Installation Tutorial for Blender MCP

Step 1: Step 1: Prepare Your Environment for Blender MCP

Before you start, make sure you have the following software installed:

• Claude for Desktop
• Blender (3.3 or above recommended)
• Python 3.11 (instructions below)

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

brew install python@3.11

brew install uv

$env:Path += ";$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Python\Python311\Scripts"

sudo apt update
sudo apt install software-properties-common
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa
sudo apt install python3.11 python3.11-venv

sudo dnf install python3.11

pip3.11 install uv

Step 2: Download and Set Up the Blender MCP Plugin

Download the MCP plugin and set up your local development environment.

1. Download the latest version from GitHub or Direct Download and unzip it.

2. Open your terminal and navigate to the plugin folder (replace with your actual path):

cd ~/Downloads/blender-mcp-main

uv venv --python=python3.11

uv venv --python=python.exe

uv venv --python=python3.11

uv pip install -e .

uv pip install -e .

Step 3: Install and Enable the MCP Plugin in Blender

You need to add the MCP plugin to Blender to unlock AI-powered 3D modeling.

1. In Blender, go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons from the menu bar.

2. Click Install... and select the addon.py file to install the plugin.

3. Check the box next to Interface: Blender MCP to enable the plugin.

4. Close the Preferences window. In the main window, press N to open the sidebar.

5. Select the BlenderMCP tab and click Start MCP Server.

6. (Optional) Check the Poly Haven option if you want to use Poly Haven assets.

Step 4: Get an API Key from OpenRouter

The API key lets Blender MCP talk to the AI model and generate 3D content for you.

1. Register at OpenRouter or Anthropic.

Step 5: Add MCP Settings to Claude Desktop

To connect Claude for Desktop with Blender MCP, edit the configuration file:

1. Go to Claude > Settings > Developer > Edit Config and open claude_desktop_config.json.
2. Paste the following content (create the file if it does not exist):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "blender": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["blender-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Example: Add the configuration for Blender MCP in claude_desktop_config.json

Step 6: Add Your API Key to the MCP Server

This step connects Blender to the AI model using your API key.

1. Open the config.py file in your MCP folder.

2. Paste your API key and model info in the appropriate fields: (create the file if it does not exist)

API_KEY = "your-api-key-here"
API_BASE = "https://openrouter.ai/api/v1"
MODEL = "anthropic/claude-3-sonnet"

Step 7: Start the MCP Server

The server runs the AI logic and connects Blender to the AI model.

1. Open your terminal or command prompt:

uvx blender-mcp

Step 8: Start Creating 3D Models with AI

Now you can use plain English to create and edit 3D models in Blender!

• Try these example prompts:
• "Create a low poly scene in a dungeon, with a dragon guarding a pot of gold"
• "Make this car red and metallic"
• "Add a glass sphere on top of a wooden table"

Step 9: Run a Prompt and See the 3D Result

1. Open Claude for Desktop.
2. Enter the following prompt:

3. Success indicators:

• Claude sidebar shows "Connected to MCP" or similar feedback
• Terminal output includes:
  INFO: BlenderMCP server starting up...
  INFO: Listening on http://127.0.0.1:8000
• Blender automatically generates the model

Troubleshooting & FAQ

• What if I can't find the Add-ons menu?
  Make sure you're in Blender's Preferences window. Go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
• What if I lose my API key?
  You can always generate a new one in your provider's dashboard (OpenRouter or Anthropic).
• What if I get an error about the API key?
  Double-check you copied the full key and there are no extra spaces.
• What if the plugin doesn't show up?
  Make sure you selected the correct file and restarted Blender after installation.
• What if I see an error in the terminal?
  Check that your Python environment is set up correctly and all dependencies are installed.