# Blender

> free and open-source 3D computer graphics software

**Wikidata**: [Q173136](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q173136)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blender_(software))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/blender

## Summary

Blender was established on January 2, 1998[1][2].

## Summary
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software, created by Ton Roosendaal in 1998. It is widely used for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering, competing with industry giants like Unreal Engine and Unity. Its open-source nature allows for extensive customization and community-driven development.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Blender was first released on January 2, 1998, by Ton Roosendaal.
- **License**: Distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 3.0.
- **Primary Uses**: 3D computer graphics, architectural rendering, animation, and motion capture.
- **Competitors**: Directly competes with Unreal Engine and Unity in the 3D content creation and game development space.
- **Mascot**: Known for its mascot, Suzanne, a monkey head used in tutorials and documentation.
- **Platforms**: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems.
- **Latest Version**: As of the provided data, the latest stable version is 2.78b (released February 8, 2017).
- **Social Media**: Active on Twitter (@Blender), Instagram (@blender.official), and Mastodon (@Blender@mastodon.social).
- **File Formats**: Supports formats like Blend file, Wavefront .obj, Alembic, and STL.
- **Community**: Has a strong community presence on platforms like Reddit (r/blender) and Stack Exchange (blender.stackexchange.com).

## FAQs
### Q: Is Blender free to use?
A: Yes, Blender is free and open-source software, licensed under the GNU GPL, allowing users to modify and distribute it freely.

### Q: What makes Blender different from other 3D software?
A: Blender stands out for its open-source nature, extensive feature set, and strong community support, making it accessible and customizable for both beginners and professionals.

### Q: Can Blender be used for game development?
A: Yes, Blender is widely used in game development, competing directly with engines like Unreal Engine and Unity, thanks to its robust modeling, animation, and rendering tools.

### Q: What is Suzanne?
A: Suzanne is Blender's mascot, a monkey head model used in tutorials and documentation to demonstrate Blender's features.

### Q: How do I install Blender?
A: Blender can be downloaded from its official website (blender.org) for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installation instructions provided on the site.

## Why It Matters
Blender has revolutionized 3D computer graphics by providing a powerful, free alternative to proprietary software. Its open-source model has fostered a vibrant community of developers and artists, driving continuous innovation. From film and game development to architectural visualization, Blender's versatility has made it an essential tool in creative industries. Its ability to compete with industry leaders like Unreal Engine and Unity underscores its significance in the digital content creation space.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Pioneer**: One of the first major open-source 3D graphics software, setting a precedent for community-driven development.
- **Industry-Wide Adoption**: Used in major films, games, and architectural projects, proving its professional-grade capabilities.
- **Extensive Feature Set**: Includes tools for modeling, animation, rendering, and motion tracking, all in a single integrated package.
- **Strong Community**: Backed by a global community of developers, artists, and educators, contributing to its continuous improvement.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Available on multiple operating systems, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.

## Body
### Origins and Development
Blender was founded by Ton Roosendaal in 1998, with its first public release on January 2, 1998. The software was initially developed as a personal project but quickly gained traction due to its open-source nature and powerful feature set. Over the years, it has evolved through numerous versions, with significant updates introducing new tools and workflow improvements.

### Licensing and Community
Blender is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 3.0, ensuring that it remains free and open-source. This licensing model has attracted a large community of developers, artists, and educators who contribute to its development through bug fixes, feature additions, and documentation.

### Primary Uses
Blender is primarily used for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. Its comprehensive toolset includes features for sculpting, rigging, simulation, and compositing. The software is widely adopted in film, game development, architecture, and education.

### Competitors and Alternatives
Blender competes directly with industry-leading software like Unreal Engine and Unity, offering a free and open-source alternative. It also serves as an alternative to proprietary tools like Adobe Photoshop in the broader digital content creation space.

### Technical Specifications
Blender supports a wide range of file formats, including Blend file, Wavefront .obj, Alembic, and STL. It is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and others. The software is continuously updated with new features and improvements, with the latest stable version being 2.78b as of the provided data.

### Social Media and Community Engagement
Blender maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Twitter (@Blender), Instagram (@blender.official), and Mastodon (@Blender@mastodon.social). The software also has a strong community presence on platforms like Reddit (r/blender) and Stack Exchange (blender.stackexchange.com), where users can seek support and share knowledge.

### Notable Features
- **Suzanne**: The iconic monkey head model used in tutorials and documentation.
- **Game Engine**: Blender includes a built-in game engine for creating single-player video games.
- **Rendering**: Supports advanced rendering techniques, including ray-tracing.
- **Motion Capture**: Tools for integrating motion capture data into animations.

