Why Blender Addons Stand Out
When it comes to addons, Blender 3D has a huge advantage over other software packages like Maya. There are so many more available to choose from than in other 3D software, and best of all, they are very cheap compared to plugins for regular 3D software. I think this is because Blender is free, and so many people use it, so developers can sell a lot of each addon they create. You can even find great plugins for free, and there are many addons you can enable from Blender’s preferences settings completely free of charge.
Where to Find Blender Addons
If you are in a hurry and eager to start trying cool addons, go straight to Blender Market a goldmine of Blender 3D addons. Keep reading to learn more about cool Blender addons and where to find them.
A Note on blender Addons Development
One of the reasons there are so many addons is that Blender 3D is completely written in the Python programming language, making it much easier for addon developers. Many addons were created because a user needed a function in Blender and made an addon for it. Of course, there are also very large and complex addons built for commercial purposes.
Exploring Blender Addons Platforms
Blender Market isn't the only place to find Blender addons. Gumroad is also a great platform. Sometimes, the same addon costs less on Gumroad or is completely free there. However, Blender Market remains the largest place to find addons. Some addons can also be found exclusively on GitHub.
Security Concerns
In theory, addons could contain malicious code. I have tried a huge number of plugins but have never encountered any malware. If security is a concern for you, go with Blender Market and look for high-rated addons with high download volumes.
Tip for Deals
Visit Blender Market frequently—they often run sales during Black Friday, holidays, and summer or winter seasons.
Geometry Nodes: A Brief Mention
If you are new to Blender, you might not have heard about geometry nodes. It is Blender’s built-in, node-based system for creating geometry, manipulating it, and performing simulations. The reason I mention it here is that more and more cool generators are being made with geometry nodes, like building generators. While they are not strictly addons, they can still be shared within .blend files and downloaded. It’s amazing how much you can do with geometry nodes, but that’s a topic for another article.
Here’s an example of a cool droplet generator made with geometry nodes: Droplet Generator.
Important Tips Before Purchasing blender Addons
Always remember to check if a Blender addon is compatible with the latest version of Blender. Most of the time, when you buy an addon, you can download free updates afterward. I think most developers are fair and don’t remake the same addon with a different name just to make you buy it again.
Before you purchase any addons, I’d like to point out something important in the terms of service. If you buy something by accident or want your money back, it is not possible. You are entitled to help from the developer and a refund only if the product doesn’t work. Please read the terms here if this is a concern for you.
A Curated List of Great Blender Addons
1. Instant Clean
This addon helps fix defects in geometry, which is especially useful if you’ve downloaded a 3D model or are struggling to identify issues with your model as a Blender beginner.Instant Clean
2. BlendAI
A personal AI assistant inside Blender, BlendAI allows you to right-click on elements for explanations about Blender functions. It can also create scripts to set up lighting and more—great for Blender beginners!BlendAI
3. Geo Scatter
Though not cheap, this addon is amazing for scattering objects like trees, grass, and rocks across your scenes. You can also buy biomes to make the system even more versatile.Geo Scatter
4. Gardener
If you’re into creating hedges and stylish gardens, this addon is a must-have.Gardener
5. Auto-Rig Pro
Rigging can be challenging, but this top-rated addon makes it easier. It can also rig animals.Auto-Rig Pro
6. UVPackmaster
For advanced users, UVPackmaster is excellent for packing UVs efficiently, especially for game assets.UVPackmaster
7. MeshMachine
Ideal for hard surface modeling, this addon provides tools like unbevel and many more to simplify your workflow.MeshMachine
8. Light Studio
If you want to create perfect lighting for packshots or realistic scenes, this addon is a fantastic choice.Light Studio
9. BProduction Addons
BProduction, the creator of Gardener and Light Studio, offers high-quality addons. Check out their page for an overview.BProduction
10. AskNK on YouTube
To stay updated on free and paid Blender addons, follow AskNK on YouTube. He does a fantastic job explaining and showcasing new addons and geometry node generators.
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Final Thoughts
There are so many great addons to explore on Blender Market. Happy extending! 😊
Read my article about the best blender 3D YouTube channels here.
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