How do I install and enable add-ons in Blender?
Installing from a File
Most add-ons are distributed as .zip files or single .py scripts. In Blender, open Edit > Preferences (or Blender > Preferences on macOS), switch to the Add-ons tab, and click the 'Install...' button at the top. Navigate to your downloaded file and select it.
Blender will install the add-on and usually enable it automatically. If not, find it in the list (you may need to search) and check the box next to its name. Some add-ons require you to restart Blender or reload scripts to take effect.
Enabling Built-in Add-ons
Blender ships with many add-ons that are already installed but disabled by default. In the Add-ons tab, use the search bar or browse categories. Check the box next to any add-on to enable it. For example, 'Import-Export: FBX format' is built-in but must be enabled.
Once enabled, add-ons often add new panels to the Properties editor (like the N panel in the 3D Viewport) or new menu items. You can disable them at any time by unchecking the box.
Managing and Updating Add-ons
You can update an add-on by installing a newer version over the old one—Blender will replace it. To remove an add-on, click the 'Remove' button next to its name in the preferences. Note that some add-ons are bundled with Blender and cannot be removed, only disabled.
Add-ons are stored in your Blender user preferences folder. If you use multiple Blender versions, you may need to reinstall add-ons for each version. The 'Refresh' button in the Add-ons tab reloads the list if you manually add files to the scripts folder.
- Install via Edit > Preferences > Add-ons > Install...
- Enable by checking the box next to the add-on name.
- Built-in add-ons are already installed but disabled.
- Some add-ons require a restart or script reload.
- Remove an add-on with the 'Remove' button (if not built-in).
Common mistakes
- Trying to install an add-on by dragging the file into the viewport—use the Install button instead.
- Forgetting to enable the add-on after installation, then wondering why it doesn't work.
- Assuming add-ons work across all Blender versions without reinstalling.