Create add-ons and extensions
Generate a Python project through PyCharm’s native environment workflow. Choose add-on or extension metadata, example code, Git initialization, and version-matched Blender API linting stubs.
Develop Blender add-ons in PyCharm
Create Blender projects, manage compatible installations, and run or debug your code without leaving PyCharm.
One workflow for Blender development
Section titled “One workflow for Blender development”Blender Development brings the setup and execution steps for Blender Python projects into PyCharm. Start with a generated project, select the Blender installation for that project, and choose the run configuration that matches the job.
Find and manage Blender
Scan for existing installations, select a custom executable, or install and remove host-compatible Blender versions from the plugin settings.
Run and debug in Blender
Launch the configured project in Blender. Debug sessions attach through debugpy and add reload-on-save, script
execution, add-on reload, and runtime stop commands.
Build and automate extensions
Run Blender’s command interface from a dedicated configuration, or build and validate extension source with reusable, project-aware paths.
Choose the right run mode
Section titled “Choose the right run mode”The plugin keeps interactive development and standalone Blender operations separate, so each configuration receives only the arguments and runtime support it needs.
Run
Start Blender and refresh the configured add-on or extension for a lightweight test cycle.
Debug
Start the bundled Blender runtime, attach PyCharm through Python DAP, and enable interactive runtime commands.
Run Command
Execute Blender --command operations such as extension management without starting the interactive plugin runtime.
Build or Validate
Package extension source or validate a source directory or archive using dedicated configuration fields.
Get started
Section titled “Get started”- Install the beta plugin and configure PyCharm to use
debugpy. - Generate an add-on or extension project.
- Select Blender and configure the launch.
- Run the project, or start a Debug session for reload and runtime controls.
Already installed? Return to the documentation home, check troubleshooting, or review the current release notes.
Contribute to the plugin
Section titled “Contribute to the plugin”Blender Development combines Kotlin services and IntelliJ Platform extension points with a Python runtime that runs inside Blender. Contributors can review the architecture or follow the build and contribution guide.