.blend File Extension
.blend file contains, which applications open it, and how Poly supports this 3D format. File extension details for .blend
Full Support| File type | Blender project |
|---|---|
| MIME type | |
| Encoding | Binary Blender project |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Opens with | Blender |
| Poly support | Yes. Poly recognizes valid Blender project files and makes supported geometry and scene metadata available. |
| Indexed by Poly | Yes. Poly indexes the filename and creates visual similarity information for supported 3D content; available metadata is shown in details. |
| Preview in Poly | Yes. Poly previews supported Blender project geometry and scene content. |
| Poly agent | Yes. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files. |
What kind of file is a .blend?
BLEND is Blender's native project format. It can preserve a complete authored project with objects, collections, modifiers, materials, cameras, lights, animation, and settings. It is a project file rather than a neutral interchange mesh. The suffix normally uses the model/x-blend MIME type.1
How do I open a .blend?
Blender is the native application for BLEND projects. Use it when you need to inspect or edit the source project, then export to GLB for compact interactive delivery, or 3MF when additive-manufacturing metadata is the priority.
Poly support for .blend
Poly previews supported geometry, makes the filename searchable, and provides visual similarity for supported 3D content. Available mesh and scene metadata appears in the details panel. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files.
| Construct | Poly handling |
|---|---|
| Objects and collections | Project scene organization may be represented |
| Modifiers and materials | Authored modifiers and procedural materials may differ across versions or previews |
| Animation | Keyframes and actions may be present |
| Poly limitation | Poly's rendition is for inspection and does not promise a round-trip Blender project |
Download the original when you need editing, simulation, print preparation, or exact project round-tripping.
History and alternatives
Blender has used its native blend format throughout the application's open-source development. The file evolves with Blender releases, so a project saved by one version may need conversion or compatibility review in another. 1
Choose glTF or GLB for interactive scenes, OBJ for straightforward mesh exchange, and 3MF for manufacturing packages. Convert with a format-aware application and verify materials, scale, transforms, and resource paths afterward.
Footnotes
- Blender Foundation. Blender manual: opening and saving. ↩ ↩2