Getting started

Install Blender Development in PyCharm and confirm that its project and run tools are available.

Prerequisites

• PyCharm 2026.1 or newer
• Blender 4.2 or newer
• Python SDK 3.11 or newer; Blender 4.2 uses Python 3.11.7

Install the prebuilt plugin

1. Open the Blender Development project page.
2. Download the latest prebuilt plugin ZIP archive.
3. In PyCharm, open Settings > Plugins.
4. Open the gear menu and select Install Plugin from Disk.
5. Select the downloaded ZIP without extracting it.
6. Restart PyCharm when prompted.

Confirm that PyCharm provides:

• Project Blender Manager
• Settings > Tools > Blender Development
• The Blender run configuration type
• The Blender project generator in the New Project wizard

Configure the Python debugger

Blender Development attaches to Blender through Python DAP and debugpy. Configure that debugger backend before starting your first Blender Debug session:

1. Open Settings > Python > Debugger.
2. Scroll to Debugger mode.
3. Select debugpy.
4. Apply the setting.

If pydevd remains selected, Blender can still launch and runtime commands may work, but PyCharm cannot create the DAP debugger session.

Pre-release software

Blender Development is under active development. Check compatibility details on the project page before installing an update.

Next, create a Blender project. To build an unreleased version instead, follow the contribution guide.