by Rainma22·Workflow
Images © Rainma22. Used for product review; image policy.
expLODe earns its place in the blender_extensions library for narrowing Blender's FBX export down to LOD generation, with dedicated export options for both Blender and Unity.
expLODe is a Python-based add-on that automates creating and exporting level-of-detail (LOD) versions of 3D models in Blender. It adds two entries under File -> Export, both of which write FBX files with specified LOD levels.
The standard FBX (with LOD) export produces a file that imports into Blender with 0,0,0 rotation, while the FBX (Unity-Compatible, with LOD) export produces a file that imports into Unity with 0,0,0 rotation. LOD levels are set in the export screen under LODs. The add-on handles FBX import and export with y as up and z+ as forward, Smart UV Unwrap, a first LOD level using a Planar Decimate modifier at 10 degrees, and a second LOD level using Unsubdivide across five iterations, along with customizability options.
expLODe supports Blender 4.2 LTS and newer and is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. Version 1.0.2 fixed a bug where armatures, with or without LODs, were not exported properly. The project is marked as a work in progress.
expLODe is best for blender users exporting LOD versions of 3D models to FBX for Blender or Unity.
expLODe is completely free to download and use.
expLODe is compatible with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer, so it runs on the 4.2 long-term-support release and later versions. It works through Blender's File menu, adding two export entries under File -> Export: one standard FBX (with LOD) option and one FBX (Unity-Compatible, with LOD) option. If you are on an older Blender release, you would need to move to 4.2 LTS or a newer build before installing the add-on. The developer's GitHub page lists this compatibility alongside the current version.
expLODe can be added by dragging and dropping the extension into Blender, or by downloading the add-on and using Blender's Install from Disk option. The extension requests permission to import and export FBX files from and to disk, which it needs to write the LOD-enabled FBX files it produces. Once installed, its export entries appear under File -> Export. For the download and any setup notes, check the developer's GitHub page at github.com/RainMa22/expLODe.
expLODe includes an FBX (Unity-Compatible, with LOD) export option that produces a file which imports into Unity with 0,0,0 rotation. You can specify the LOD levels in the export screen under LODs. It also offers a standard FBX (with LOD) export that imports into Blender with 0,0,0 rotation. Both options are added under Blender's File -> Export menu, so you can target whichever workflow you need from the same add-on.
expLODe version 1.0.2 fixed a bug where armatures, with or without LODs, were not exported properly. This is the current version listed here, and the add-on supports Blender 4.2 LTS and newer. Beyond that fix, the add-on's core function remains exporting LOD versions of 3D models to FBX, with separate export options for Blender and Unity. For the full version history and any later releases, the developer's GitHub page is the place to check.
expLODe is listed as free here and released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. That license governs how you can use, modify, and redistribute the add-on. For current licensing terms and the source code, the developer's GitHub page at github.com/RainMa22/expLODe is the place to look. The add-on itself focuses on exporting LOD versions of 3D models to FBX for use in Blender or Unity.
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