- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista
- Date added: February 22, 2007
- Total Downloads: 236,069
- Downloads last week: 803
- See full specifications
A newer version of Blender is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 123 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
If you've ever thought about making professional-quality animations but decided not to because of the cost of the software, your excuse just got up and walked out the door. Blender is a free, open-source 3D rendering program that puts the power of the medium back into the hands of the artist.
Blender features a laundry list of animation essentials that can be broken down into categories: Interface, Modeling, Rigging, Rendering, Animation, UV Unwrapping, Shading, Physics and Particles, Imaging and Compositing, and Real Time 3D/Game Creation. The interface, though loaded with complicated tools, is remarkable for neither obscuring nor interfering with the image being worked on. A brief sampling of tools and functions includes 3D paint for vertex weighing, polygon meshes, 2D and 3D procedural brushes, edge rendering, textures, collision simulation, and support for around two dozen 2D and 3D file formats. Extras can be added with Python scripting, and since it's open source, many scripts can be easily found for download in the user forums.
Blender is not for the faint of heart. Learning to use it is time-consuming and best done by following the detailed tutorials available on the Blender Web site. There is also an extensive online Blender community, making familiarization with the app less painful--if not pain-free. However, none of these detracts from the overall experience or usefulness of the program, and we strongly recommend it for advanced users.
Publisher's description
From Blender :Blender is the open-source software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, post-production, interactive creation and playback. It is available for all major operating systems under the GNU General Public License.
Version 2.43 adds multiresolution mesh editing, a Sculpt Mode, and many new rendering features, among other additions.
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User reviews of Blender 2.43
- Average user rating: 3.9 stars out of 123 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 4 of 4 user reviewsSee all 4 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Version: Blender 2.43
Pros: Incredibly capable in just almost every area.
-Great for animating even complicated animations (check out Elephant's Dream at orange.blender.org)
-Has awesome fluid engine with which you can make incredibly complicated fluid animations.
-Great modeling tools, including the new sculpt mode.
-Since it is open source, there is a plethora of python scripts which add even more features if you want them
-Great built in physics engine. The Bullet physics engine is awesome and easy to use.
-You can even make games.
-The soft body is extremely improved from last release with several different and new settings.
-Small download
Cons: -The soft body is still not suitable for complicated cloth simulation. It still needs work.
-The biggest con, however, is that the interface for new users is somewhat unfriendly. But hundreds of helpful tutorials are available, as well as a large user community (blenderartists.org)
With the small download, I highly recommend trying out blender with the tutorials.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Blender 2.43
"This product is a great design tool. Very hard to get the hang of though!!"
Pros: This product is capable of EVERY thing in terms on animating and 3D modeling. I like the detailed interface because it leaves that professional impression. Though it can be a bit ...daunting at first, once you get on those tutorials and make an effort you may surprise your self. If you are interested in 3D modeling and you want to see what is all about well, get DOWNLOADING.
Cons: I really had trouble saving filed and its all gibberish and hard to understand, dunno if its me or not but....back on those tutorials!
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Version: Blender 2.43
Pros: Its key shortcuts makes it very fast to use compared to 3D Max.
Its free.
Cons: It took a long time to get used to the interface and menu, but I like it.
Mabe that's not a con.
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0 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Version: Blender 2.43
"One of the best free 3D Modeling."
Pros: It kick ass!!!you can a very very cool 3d animation and you can playback it to let other people see what you made.
Cons: To many functions but you'll get the hung of it.
- See all 4 user reviews Write review
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