blender addons.wiki

How to Install Blender Addons From Github

How to Install Blender Addons from GitHub

Blender, the open-source 3D modeling and animation software, supports a wide range of addons that can enhance functionality and streamline workflows. Many of these addons are developed by the community and hosted on GitHub, providing a rich resource of tools for Blender users. Installing these addons can seem daunting at first, especially if you’re not familiar with GitHub. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.

Step 1: Download the Addon from GitHub

  1. Find the Addon Repository: First, you need to locate the GitHub repository where the addon is stored. You can usually find these through a simple Google search or by browsing Blender communities that share these resources.
  2. Download the Repository: Once you find the repository, look for a green button labeled ‘Code’ near the top right corner of the page. Click on it and then select ‘Download ZIP’. This will download the entire repository as a ZIP file to your computer.

Step 2: Install the Addon in Blender

  1. Open Blender: Start Blender and go to Edit > Preferences. In the Preferences window, switch to the ‘Addons’ tab.
  2. Install the Addon: Click on Install... at the top of the Addons tab. Navigate to where you saved the ZIP file, select it, and click Install Addon from File….

Step 3: Enable the Addon

After installing the addon, you need to enable it to start using its features:

  1. Search for the Addon: In the Addons tab, there is a search box at the top. Type the name of the addon you just installed. It should appear in the list below.
  2. Enable the Addon: There will be a checkbox next to the addon’s name; make sure it’s checked. This action activates the addon.
  3. Save Preferences: To ensure Blender uses the addon every time you open it, click on Save Preferences at the bottom of the Preferences window.

Step 4: Check the Documentation

Most addons come with documentation:

  1. Read the Documentation: It’s important to read the documentation provided by the addon creator. It usually includes installation instructions, features, and how to use the addon effectively.
  2. Look for Tutorials: If the documentation is sparse, look for tutorials online. Many developers and users post tutorials on YouTube and Blender forums.

Conclusion

Installing Blender addons from GitHub can significantly expand the capabilities of this already powerful tool. By following these steps, you can easily find, install, and start using new addons to enhance your Blender projects. Whether you’re modeling, animating, or rendering, community-developed addons are invaluable resources that can help you achieve more in Blender.