Skip to content
BLBlender

Export to Nuke Script

by Vicky_at_24fps·Workflow

Images © Vicky_at_24fps. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Earns its place in the Blender extensions library by producing a native Nuke Python script rather than routing through FBX or Alembic pipelines.

What is Export to Nuke Script?

Export to Nuke Script is a lightweight Blender extension that bridges Blender's 3D viewport and Foundry's Nuke. Rather than relying on FBX or Alembic, it generates a native Nuke Python script (.py) that you drag and drop into Nuke's Node Graph to recreate Blender cameras and empties as native Camera3 and Axis3 nodes, complete with editable animation curves.

The tool bakes transformations into Nuke's translate and rotate knobs instead of the locked matrix knob, giving compositors control in the Curve Editor. It uses Blender's Evaluated Dependency Graph to bake heavily constrained or parented objects to their exact absolute world positions, and automatically converts Blender's Z-up environment to Nuke's Y-up environment.

A custom Euler filter guards against 360-degree rotation flips, and the tool calculates true optical sensor size from render resolution and aspect ratio for aligned 2D overlays. Batch exporting lets you select multiple cameras and empties and bake them into a single Nuke script. The extension integrates into Blender's native Export menu with standard file-naming and increment UI features.

Who is Export to Nuke Script best for?

Export to Nuke Script is best for blender artists moving camera and empty data into Foundry's Nuke for compositing.

How much does Export to Nuke Script cost?

Export to Nuke Script is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Exports cameras as Camera3 nodes and empties as Axis3 nodes in Nuke
  • Bakes transformations into Nuke's translate and rotate knobs for full Curve Editor control
  • Automatically converts Blender's Z-up environment to Nuke's Y-up environment
  • Uses Blender's Evaluated Dependency Graph to bake constrained or parented objects to absolute world positions
  • Custom Euler filter to prevent 360-degree rotation flips in animation curves
  • Calculates true optical sensor size from render resolution and aspect ratio
  • Batch export of multiple cameras and empties into a single Nuke script

Tags

#blender#nuke#camera export#compositing#vfx#import-export#foundry

Frequently asked questions

Does Export to Nuke Script work with Blender 4.2?

Export to Nuke Script is compatible with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer, so it runs on the 4.2 long-term support release and later versions. It integrates directly into Blender's native Export menu, accessible through File > Export > Nuke Script (.py), and includes standard file-naming and increment UI features. Check the developer's page on the Blender extensions site for the latest compatibility details before installing.

How do I bring the exported script into Nuke?

Export to Nuke Script generates a native Nuke Python (.py) file. After exporting from Blender, open Foundry's Nuke and go to the Script Editor panel, then open your exported .py file or paste its contents into the bottom input area and press Ctrl + Enter (or Cmd + Return on Mac) to run it. Your Blender cameras appear as Camera3 nodes and empties as Axis3 nodes in the Node Graph, populated with baked animation data. You can also drag and drop the script into Nuke's Node Graph.

How does Export to Nuke Script handle constrained or parented objects?

Export to Nuke Script uses Blender's Evaluated Dependency Graph to bake heavily constrained or parented objects into their exact absolute world-space positions. It mathematically evaluates complex Blender constraints such as Track To, Copy Location, and complex parenting hierarchies. The tool also converts Blender's Z-up environment to Nuke's Y-up environment automatically and includes a custom Euler filter to prevent 360-degree rotation flips in Nuke's animation curves. This keeps heavily constrained rigs positioned accurately once they arrive in the Node Graph as Camera3 and Axis3 nodes.

Is Export to Nuke Script free to use?

Export to Nuke Script is listed as free in this catalog and is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. The extension does not require special permissions. You can obtain it through the Blender extensions site by dragging and dropping into Blender or downloading and installing from disk. For current licensing terms, refer to the developer's page on the Blender extensions site before you rely on it in a project.

Alternatives to Export to Nuke Script

Also in Workflow for Blender.

Similar plugins