BLEND file icon

BLEND File Extension

Blender 3D Data Format
  • Developer
    The Blender Foundation
  • Category
  • Popularity
    3.1 (18 votes)

What is BLEND file?

BLEND extension is used by 3D project files and animations created with 3D modeling tool Blender. BLEND files contain all elements of a project, such as objects, textures, NURB objects, real-time interaction data, 3D mesh data, sounds, lighing information, animation keyframes, uvmapping layout, and interface settings. Single BLEND file can contains multiple scenes.

Main project file

BLEND is the default file format used by Blender. BLEND file stores complete project data in a single, all-in-one container.

Programs which support BLEND file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with BLEND files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. BLEND files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Programs that support BLEND file

Windows Windows
MAC OS MAC OS
Linux Linux

Updated: 02/23/2020

How to open file with BLEND extension?

Being unable to open files with BLEND extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with BLEND extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Blender

Install software to open BLEND file The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening BLEND files is that no program that can handle BLEND files is installed on user’s system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Blender. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Blender website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Blender

Update software that support file extension BLENDIf you already have Blender installed on your systems and BLEND files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Blender installed, it may not support BLEND format. The latest version of Blender should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Blender to BLEND files

After installing Blender (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open BLEND files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Associate software with BLEND file on Windows

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

  • Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the BLEND file
  • Select Choose another app → More apps
  • To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Blender installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open BLEND files box and clicking OK button.
Associate software with BLEND file on Mac

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

  • Right-click the BLEND file and select Information
  • Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
  • Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
  • Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with BLEND extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the BLEND is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the BLEND file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

Check BLEND file for viruses
1. Verify that the BLEND in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the BLEND is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the BLEND file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the BLEND file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with BLEND extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic BLEND file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with BLEND extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Blender 3D Data Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Blender

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support BLEND files. Close all running programs and try opening the BLEND file.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Blender 3D Data Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with BLEND files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the BLEND file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on BLEND file.

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