(lambda file_name: os.path.join(models_library_path, file_name), sorted(os.listdir(models_library_path))))
-    modification_times_first = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-
-    mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index = {}
-    for (index, file_path) in enumerate(model_library_file_paths+ [world_file_path]):
-        file_path = pathlib.Path(file_path).stem
-        mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index[file_path] = (modification_times_first[index], index)
-
-    print("----------------")
-    print("main scene change (light, energy)")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    bpy.data.lights["Light"].energy = 100
-    
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # only the "world" file should have changed
-    world_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["World"][1]
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[world_file_index] != modification_times_first[world_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
-    # reset the comparing 
-    modification_times_first = modification_times
-
-    print("----------------")
-    print("main scene change (light, shadow_cascade_count)")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    bpy.data.lights["Light"].shadow_cascade_count = 2
-    
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # only the "world" file should have changed
-    world_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["World"][1]
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[world_file_index] != modification_times_first[world_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
-    # reset the comparing 
-    modification_times_first = modification_times
-
-    print("----------------")
-    print("main scene change (light, use_shadow)")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    bpy.data.lights["Light"].use_shadow = False
-    
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # only the "world" file should have changed
-    world_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["World"][1]
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[world_file_index] != modification_times_first[world_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
 
 def test_export_change_tracking_camera_properties(setup_data):
-    root_path = "../../testing/bevy_example"
-    assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
-    models_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
-    auto_export_operator = bpy.ops.export_scenes.auto_gltf
+    # set things up
+    prepare_auto_export()
 
-    # with change detection
-    # first, configure things
-    # we use the global settings for that
-    export_props = {
-        "main_scene_names" : ['World'],
-        "library_scene_names": ['Library'],
-    }
-  
-    # store settings for the auto_export part
-    stored_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_settings")
-    stored_auto_settings.clear()
-    stored_auto_settings.write(json.dumps(export_props))
+    def first_change():
+        print("----------------")
+        print("main scene change (camera)")
+        print("----------------")
 
-    gltf_settings = {
-        "export_animations": False,
-        "export_optimize_animation_size": False
-    }
-    # and store settings for the gltf part
-    stored_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings")
-    stored_gltf_settings.clear()
-    stored_gltf_settings.write(json.dumps(gltf_settings))
+        bpy.data.cameras["Camera"].angle = 0.5
 
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
+    run_auto_export_and_compare(
+        setup_data=setup_data,
+        changes=[first_change],
+        expected_changed_files = [["World"]]    # only the "world" file should have changed
     )
 
-    world_file_path = os.path.join(models_path, "World.glb")
-    assert os.path.exists(world_file_path) == True
-
-    models_library_path = os.path.join(models_path, "library")
-    model_library_file_paths = list(map(lambda file_name: os.path.join(models_library_path, file_name), sorted(os.listdir(models_library_path))))
-    modification_times_first = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-
-    mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index = {}
-    for (index, file_path) in enumerate(model_library_file_paths+ [world_file_path]):
-        file_path = pathlib.Path(file_path).stem
-        mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index[file_path] = (modification_times_first[index], index)
-
-    print("----------------")
-    print("main scene change (camera)")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    bpy.data.cameras["Camera"].angle = 0.5
-    
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # only the "world" file should have changed
-    world_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["World"][1]
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[world_file_index] != modification_times_first[world_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
-
 def test_export_change_tracking_material_properties(setup_data):
-    root_path = "../../testing/bevy_example"
-    assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
-    models_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
-    auto_export_operator = bpy.ops.export_scenes.auto_gltf
+    # set things up
+    prepare_auto_export()
 
-    # with change detection
-    # first, configure things
-    # we use the global settings for that
-    export_props = {
-        "main_scene_names" : ['World'],
-        "library_scene_names": ['Library'],
-    }
-  
-    # store settings for the auto_export part
-    stored_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_settings")
-    stored_auto_settings.clear()
-    stored_auto_settings.write(json.dumps(export_props))
+    def first_change():
+        print("----------------")
+        print("main scene change (material, clip)")
+        print("----------------")
 
