Blender is a free, open-source 3D creation suite that supports the entire 3D pipeline including modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, video editing, and game creation. Used by professionals and hobbyists worldwide, Blender rivals commercial software costing thousands of dollars.
The modeling tools include subdivision surfaces, N-gon support, edge slide, inset, bridge fill, and advanced modifiers. Sculpting mode provides brushes for organic modeling with dynamic topology and multires support. The node-based material editor enables photorealistic procedural textures without image dependencies.
Blender offers two integrated render engines: Cycles for photorealistic path-traced rendering with GPU acceleration, and EEVEE for real-time viewport rendering. Both support PBR materials, volumetrics, subsurface scattering, and advanced lighting.
The animation system includes character rigging tools, inverse kinematics, armature deformation, and shape keys. The nonlinear animation editor and dope sheet streamline complex animation workflows. Grease Pencil enables 2D animation within the 3D environment.
Physics simulations handle rigid bodies, soft bodies, cloth, fluids, and particle systems. The built-in compositor provides color correction, blur, and visual effects. Video sequence editor supports most video formats with cuts, transitions, and effects.
Python scripting allows extensive customization and automation. The active development community continuously adds features and improvements. Blender's industry-standard capabilities make it suitable for film production, architectural visualization, product design, and game development.