Top Related Projects
Godot Engine – Multi-platform 2D and 3D game engine
Unity C# reference source code.
OpenSCAD - The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller
This is the official source code of FreeCAD, a free and opensource multiplatform 3D parametric modeler.
JavaScript 3D Library.
Quick Overview
Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite. It supports the entire 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and 2D animation pipeline. Blender is a cross-platform application, available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Comprehensive set of tools for 3D creation
- Active and supportive community
- Regular updates and improvements
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- User interface can be complex and overwhelming
- Some industry-standard features may be less polished compared to commercial alternatives
- Performance can be slower for very complex scenes compared to some commercial software
Getting Started
To get started with Blender:
- Visit the official Blender website: https://www.blender.org/
- Download the appropriate version for your operating system
- Install Blender on your computer
- Launch Blender and familiarize yourself with the interface
- Follow beginner tutorials available on the Blender website or YouTube to learn basic operations
For developers interested in contributing to Blender:
- Fork the Blender repository on GitHub
- Clone your fork:
git clone https://github.com/your-username/blender.git
- Set up the development environment following the instructions in the
README.md
file - Make your changes and submit a pull request
Note: Blender is a complex software suite, not a code library, so there are no code examples provided. The project is primarily written in C and C++, with Python used for scripting and add-ons.
Competitor Comparisons
Godot Engine – Multi-platform 2D and 3D game engine
Pros of Godot
- Lighter weight and faster to learn for game development
- More focused on 2D game creation, with excellent 2D tools
- Completely free and open-source, with no strings attached
Cons of Godot
- Smaller community and ecosystem compared to Blender
- Less powerful for 3D modeling and animation
- More limited in non-game applications
Code Comparison
Godot (GDScript):
extends Sprite
func _ready():
position = Vector2(100, 100)
scale = Vector2(2, 2)
Blender (Python):
import bpy
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add(size=2, location=(0, 0, 0))
bpy.ops.transform.resize(value=(2, 1, 1))
Both Blender and Godot are open-source projects with different focuses. Blender is a comprehensive 3D creation suite, while Godot is primarily a game engine. Godot offers a more streamlined experience for game developers, especially for 2D games, but lacks the advanced 3D modeling and animation capabilities of Blender. The code examples show the difference in approach: Godot uses its own GDScript for game logic, while Blender uses Python for scripting and automation. Choose based on your specific needs in 3D creation or game development.
Unity C# reference source code.
Pros of UnityCsReference
- More focused on game development and interactive 3D applications
- Extensive documentation and large community support
- Easier learning curve for beginners in 3D development
Cons of UnityCsReference
- Less versatile for non-game 3D applications
- Closed-source engine core, limiting full customization
- Potential licensing costs for commercial projects
Code Comparison
Blender (Python):
import bpy
def create_cube():
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add(size=2, location=(0, 0, 0))
create_cube()
UnityCsReference (C#):
using UnityEngine;
public class CubeCreator : MonoBehaviour
{
void Start()
{
GameObject cube = GameObject.CreatePrimitive(PrimitiveType.Cube);
cube.transform.position = Vector3.zero;
cube.transform.localScale = Vector3.one * 2;
}
}
Both repositories offer powerful 3D creation capabilities, but they cater to different audiences. Blender is a comprehensive 3D content creation suite, while UnityCsReference focuses on game development. The code examples demonstrate the different approaches: Blender uses Python for scripting, while Unity employs C# for its scripting API.
OpenSCAD - The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller
Pros of OpenSCAD
- Text-based parametric modeling, ideal for precise and programmable designs
- Lightweight and focused on 3D printing and CAD applications
- Open-source with a strong community for 3D printing enthusiasts
Cons of OpenSCAD
- Limited graphical interface and real-time visualization compared to Blender
- Steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with programming concepts
- Less versatile for general 3D modeling, animation, and rendering tasks
Code Comparison
OpenSCAD:
module cube_with_hole(size, hole_radius) {
difference() {
cube(size, center=true);
cylinder(h=size+1, r=hole_radius, center=true);
}
}
cube_with_hole(10, 2);
Blender (Python API):
import bpy
import bmesh
def create_cube_with_hole(size, hole_radius):
bm = bmesh.new()
bmesh.ops.create_cube(bm, size=size)
bmesh.ops.create_circle(bm, cap_ends=True, cap_tris=False, segments=32, radius=hole_radius)
bmesh.ops.difference(bm, objects=[bm.verts, bm.edges, bm.faces], modifier=bm.faces)
mesh = bpy.data.meshes.new("Cube_with_Hole")
bm.to_mesh(mesh)
bm.free()
return mesh
cube_mesh = create_cube_with_hole(10, 2)
This is the official source code of FreeCAD, a free and opensource multiplatform 3D parametric modeler.
Pros of FreeCAD
- Specialized for parametric 3D CAD modeling and engineering design
- Open-source and highly extensible through Python scripting
- Better suited for precise technical drawings and mechanical parts
Cons of FreeCAD
- Smaller user base and community compared to Blender
- Less developed user interface and steeper learning curve
- Limited animation and rendering capabilities
Code Comparison
FreeCAD (Python):
import FreeCAD as App
import Part
box = Part.makeBox(10, 10, 10)
doc = App.newDocument()
Part.show(box)
Blender (Python):
import bpy
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add(size=2)
cube = bpy.context.active_object
cube.location = (0, 0, 0)
Both projects use Python for scripting, but FreeCAD focuses on parametric modeling and engineering applications, while Blender offers a more versatile toolset for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. FreeCAD's code emphasizes precise geometric operations, whereas Blender's API is geared towards manipulating 3D objects in a scene-based environment.
JavaScript 3D Library.
Pros of Three.js
- Lightweight and focused on 3D rendering for web browsers
- Easier to learn and integrate into web projects
- Extensive documentation and large community support
Cons of Three.js
- Limited to web-based 3D graphics and animations
- Less powerful for complex 3D modeling and animation tasks
- Lacks built-in physics engine and advanced rendering features
Code Comparison
Three.js (JavaScript):
const scene = new THREE.Scene();
const camera = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera(75, window.innerWidth / window.innerHeight, 0.1, 1000);
const renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer();
renderer.setSize(window.innerWidth, window.innerHeight);
document.body.appendChild(renderer.domElement);
Blender (Python):
import bpy
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add(size=2, enter_editmode=False, location=(0, 0, 0))
bpy.ops.object.shade_smooth()
bpy.context.object.data.use_auto_smooth = True
bpy.context.object.data.auto_smooth_angle = 0.523599
Three.js is ideal for web-based 3D graphics and animations, offering a more accessible entry point for developers. Blender, on the other hand, is a comprehensive 3D creation suite with powerful modeling, animation, and rendering capabilities, making it better suited for complex 3D projects and professional-grade content creation.
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Blender
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline-modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking and video editing.
Project Pages
Development
License
Blender as a whole is licensed under the GNU General Public License, Version 3. Individual files may have a different, but compatible license.
See blender.org/about/license for details.
Top Related Projects
Godot Engine – Multi-platform 2D and 3D game engine
Unity C# reference source code.
OpenSCAD - The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller
This is the official source code of FreeCAD, a free and opensource multiplatform 3D parametric modeler.
JavaScript 3D Library.
Convert
designs to code with AI
Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.
Try Visual Copilot