Blender
Version | 2.9(as of 5/6/2021) |
Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux |
License | Open Source |
Category | Graphics |
Main Features
- Versatile, free program that allows you to create 3D models, animations, games, and more
- Support for many asset formats, including DAE, DXF, JPEG, PNG, and MP4
- Add-ons and an active community provide additional depth and support
Software Overview
Blender is a free, cross-platform program used to create a variety of 3D productions. It allows users to produce 3D models, animations, films, video games, and more.
Those looking for one application that supports the entirety of the 3D creation pipeline, from modeling to rendering to animation, will find what they've been looking for in Blender. The program supports importing a variety of image, audio, and video assets, including .DAE, .DXF, .JPEG, .PNG, .MP3, .AVI, and .MP4 files, which can be used to create models and animations. Blender's modeling and sculpting tools allow users to create detailed, posable characters, which are rendered using a photorealistic rendering engine that offers GPU and CPU rendering and HDR lighting support. Users can then animate their models and create full, animated scenes using Blender's extensive animation, VFX, and video-editing tools.
Advanced users can use Blender to develop 3D games (and export Blender-created models to third-party game engines) and create realistic simulations. In addition to its native capabilities, Blender supports many user-developed add-ons, which allow you to tailor Blender to your needs. If you ever have trouble figuring out how to do something in Blender, you can reach out to other users via Blender's highly-active forums, where you'll typically receive an answer to your question.
Summary
There is a reason Blender is likely the most popular free 3D modeling and animation program. For its price, Blender offers a level of depth and community support that many paid programs would envy. Although Blender does not offer the same performance as high-end 3D modeling and animation programs, it is a solid alternative.
Primary File Type

Supported File Types
Extension | File Type |
---|---|
.BLEND | Blender 3D Data File |
.AC | AC3D 3D Definition File |
.AVI | Audio Video Interleave File |
.BLEND1 | Blender Document Backup File |
.BPHYS | Blender Cache File |
.BVH | Biovision Hierarchy Animation File |
.FBX | Autodesk FBX Interchange File |
.GLTF | GL Transmission Format File |
.JP2 | JPEG 2000 Core Image |
.JPG | JPEG Image |
.MOV | Apple QuickTime Movie |
.MP3 | MP3 Audio |
.MP4 | MPEG-4 Video |
.OBJ | Wavefront 3D Object File |
.PLY | Polygon Model |
.PNG | Portable Network Graphic |
.TIF | Tagged Image File |
Additional Related File Types
Extension | File Type |
---|---|
.3DS | 3D Studio Scene |
.BLEND2 | Blender Document Backup 2 File |
.BZW | BZFlag World File |
.DAE | Digital Asset Exchange File |
.DXF | Drawing Exchange Format File |
.FLT | OpenFlight Scene Description File |
.GLA | Ghoul 2 Animation File |
.GLM | Ghoul 2 Model File |
.KML | Keyhole Markup Language File |
.KMZ | Google Earth Placemark File |
.LWO | LightWave 3D Object |
.MD5ANIM | id Tech 4 Model Animation File |
.MD5CAMERA | id Tech 4 Model Camera File |
.MD5MESH | id Tech 4 3D Mesh File |
.VMD | Vocaloid Motion Data File |