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Blender

Free open-source 3D suite covering modelling, rigging, animation, rendering, compositing and video editing.

Blender: free 3D suite with compositing

Modelling to video editing under GPL-3.0

Free forever · open source · GPL-3.0 (some files under compatible licences)
✓ Use today✓ Browser-based✓ Real-time collaboration
8.9
ZEKAI
Free 3D suite
Free & open source · Video
Ease of setup8
Usefulness9
Maintenance9.5
Community9.2
★ 21,955
GITHUB
Nov 2026
UPDATED
GPL-3.0 (some files under compatible licences)
LICENSE
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⚡ Quick answer

Blender is a free and open source 3D creation suite covering the full 3D pipeline. It suits artists who want modelling, animation, rendering and compositing in one application.

Runs on
Cross-platform
Hosting
Desktop
Languages
C++
License
GPL-3.0 (some files under compatible licences)

What it is

The README lists modelling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking and video editing. The GitHub repository is an official mirror of projects.blender.org.

Who it's for

It suits 3D and motion artists who want everything in one free tool. It does not suit anyone who only needs a quick 2D layer-based animation tool, since Blender centres on a 3D pipeline.

Key features

3D modelling and rigging

Full modelling and rigging tools.

Animation and simulation

Keyframe animation and simulation.

Rendering

Built-in rendering pipeline.

Compositing

Node-based compositing inside the suite.

Motion tracking

Track footage for visual effects.

Video editing

Basic editing inside the same application.

How to start

Up and running in 3 steps

1
Download Blender from blender.org for your operating system.
2
Open the compositing or video editing workspace for post work.
3
Follow the reference manual for your first project.
Real talk

Our honest verdict

What's great

  • One download covers the whole 3D pipeline listed in the README.
  • Compositing, motion tracking and video editing are built in.
  • Licensed GPL-3.0; the project links a licence page.
  • Reference manual and developer forum are linked from the README.

Where it falls short

  • The README gives no hardware requirements; a GPU is advisable for rendering.
  • The GitHub repo is a mirror and cloning may cause Git LFS errors.
  • The interface has a steep learning curve compared with 2D motion tools.
Cost

Pricing & license

Free under GPL-3.0. The only cost is the computer you run it on.

Paid work

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870 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 14, 2026; most pay $20–$170 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.

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Questions

FAQ

Is the GitHub repo official?

Yes, it is described as the official mirror of projects.blender.org.

What does Blender cover?

Modelling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking and video editing.

What licence is it under?

GPL version 3; individual files may use compatible licences.

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