### Distribution and Accessibility
Blender is distributed through various channels, including its official website, package managers like Steam and Microsoft Store, and community-driven platforms like GitHub and Arch Linux. Its open-source nature ensures that it remains accessible to users worldwide.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.blender.org/foundation/history/)
2. [Source](http://www.blender.org/blenderorg/blender-foundation/)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.blender.org/about/license/)
5. [Source](http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Dev:Doc/FAQ)
6. [Source](https://www.openhub.net/p/blender/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
7. [Source](http://www.blender.org/features-gallery/)
8. [blender-2.76 – 3D creation software](http://openbsd.su/ports/graphics/blender)
9. [Source](http://www.blender.org/download/)
10. [Blender Git Tags](https://developer.blender.org/diffusion/B/tags/master/)
11. [2.75a — blender.org](http://www.blender.org/features/2-75/)
12. [Blender 2.76 Features](http://www.blender.org/features/2-76/)
13. [Blender 2.76b: Bug Fixes](http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Dev:Ref/Release_Notes/2.76/Bug_Fixes#Blender_2.76b:_Bug_Fixes)
14. [Blender 2.77](https://www.blender.org/features/2-77/)
15. [Source](https://www.blender.org/features/2-77/)
16. [Source](http://download.blender.org/source/)
17. [Source](https://www.blender.org/features/2-78/)
18. [Source](https://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Dev:Ref/Release_Notes/2.78/Performance_update2)
19. [2.79 — blender.org](https://www.blender.org/features/releases/2-79/)
20. [2.73 — blender.org](https://www.blender.org/features/releases/2-73/)
21. [2.72 — blender.org](https://www.blender.org/features/releases/2-72/)
22. [2.71 — blender.org](https://www.blender.org/features/releases/2-71/)
23. [2.70 — blender.org](https://www.blender.org/features/releases/2-70/)
24. [2.69 — blender.org](https://www.blender.org/features/releases/2-69/)
25. [2.68 — blender.org](https://www.blender.org/features/releases/2-68/)
26. [2.67 — blender.org](https://www.blender.org/features/releases/2-67/)
27. [2.66 — blender.org](https://www.blender.org/features/releases/2-66/)
28. [Source](https://git.blender.org/gitweb/gitweb.cgi/blender.git/tag/refs/tags/v2.79b)
29. [Blender 2.80. 2019](https://www.blender.org/download/releases/2-80/)
30. [2019](https://www.blender.org/download/releases/2-81/)
31. [2020](https://www.blender.org/download/releases/2-82/)
32. [Power to Last. Blender Foundation. 2020](https://www.blender.org/download/lts/)
33. [Source](https://www.blender.org/download/lts/)
34. [Blender LTS. Blender. 2020](https://www.blender.org/download/lts/)
35. [Freedom to Create. Blender. 2020](https://www.blender.org/download/releases/2-90/)
36. [Version: Blender 2.90.1 release. 2020](https://developer.blender.org/rB3e85bb34d0d792b49cf4923f781d98791c5a161c)
37. [Long-Term Support. 2020](https://www.blender.org/download/lts/)
38. [LTS Release 2.83.9](https://www.blender.org/download/lts/#lts-release-2839)
39. [Blender 2.91 Release Notes. Blender Institute. 2020](https://wiki.blender.org/wiki/Reference/Release_Notes/2.91)
40. [2020](https://github.com/blender/blender/releases/tag/v2.83.10)
41. [2021](https://github.com/blender/blender/releases/tag/v2.91.2)
42. [2021](https://www.blender.org/download/)
43. [v2.92.0. Blender Foundation. 2021](https://github.com/blender/blender/releases/tag/v2.92.0)
44. [v2.93.0. Blender Foundation. 2021](https://github.com/blender/blender/releases/tag/v2.93.0)
45. [2.93 LTS — blender.org. 2021](https://www.blender.org/download/releases/2-93/)
46. [v2.93.1. Blender Foundation. 2021](https://github.com/blender/blender/releases/tag/v2.93.1)
47. [v2.93.2. Blender Foundation](https://github.com/blender/blender/releases/tag/v2.93.2)
48. [v2.93.3](https://github.com/blender/blender/releases/tag/v2.93.3)
49. [Source](https://builder.blender.org/download/daily/)
50. [v2.93.4](https://github.com/blender/blender/releases/tag/v2.93.4)