-    gltf_settings = {
-        "export_animations": False,
-        "export_optimize_animation_size": False
-    }
-    # and store settings for the gltf part
-    stored_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings")
-    stored_gltf_settings.clear()
-    stored_gltf_settings.write(json.dumps(gltf_settings))
+        bpy.data.materials["Material.001"].blend_method = 'CLIP'
+    
+    def second_change():
+        print("----------------")
+        print("main scene change (material, alpha_threshold)")
+        print("----------------")
+        bpy.data.materials["Material.001"].alpha_threshold = 0.2
 
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
+    def third_change():
+        print("----------------")
+        print("main scene change (material, diffuse_color)")
+        print("----------------")
+        bpy.data.materials["Material.001"].diffuse_color[0] = 0.2
+
+    run_auto_export_and_compare(
+        setup_data=setup_data,
+        changes=[first_change, second_change, third_change],
+        expected_changed_files = [["Blueprint1", "Blueprint7_hierarchy"], ["Blueprint1", "Blueprint7_hierarchy"], ["Blueprint1", "Blueprint7_hierarchy"]]    
+        # the material is assigned to Blueprint 1 so in normal (split mode) only the "Blueprint1" file should have changed
+        # the same material is assigned to Blueprint 7 so in normal (split mode) only the "Blueprint1" file should have changed
     )
 
-    world_file_path = os.path.join(models_path, "World.glb")
-    assert os.path.exists(world_file_path) == True
-
-    models_library_path = os.path.join(models_path, "library")
-    model_library_file_paths = list(map(lambda file_name: os.path.join(models_library_path, file_name), sorted(os.listdir(models_library_path))))
-    modification_times_first = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-
-    mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index = {}
-    for (index, file_path) in enumerate(model_library_file_paths+ [world_file_path]):
-        file_path = pathlib.Path(file_path).stem
-        mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index[file_path] = (modification_times_first[index], index)
-
-    print("----------------")
-    print("main scene change (material, clip)")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    bpy.data.materials["Material.001"].blend_method = 'CLIP'
-
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # the material is assigned to Blueprint 1 so in normal (split mode) only the "Blueprint1" file should have changed
-    blueprint1_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["Blueprint1"][1]
-    # the same material is assigned to Blueprint 7 so in normal (split mode) only the "Blueprint1" file should have changed
-    blueprint7_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["Blueprint7_hierarchy"][1]
-
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [blueprint1_file_index, blueprint7_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [blueprint1_file_index, blueprint7_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[blueprint1_file_index] != modification_times_first[blueprint1_file_index]
-    assert modification_times[blueprint7_file_index] != modification_times_first[blueprint7_file_index]
-
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
-    # reset the comparing 
-    modification_times_first = modification_times
-
-    print("----------------")
-    print("main scene change (material, alpha_threshold)")
-    print("----------------")
-    bpy.data.materials["Material.001"].alpha_threshold = 0.2
-
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # the material is assigned to Blueprint 1 so in normal (split mode) only the "Blueprint1" file should have changed
-    blueprint1_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["Blueprint1"][1]
-    # the same material is assigned to Blueprint 7 so in normal (split mode) only the "Blueprint1" file should have changed
-    blueprint7_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["Blueprint7_hierarchy"][1]
-
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [blueprint1_file_index, blueprint7_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [blueprint1_file_index, blueprint7_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[blueprint1_file_index] != modification_times_first[blueprint1_file_index]
-    assert modification_times[blueprint7_file_index] != modification_times_first[blueprint7_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
-
-     # reset the comparing 
-    modification_times_first = modification_times
-
-    print("----------------")
-    print("main scene change (material, diffuse_color)")
-    print("----------------")
-    bpy.data.materials["Material.001"].diffuse_color[0] = 0.2
-
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # the material is assigned to Blueprint 1 so in normal (split mode) only the "Blueprint1" file should have changed
-    blueprint1_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["Blueprint1"][1]
-    # the same material is assigned to Blueprint 7 so in normal (split mode) only the "Blueprint1" file should have changed
-    blueprint7_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["Blueprint7_hierarchy"][1]
-
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [blueprint1_file_index, blueprint7_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [blueprint1_file_index, blueprint7_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[blueprint1_file_index] != modification_times_first[blueprint1_file_index]
-    assert modification_times[blueprint7_file_index] != modification_times_first[blueprint7_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
 
