Blender 5.1.0 alpha / 5.0.1 Final

Blender delivers everything major studios use for production work - completely free.

From character animation to architectural visualization, this open-source powerhouse handles the entire 3D pipeline in one integrated package.

Unlike Maya or Cinema 4D subscriptions costing thousands annually, Blender provides comparable tools used by studios, game developers, and freelance artists worldwide.

The software runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with surprisingly modest hardware requirements.

Mac users can download Blender for Mac with native Apple Silicon support.

Complete 3D Production Pipeline

Blender handles every aspect of 3D creation without switching between applications.

Model complex characters and environments using industry-standard subdivision surface and sculpting tools.

The integrated rigging system brings characters to life with advanced keyframe editing, procedural animation, and physics simulations.

Two powerful render engines come built-in. Cycles delivers photorealistic path-traced rendering for architectural visualizations and product shots. Eevee provides real-time rendering for quick previews and stylized animation - perfect for game asset development and motion graphics.

Video Editing and Compositing

Beyond 3D creation, Blender includes a full non-linear video editor. Cut together rendered sequences, add transitions, apply color correction, and export final videos without leaving the application.

For more advanced editing needs, your Blender renders integrate smoothly with DaVinci Resolve for Hollywood-grade color grading or Shotcut for straightforward timeline editing.

The node-based compositor handles everything from simple color adjustments to complex visual effects passes. Green screen keying, motion blur, lens distortion correction, and multi-layer compositing all work within Blender's unified interface.

Rendering and Export Workflow

Blender exports to industry-standard formats that work with any video production pipeline. Render directly to MP4 or MKV containers with H.264/HEVC encoding, or output image sequences for maximum flexibility.

For optimal file compression without quality loss, process your renders through HandBrake using hardware-accelerated HEVC encoding.

Working with complex animation projects that need container management? MKVToolNix handles merging multiple render passes, adding audio tracks, or reorganizing chapters without re-encoding.

For quick trimming of rendered sequences, LosslessCut extracts specific segments in seconds.

What's New in Blender 5.0

Blender 5.0 introduces full ACES pipeline support for professional color management workflows. HDR rendering capabilities now match high-end compositing software.

The improved color management system ensures consistent results from viewport preview through final render output.

Performance improvements across the board make working with dense meshes and complex simulations significantly faster. GPU rendering support continues expanding with better integration for NVIDIA, AMD, and Apple Silicon hardware.

Playback and Quality Control

Preview your renders with VLC Media Player for universal format compatibility, or use MPC-BE for frame-accurate playback with hardware acceleration. Both handle HEVC and high-bitrate renders without additional codec installations.

For system-wide codec support enabling Blender render playback in any Windows application, the K-Lite Codec Pack provides comprehensive DirectShow filters including HEVC and AV1 support.

Quick Edits and Social Media

Need to quickly trim renders for social media? CapCut adds filters, text overlays, and exports optimized for TikTok and Instagram. For professional format conversion targeting specific devices or platforms, XMedia Recode offers batch processing with extensive preset options.

System Requirements

Blender runs on Windows 10/11 (64-bit), macOS 11.0 or newer, and most Linux distributions. Minimum requirements include 8GB RAM and OpenGL 4.3 compatible graphics.

For GPU rendering, NVIDIA cards with CUDA support or AMD cards with HIP deliver the fastest results.

Download Blender 5.0 and join millions of creators who've chosen the world's most powerful free 3D software.