Skip to content
BLBlender

Packages Plus

by Nikita Akimov·Workflow

Images © Nikita Akimov. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

A niche utility for scripters — note the developer flags it for advanced users, since managing Python packages can affect your Blender or OS.

What is Packages Plus?

Packages Plus is a Blender add-on by Nikita Akimov for installing and managing additional Python packages from the PyPi repository. It lets you install a required package directly into the Blender installation directory, into the user home directory, or into a custom external location. Installing directly to Blender makes the package available everywhere — in scripts written in the Text Editor and in the Python Console via the common "import" command. Installing into the user home directory does not affect the current Blender installation and can be called from any Blender version on your computer, though such a package cannot be included with a single "import" statement.

The add-on can detect whether a package is already installed and show its installation location: specify the package name and press the "Check" button. To retrieve the code for importing a home-directory package into your script, press the "Code" button in the add-on panel. Packages can also be removed by name using the "Uninstall" button.

The add-on is intended for advanced users, as installing and managing Python packages can damage a Blender installation or operating system. It is located in the N panel "P+" tab of both the 3D Viewport and Text Editor windows.

Who is Packages Plus best for?

Packages Plus is best for advanced Blender users and add-on developers who need to install and manage additional Python packages.

How much does Packages Plus cost?

Packages Plus is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Installs Python packages from the PyPi repository into Blender
  • Choice of installation destination: Blender directory, user home directory, or a custom external location
  • Detects whether a package is already installed and shows its installation location via the "Check" button
  • "Code" button retrieves the import code for packages installed in the user home directory
  • Uninstall packages by name
  • Accessible from the N panel "P+" tab in both the 3D Viewport and Text Editor

Tags

#Python#Scripting#Add-on Development#PyPi#Package Manager#Blender#Workflow

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does Packages Plus support?

Packages Plus lists support for Blender versions 2.93 and 3.0. The add-on is located in the N panel under the "P+" tab, accessible from both the 3D Viewport window and the Text Editor window. Because compatibility with newer Blender releases is not stated here, check the developer's page for the most current version information before installing into a different Blender build.

How do I install Packages Plus in Blender?

Packages Plus is installed like a standard Blender add-on. Download the *.zip archive containing the add-on distributive, then in Blender open the Preferences window, go to the Add-ons section, choose Install, and specify the downloaded archive. Once enabled, the add-on appears in the N panel "P+" tab within both the 3D Viewport and Text Editor windows, where you can install, check, and manage packages.

What is the difference between installing to Blender and the user home directory?

Packages Plus offers two main destinations. Installing directly to Blender makes the package available everywhere — in Text Editor scripts and the Python Console using the common "import" command. Installing into the user home directory does not affect the current Blender installation and can be called from any Blender version on your computer, but it cannot be included with a single "import" statement; press the "Code" button to get the import code for your script.

Is Packages Plus safe to use?

Packages Plus is intended for advanced users. The developer warns that installing and managing Python packages can damage your Blender installation and even your operating system. It provides a "Check" button to detect whether a package is already installed and show its location, and an "Uninstall" button to remove packages by name. Understand what each package does before installing, and consult the developer's documentation if you are unsure.

Is Packages Plus free?

Packages Plus is listed as free in this catalog and is released under the GPL license. Licensing terms can change over time, so for the latest details and any studio or seat considerations, refer to the developer's page. A demo video is also available if you want to see the add-on before installing it into your Blender setup.

Similar plugins