 """
 - setup gltf parameters & auto_export parameters
@@ -666,199 +284,64 @@ def test_export_change_tracking_material_properties(setup_data):
 
 """
 def test_export_various_chained_changes(setup_data):
-    root_path = "../../testing/bevy_example"
-    assets_root_path = os.path.join(root_path, "assets")
-    models_path = os.path.join(assets_root_path, "models")
-    auto_export_operator = bpy.ops.export_scenes.auto_gltf
 
-    # with change detection
-    # first, configure things
-    # we use the global settings for that
-    export_props = {
-        "main_scene_names" : ['World'],
-        "library_scene_names": ['Library'],
-    }
-  
-    # store settings for the auto_export part
-    stored_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_settings")
-    stored_auto_settings.clear()
-    stored_auto_settings.write(json.dumps(export_props))
-
-    gltf_settings = {
-        "export_animations": False,
-        "export_optimize_animation_size": False
-    }
-    # and store settings for the gltf part
-    stored_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_gltf_settings")
-    stored_gltf_settings.clear()
-    stored_gltf_settings.write(json.dumps(gltf_settings))
-
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    world_file_path = os.path.join(models_path, "World.glb")
-    assert os.path.exists(world_file_path) == True
-
-    models_library_path = os.path.join(models_path, "library")
-    model_library_file_paths = list(map(lambda file_name: os.path.join(models_library_path, file_name), sorted(os.listdir(models_library_path))))
-    modification_times_first = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-
-    mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index = {}
-    for (index, file_path) in enumerate(model_library_file_paths+ [world_file_path]):
-        file_path = pathlib.Path(file_path).stem
-        mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index[file_path] = (modification_times_first[index], index)
-    print("files", mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index)
-    #print("mod times", modification_times_first)
-
-    # export again with no changes
-    print("----------------")
-    print("no changes")
-    print("----------------")
-    bpy.context.window_manager.auto_export_tracker.enable_change_detection() # FIXME: should not be needed, but ..
-
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times_no_change = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times_no_change == modification_times_first
-
-    # now move the main cube & export again
-    print("----------------")
-    print("main scene change")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    bpy.context.window_manager.auto_export_tracker.enable_change_detection() # FIXME: should not be needed, but ..
-    bpy.data.objects["Cube"].location = [1, 0, 0]
+    def first_change():
+        # export again with no changes
+        print("----------------")
+        print("no changes")
+        print("----------------")
+        world_file_path = os.path.join(setup_data["levels_path"], "World.glb")
+        assert os.path.exists(world_file_path) == True
     
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
+    def second_change():
+        # now move the main cube & export again
+        print("----------------")
+        print("main scene change")
+        print("----------------")
 
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # only the "world" file should have changed
-    world_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["World"][1]
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [world_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [world_file_index]]
+        bpy.context.window_manager.auto_export_tracker.enable_change_detection() # FIXME: should not be needed, but ..
+        bpy.data.objects["Cube"].location = [1, 0, 0]
 
-    assert modification_times[world_file_index] != modification_times_first[world_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-    # reset the comparing 
-    modification_times_first = modification_times
+    def third_change():
+        # now same, but move the cube in the library
+        print("----------------")
+        print("library change (blueprint) ")
+        print("----------------")
+        bpy.context.window_manager.auto_export_tracker.enable_change_detection() # FIXME: should not be needed, but ..
 
+        bpy.data.objects["Blueprint1_mesh"].location = [1, 2, 1]
 
