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Blockbench

blockbench.net

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Spec score 8.8 #1 of 26 in Minecraft Add-on Editors

What it is

Blockbench is a free, open-source editor for making low-poly 3D models. Its tools support cuboid and mesh modeling, and users can create, edit, and paint textures in the program. Blockbench can generate a model's UV map and template, and connect to an external image editor or pixel-art program. For animation, it supports rigging, position, rotation, and scale keyframes, along with a graph editor. The built-in plugin store offers extensions such as tools, export formats, and model generators; users can also create plugins. Blockbench is available as a web app and on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The project is licensed under the GPL. Its privacy policy says the software does not knowingly collect personally identifiable data, though it may collect anonymized usage information such as installation count. Local storage and cookies can remember preferences on a user's device. When users choose Model Sharing, model data is stored for the duration they select, and they can request earlier removal.

Spec sheet

What it does
Blockbench is a low-poly 3D model editor for models with pixel-art textures.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Product
Blockbench is a low-poly 3D model editor.Read 28 Sep 2026 · blockbench.net
Free plan
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · blockbench.net
Privacy
The privacy policy says no personally identifiable data is knowingly collected, while anonymized usage data such as installation counts may be gathered.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Support
The privacy policy lists info (at) blockbench dot net for questions about the policy.Read 28 Sep 2026 · blockbench.net
License
The project is open source under the GPL license.Read 28 Sep 2026 · blockbench.net
Founded
2017Read 28 Sep 2026 · blockbench.net
Animation
Its animation editor supports rigging, position, rotation and scale keyframes plus a graph editor.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Asset ownership
The repository states that models, textures, animations and screenshots made with Blockbench belong to their creators.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Block Wizard integration
The Block Wizard generates resource and behavior pack files and lets creators test custom blocks in Bedrock.Read 14 Oct 2026 · minecraft.net
Company identity
Microsoft identifies the creator as Jannis Petersen and says Blockbench is supplied by external contributors rather than Microsoft or Mojang.Read 14 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Data security
The privacy policy says Blockbench strives to use commercially acceptable means to protect data but cannot guarantee absolute security.Read 28 Sep 2026 · blockbench.net
Desktop systems
Microsoft lists downloadable desktop applications for Windows, Linux and macOS.Read 14 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Documentation depth
The wiki includes guides, format references, plugin tutorials, URL parameters, utility APIs and automatically generated API classes.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Export formats
Documented exports include Java and Bedrock JSON, Java, JEM, JPM, OBJ, glTF and BBModel.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
External editors
Texture work can be connected to an external image editor or pixel-art application.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Licence
The source code is GPL version 3, while plugins and themes using the API may be open, proprietary or paid.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: advanced 3D production
The independent review says it is less suited to detailed sculpting, cloth simulation and elaborate rendered scenes.Read 14 Oct 2026 · 3dprinterworld.com
Limit: export compatibility
The independent review warns that a convincing preview does not ensure a usable Minecraft or game-engine export unless the project format is chosen carefully.Read 14 Oct 2026 · 3dprinterworld.com
Limit: mobile interaction
A GitHub issue reported touch navigation problems including hard-to-use visibility controls and drag-sensitive scrolling in the mobile outliner.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: UV controls
A Minecraft Forum reviewer praised the streamlined workflow but called UV control complicated.Read 14 Oct 2026 · minecraftforum.net
Local storage
The privacy policy says Local Storage and Cookies are used for functionality such as remembering preferences and are stored locally on the user's device.Read 28 Sep 2026 · blockbench.net
Low-poly modeling
The editor supports cuboids and mesh modeling for simple Minecraft-style or more complex low-poly shapes.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Maker location
The JannisX11 GitHub profile lists Germany.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Minecraft formats
Built-in formats cover Minecraft Java and Bedrock models, including block, item, entity and armor workflows.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Minecraft wizards
