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Import&Export

by CGCocktail·Workflow

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

Why we like it

Import&Export earns its spot in the superhive library by putting import, export, and append options into the viewport's Add menu and covering a broad set of formats in a single add-on.

What is Import&Export?

Import&Export is a Blender add-on from CGCocktail that brings file import, export, and append into the 3D viewport. Once installed, an 'Import, Export and Append' entry appears in the viewport's Add menu, reached with Shift+A, so you can choose the option you need from there.

The add-on supports a broad set of formats, including .dae, .abc, .usd, .obj, .ply, .stl, .bhv, .svg, .fbx, .glb/.gltf, and x3d/.wrl. Installation follows the standard Blender path: open Edit then Preferences, go to the Add-ons tab, click install, locate the zip file, and enable the add-on in the list.

Import&Export lists compatibility with Blender 4.1, 4.0, and 3.6. It was written for 3.6 and also runs on earlier versions of Blender, though the labels will differ in those releases. The add-on is distributed under the GPL license and is listed as free here in the catalog, with current terms available on the developer's page.

Who is Import&Export best for?

Import&Export is best for blender users who want to import, export, and append files directly from the viewport's Add menu across a range of file formats.

How much does Import&Export cost?

Import&Export is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Import, export, and append files from the 3D viewport
  • Options placed in the viewport's Add menu (Shift+A)
  • Supports .dae, .abc, .usd, .obj, .ply, .stl, .bhv, .svg, .fbx, .glb/.gltf, and x3d/.wrl
  • Installs as a zip file through Blender's Preferences > Add-ons
  • Written for Blender 3.6 and also runs on earlier versions with different labels
  • Distributed under the GPL license

Tags

#Blender#import#export#append#file-formats#addon#workflow

Frequently asked questions

Which file formats does Import&Export support?

Import&Export supports a range of interchange formats, including .dae, .abc, .usd, .obj, .ply, .stl, .bhv, .svg, .fbx, .glb/.gltf, and x3d/.wrl. Once the add-on is installed and enabled, these become available through the import, export, and append options in the 3D viewport's Add menu, reached with Shift+A. That lets you bring files in, send them out, and append them without leaving the viewport. Supported formats can change between versions, so check the developer's page for the current list.

How do I install Import&Export in Blender?

Import&Export installs the same way as most Blender add-ons. In Blender, go to Edit then Preferences and open the Add-ons tab. Click the install button, locate the downloaded zip file, and install it. Make sure the add-on then appears in the list and is enabled. After that, an 'Import, Export and Append' entry becomes available in the 3D viewport's Add menu, reached with Shift+A, where you can pick the option you need.

Does Import&Export work with Blender 4.1?

Import&Export lists compatibility with Blender 4.1, 4.0, and 3.6, so 4.1 is among the supported versions. The add-on was originally written for Blender 3.6, and it also works on earlier versions of Blender, though the labels will be different in those releases. For compatibility details and any updates beyond the listed versions, check the developer's page before installing to confirm it fits your setup.

Is Import&Export free to use?

Import&Export is listed as free here in the catalog, and it is distributed under the GPL license. Licensing and availability can change over time, so for the current terms and any conditions, check the developer's page directly. The add-on comes as a zip file that you install through Blender's preferences, and once enabled it adds its import, export, and append options to the viewport's Add menu.

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