-    # now same, but move the cube in the library
-    print("----------------")
-    print("library change (blueprint) ")
-    print("----------------")
-    bpy.context.window_manager.auto_export_tracker.enable_change_detection() # FIXME: should not be needed, but ..
-
-    bpy.data.objects["Blueprint1_mesh"].location = [1, 2, 1]
-
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # the "world" file should have changed (TODO: double check: this is since changing an instances collection changes the instance too ?)
-    world_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["World"][1]
-    # and the blueprint1 file too, since that is the collection we changed
-    blueprint1_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["Blueprint1"][1]
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [world_file_index, blueprint1_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [world_file_index, blueprint1_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[world_file_index] == modification_times_first[world_file_index]
-    assert modification_times[blueprint1_file_index] != modification_times_first[blueprint1_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-    # reset the comparing 
-    modification_times_first = modification_times
-
-
-    # now change something in a nested blueprint
-    print("----------------")
-    print("library change (nested blueprint) ")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    bpy.data.objects["Blueprint3_mesh"].location= [0, 0.1 ,2]
-
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    # the "world" file should not have changed
-    world_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["World"][1]
-    #  the blueprint3 file should have changed, since that is the collection we changed
-    blueprint3_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["Blueprint3"][1]
-    # the blueprint4 file NOT, since, while it contains an instance of the collection we changed, the default export mode is "split"
-    blueprint4_file_index = mapped_files_to_timestamps_and_index["Blueprint4_nested"][1]
-
-    other_files_modification_times = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times) if index not in [world_file_index, blueprint3_file_index, blueprint4_file_index]]
-    other_files_modification_times_first = [value for index, value in enumerate(modification_times_first) if index not in [world_file_index, blueprint3_file_index, blueprint4_file_index]]
-
-    assert modification_times[world_file_index] == modification_times_first[world_file_index]
-    assert modification_times[blueprint3_file_index] != modification_times_first[blueprint3_file_index]
-    assert modification_times[blueprint4_file_index] == modification_times_first[blueprint4_file_index]
-    assert other_files_modification_times == other_files_modification_times_first
-
-    # reset the comparing 
-    modification_times_first = modification_times
-
-    # now same, but using an operator
-    print("----------------")
-    print("change using operator")
-    print("----------------")
-
-    with bpy.context.temp_override(active_object=bpy.data.objects["Cube"], selected_objects=[bpy.data.objects["Cube"]], scene=bpy.data.scenes["World"]):
-        print("translate using operator")
-        bpy.ops.transform.translate(value=mathutils.Vector((2.0, 1.0, -5.0)))
-        bpy.ops.transform.rotate(value=0.378874, constraint_axis=(False, False, True), mirror=False, proportional_edit_falloff='SMOOTH', proportional_size=1)
-        bpy.ops.object.transform_apply()
-        bpy.ops.transform.translate(value=(3.5, 0, 0), constraint_axis=(True, False, False))
-
-    auto_export_operator(
-        auto_export=True,
-        direct_mode=True,
-        export_output_folder="./models",
-        export_scene_settings=True,
-        export_blueprints=True,
-        export_materials_library=False
-    )
-
-    modification_times = list(map(lambda file_path: os.path.getmtime(file_path), model_library_file_paths + [world_file_path]))
-    assert modification_times != modification_times_first
-    modification_times_first = modification_times
+    def fourth_change():
+        # now change something in a nested blueprint
+        print("----------------")
+        print("library change (nested blueprint) ")
+        print("----------------")
 
+        bpy.data.objects["Blueprint3_mesh"].location= [0, 0.1 ,2]
     
+    def fifth_change():
+        # now same, but using an operator
+        print("----------------")
+        print("change using operator")
+        print("----------------")
 
+        with bpy.context.temp_override(active_object=bpy.data.objects["Cube"], selected_objects=[bpy.data.objects["Cube"]], scene=bpy.data.scenes["World"]):
+            print("translate using operator")
+            bpy.ops.transform.translate(value=mathutils.Vector((2.0, 1.0, -5.0)))
+            bpy.ops.transform.rotate(value=0.378874, constraint_axis=(False, False, True), mirror=False, proportional_edit_falloff='SMOOTH', proportional_size=1)
+            bpy.ops.object.transform_apply()
+            bpy.ops.transform.translate(value=(3.5, 0, 0), constraint_axis=(True, False, False))
 
