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NewTek MDD format

by Community·Workflow

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Why we like it

NewTek MDD format earns its spot by keeping MDD import and export available in Blender 4.2 and newer, after the format moved out of the bundled add-ons following Blender 4.1.

What is NewTek MDD format?

NewTek MDD format is a community-maintained add-on that handles the MDD file format inside Blender, importing and exporting it as mesh shape keys. The tool is located under File → Import-Export.

The add-on was originally part of Blender 4.1's bundled extensions and was written by Bill L. Nieuwendorp. It is now offered as it is, with limited support. To work with MDD data, it requests access to the directory that holds your MDD files.

Version 1.0.3 is compatible with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer and is distributed under the GNU General Public License v2.0 or later. It was first published in May 2024 and has since been downloaded tens of thousands of times. The extension remains a compact download of about 4.3 KB, so it installs quickly.

Who is NewTek MDD format best for?

NewTek MDD format is best for blender users who need to import or export MDD files as mesh shape keys.

How much does NewTek MDD format cost?

NewTek MDD format is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Imports and exports MDD files as mesh shape keys
  • Accessed from Blender's File → Import-Export menu
  • Requests file access to the directory containing MDD files
  • Originally a bundled Blender 4.1 add-on, now offered as-is with limited support
  • Distributed under the GNU General Public License v2.0 or later

Tags

#MDD#import-export#shape keys#mesh#Blender add-on#community

Frequently asked questions

Does NewTek MDD format work with Blender 4.2 LTS?

NewTek MDD format lists compatibility with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer, so it runs on current long-term-support releases and later versions. The add-on was previously part of Blender 4.1's bundled extensions and is now offered separately with limited support. If you are on an older build, check the version history on the developer's page for a matching release before installing.

How do I install NewTek MDD format?

NewTek MDD format can be added by dragging and dropping the extension into Blender, or by downloading it and using Install from Disk in Blender's preferences. Once installed, its import and export options appear under File → Import-Export. The download is small, around 4.3 KB, so installation is quick. After enabling it, you can move MDD files to and from mesh shape keys. Full installation guidance is linked from the developer's page.

What file permissions does NewTek MDD format require?

NewTek MDD format requests access to the directory that contains your MDD files. This file permission lets the add-on read MDD data on import and write it on export. Blender surfaces the permission request when you install the extension, so you can review it before granting access. No other permissions are noted for this release, and everything the add-on touches is tied to the folder holding the MDD files you are importing or exporting.

Is NewTek MDD format free to use?

NewTek MDD format is listed as free here and is distributed under the GNU General Public License v2.0 or later, an open-source license. Because licensing terms can change, check the developer's page for the current details before you rely on it in a project. The add-on is maintained by the community, was originally part of Blender's bundled extensions, and continues to import and export MDD files as mesh shape keys.

Alternatives to NewTek MDD format

Also in Workflow for Blender.

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