by Ou_Chiang·Workflow
Images © Ou_Chiang. Used for product review; image policy.
Format Rename stands out in the blender_extensions library for constructing names from format variables rather than fixed prefixes, and for exposing Python's re module directly for search-and-replace matching.
Format Rename handles batch renaming of Blender objects through a format-based system. Names are built from variables placed inside a pattern: sequential numbers such as {#}, {##} and {##,-1}, alphabet sequences like {A}, {a}, {AA} and {Aa}, and context tokens including {self}, {parent}, {active}, {scene} and {view_layer}. Object-only tokens cover {data}, {Type} shown in title, lower or upper case, and {pref} for a custom word tied to the object's type, while bone-only tokens include {user} and {def}.
Enabling selection order records the order in which items were selected, so ordered replacement terms run in that sequence and grouping becomes available. With grouping you can record selections into TeamA and TeamB, swap names between the two teams sequentially, and copy names from TeamA to TeamB in order.
A search-and-replace mode uses Python's re module directly, so you match objects with regular-expression patterns. The Select Selected Only option searches the whole scene when disabled and filters within the selection when enabled, and flags cover ASCII-only matching and case-insensitive matching. The add-on works with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer and is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later.
Format Rename is best for blender users renaming many objects at once who want pattern-based naming, ordered numbering, or regular-expression search and replace.
Format Rename is completely free to download and use.
Format Rename lists compatibility with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer, so it runs on the 4.2 long-term-support release and later versions. The extension declares that it requires no special permissions to operate. Version 0.0.6 is the build noted here, and the add-on is written entirely in Python. If you are on an older Blender release, check the developer's page before installing, since versions earlier than 4.2 LTS fall outside the stated support range.
Format Rename installs the same way as other Blender extensions. You can drag and drop the downloaded file into Blender, or download the package and use Install from Disk in the preferences. The add-on is a small Python package and needs no special permissions. Once enabled, its renaming tools become available inside Blender. For the download link and step-by-step installation details, the developer's page and Blender's extension documentation cover the process.
Format Rename's search-and-replace mode uses Python's re module directly, so you can match objects with regular-expression patterns such as ^ for the start of a string or $ for the end. The Select Selected Only option controls scope: when disabled it searches across the whole scene, and when enabled it filters within the selected items. Two flags are available, ASCII-only matching for tokens like \w and \d, and Ignore Case for case-insensitive matching.
Format Rename is listed as free here, and it is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. That license governs how you can use, modify and redistribute the add-on. The extension also states that it needs no special permissions to run inside Blender. For current licensing terms and the source code, the developer's GitHub page is the place to check, since project details can change over time.
Also in Workflow for Blender.
by K_Naoki
Tracker to Nuke is a Blender addon by K_Naoki that transfers 2D tracking data from Blender's Movie Clip Editor to Nuke through copy and paste. It also exchanges lens distortion parameters using Nuke's default distortion model.
by Shape-Shift
Z-Shot is a Blender add-on that turns 3D objects into alpha brushes, trims, masks, decal textures or icons. Choose a mode, adjust output settings, and render — no scene setup, camera placement or shader work needed.
by Alt Tab
Alt Tab Colorful is a Blender add-on for saving and using your commonly used colors and color palettes directly inside Blender. It's released under the GPL license and supports Blender 4.0 through 5.0.
by BsIngA
CAD-Helper is a Blender extension for cleaning and restructuring imported CAD assemblies. It targets large assemblies with hundreds of parts and nested sub-assemblies, with operators for hierarchy selection, filtering, clean-up, and instance detection.
by Kalle-Samuli Riihikoski
NodeCustomBuilder is a Blender addon for saving node trees and reusing them with a single mouse click. It stores each node's settings along with the nodes themselves, and works in the shader and compositing editors.
by Salt Media
BlenderAe2 by Salt Media transfers 3D data and objects between Blender and After Effects in both directions, covering vertices, 3D layer transforms, camera data and layer synchronization.
by MACHIN3
Machin3Tools is a continuously evolving collection of tools and pie menus for Blender, gathered in a single customizable package. It ships in two base variants, Prime and DeusEx, with the DeusEx variant adding more advanced tools.
by MikhailRachinskiy
3D Print Toolbox is a Blender add-on with utilities for 3D printing. It analyzes mesh volume and surface area, checks and fixes geometry, hollows shapes, aligns models to the print bed, and exports to STL, PLY, and OBJ.
by glukoz
UVPackmaster 4 is a UV packing engine for Blender that packs UV maps on the CPU and GPU, using the Cuda and Vulkan APIs, and can run on the CPU and all system GPUs at once.
by MMD
MMD Tools is a Blender add-on for editing MikuMikuDance (MMD) models. It handles importing and exporting model, motion and pose data, along with chopping and joining parts, plus rigid body, material and motion editing.
by HaughtyGrayAlien
SimpleBake brings PBR and traditional texture baking to Blender from a single panel. Select objects, choose maps, and bake — no special node groups or new workflow, working with whatever materials you've already built.
