Blender.org

Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation software that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for designers, developers, engineers, and artists. The software, licensed under GNU GPL, is owned by its contributors and hosted on blender.org. Blender provides a wide range of functionalities including modeling, sculpting, UV mapping, VFX, animation, rigging, rendering, and 2D drawing in 3D space. Its built-in Cycles render engine offers unbiased path-tracing capabilities for ultra-realistic rendering, supporting both CPU and GPU rendering, PBR shaders, and HDR lighting. Blender's modeling tools support full N-Gon geometry and include features like edge slide, inset, and bridge fill. The software also offers advanced sculpting tools, multi-resolution and dynamic subdivision capabilities, and 3D painting with textured brushes and masking. In the VFX domain, Blender includes production-ready camera and object tracking tools, allowing users to import raw footage, track it, mask areas, and view camera movements in real-time within the 3D scene. For animation and rigging, Blender provides tools such as envelope and skeleton skinning, B-spline interpolated bones, and sound synchronization. The software also features a unique 2D drawing capability within its 3D viewport, enabling users to combine 2D and 3D elements seamlessly. Blender's interface is Python-controlled, allowing for extensive customization of layout, colors, and functionality through add-ons. As of May 2024, Blender continues to evolve with updates such as the EEVEE Next Generation viewport system in version 4.2 LTS and the introduction of Brush Assets in the upcoming 4.3 release.

Key customers and partnerships

Blender is a member of several industry organizations including the Academy Software Foundation (ASWF), Khronos Group, Linux Foundation, and Open Invention Network (OIN). The software receives support from major hardware vendors such as AMD, Apple, Intel, and NVIDIA. Blender has fostered a vast ecosystem comprising tutorial makers, content creators, add-on developers, and global marketplaces.