-   
\ No newline at end of file
+    run_auto_export_and_compare(
+        setup_data=setup_data,
+        changes=[first_change, second_change, third_change, fourth_change, fifth_change],
+        expected_changed_files = [
+            [], 
+            ["World"], # only the "world" file should have changed
+            ["Blueprint1"],# The blueprint1 file should have changed, since that is the collection we changed, not the world, since we are in "split mode by default"
+            ["Blueprint3"],# The blueprint3 file should have changed, since that is the collection we changed # the blueprint4 file NOT, since, while it contains an instance of the collection we changed, the default export mode is "split"
+            ["World"]
+        ]    
+    )
+
+    #bpy.context.window_manager.auto_export_tracker.enable_change_detection() # FIXME: should not be needed, but ..
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/todo.md b/tools/gltf_auto_export/todo.md
index aacc3db..4249f9d 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/todo.md
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/todo.md
@@ -36,6 +36,8 @@
    => comes from our custom logic for add_on prefs
 - [ ] double check compares to "None" values
 
+- [ ] add tests for relative/absolute paths
+
 - [x] move all things that alter data "permanently" to pre-save
    - [x] lighting/ scene components injection
    - [x] blueprintNames ?
diff --git a/tools/gltf_auto_export/ui/operators.py b/tools/gltf_auto_export/ui/operators.py
index 5f9c3f9..25e712d 100644
--- a/tools/gltf_auto_export/ui/operators.py
+++ b/tools/gltf_auto_export/ui/operators.py
@@ -81,3 +81,86 @@ class SCENES_LIST_OT_actions(Operator):
         return {"FINISHED"}
 
 
+import os
+from bpy_extras.io_utils import ImportHelper
+
+class OT_OpenFolderbrowser(Operator, ImportHelper):
+    """Browse for registry json file"""
+    bl_idname = "generic.open_folderbrowser" 
+    bl_label = "Select folder" 
+
+    # Define this to tell 'fileselect_add' that we want a directoy
+    directory: bpy.props.StringProperty(
+        name="Outdir Path",
+        description="selected folder"
+        # subtype='DIR_PATH' is not needed to specify the selection mode.
+        # But this will be anyway a directory path.
+        ) # type: ignore
+
+    # Filters folders
+    filter_folder: bpy.props.BoolProperty(
+        default=True,
+        options={"HIDDEN"}
+        ) # type: ignore
+    
+    target_property: bpy.props.StringProperty(
+        name="target_property",
+        options={'HIDDEN'}
+    ) # type: ignore
+    
+    def execute(self, context): 
+        """Do something with the selected file(s)."""
+        operator = context.active_operator
+        new_path = self.directory
+        target_path_name = self.target_property
+
+        # path to the current blend file
+        blend_file_path = bpy.data.filepath
+        # Get the folder
+        blend_file_folder_path = os.path.dirname(blend_file_path)
+        print("blend_file_folder_path", blend_file_folder_path)
+
+        print("new_path", self.directory, self.target_property, operator)
+
+        path_names = ['export_output_folder', 'export_blueprints_path', 'export_levels_path', 'export_materials_path']
+        export_root_folder = operator.export_root_folder
+        #export_root_path_absolute = os.path.join(blend_file_folder_path, export_root_folder)
+
+        if target_path_name == 'export_root_folder':
+            print("changing root new_path")
+            # we need to change all other relative paths before setting the new absolute path
+            for path_name in path_names:
+                # get absolute path
+                relative_path = getattr(operator, path_name, None)
+                if relative_path is not None:
+                    absolute_path = os.path.join(export_root_folder, relative_path)
+                    print("absolute path for", path_name, absolute_path)
+                    relative_path = os.path.relpath(absolute_path, new_path)
+                    setattr(operator, path_name, relative_path)
+
+            # store the root path as relative to the current blend file
+            setattr(operator, target_path_name, new_path)
+
+        else:
+            relative_path = os.path.relpath(new_path, export_root_folder)
+            setattr(operator, target_path_name, relative_path)
+
+        #filename, extension = os.path.splitext(self.filepath) 
+      
+        
+        return {'FINISHED'}
+    
+def draw_folder_browser(layout, label, value, target_property):
+    row = layout.row()
+    row.label(text=label)
+
+    '''box = row.box()
+    box.scale_y = 0.5
+    box.label(text=value)'''
+
+    col = row.column()
+    col.enabled = False
+    col.prop(bpy.context.active_operator, target_property, text="")
+
+    folder_selector = row.operator(OT_OpenFolderbrowser.bl_idname, icon="FILE_FOLDER", text="")
+    folder_selector.target_property = target_property #"export_root_folder"
\ No newline at end of file