Microsoft documents Entity, Item and Block Wizard plugins that provide project starters for Minecraft add-ons.Read 14 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Mobile delivery
Mobile access is provided as a progressive web app installed from a browser rather than an APK or app-store listing.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Model sharing
When users choose Model Sharing, Blockbench stores model data for the duration they select, and they can contact Blockbench to request earlier removal.Read 28 Sep 2026 · blockbench.net
Model sharing storage
If users use Model Sharing, the service stores model data for the duration they select and accepts early deletion requests.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Modeling
It supports cuboid modeling and mesh modeling tools for creating low-poly shapes.Read 28 Sep 2026 · blockbench.net
Notable release
GitHub release notes show version 5.1.5 shipped workflow changes and fixes on July 18, 2026.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Origin date
The creator introduced Blockbench publicly on the Minecraft Forum on May 26, 2017.Read 14 Oct 2026 · minecraftforum.net
Plugin SDK
Plugin authors can use the blockbench-types NPM package for TypeScript types and JavaScript autocomplete in VS Code.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Plugin structure
Plugins are JavaScript files registered with Plugin.register and can target desktop, web or both variants.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Plugin submission
Community plugins can be submitted through a pull request to the blockbench-plugins repository.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Plugins
A built-in plugin store adds tools, model generators and export formats, and developers can publish their own plugins.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Praise: ease of use
Minecraft Forum users repeatedly described the interface and hotkeys as very user friendly and quick to learn.Read 14 Oct 2026 · minecraftforum.net
Praise: focused use cases
An independent review recommends it for Minecraft assets and small stylized models combining modeling, painting and animation.Read 14 Oct 2026 · 3dprinterworld.com
Praise: workflow speed
A forum reviewer said Blockbench reduced a display-setting task from about thirty minutes to roughly five minutes.Read 14 Oct 2026 · minecraftforum.net
Public API
A generated reference site documents the Blockbench API for plugin creators from current TypeScript types and source comments.Read 14 Oct 2026 · web.blockbench.net
Rating on Trustpilot
2.6 out of 5 from 4 reviews.Read 14 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Security statement
The privacy policy says commercially reasonable protections are used but absolute internet or storage security cannot be guaranteed.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Self-hosting
The source repository documents npm installation, Electron development mode and serving the web app locally at localhost:3000.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Sketchfab integration
The official site embeds a model viewer powered by Sketchfab and links to Sketchfab privacy terms.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Technology stack
The application uses JavaScript and TypeScript, WebGL with Three.js, Vue.js components and Electron desktop packaging.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Texturing
Users can create, import and paint textures in 3D or in a 2D editor, with palette and shape tools.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
UV generation
Blockbench can automatically generate a UV map and texture template for a model.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net
Web app
The browser version is described as fully functional, with extra steps for some browser-restricted import and export operations.Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net

Plans and prices

Blockbench Free Free to use for any type of project · no strings attached Read 28 Sep 2026 · blockbench.net
Free Free all users · any purpose · no paid edition required Read 14 Oct 2026 · blockbench.net

Every Blockbench plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free to use for any type of project.
  • Supports both cuboid and mesh modeling.
  • Includes texture painting and UV map generation.
  • Animation editor supports rigging and keyframes.
  • Available as a web app and across listed platforms.

Limits

  • Scripting support is listed as unavailable.
  • Model sharing stores data for the selected duration.
  • Absolute data security is not guaranteed.

Who it suits

Blockbench suits people making low-poly 3D models, textures, and animations who want to work in a browser or on supported desktop and mobile platforms. Its plugin system may appeal to users who want to extend the editor or create their own plugins.

Blockbench in depth

Read the full write-up

Blockbench is a visual low-poly 3D editor with particular relevance to Minecraft resource packs, skins, and custom entities. It suits creators who want modeling, texturing, and animation tools in one free project; its broad scope is less compelling if all you need is a narrowly focused skin editor.

Overview

Cuboid and mesh modeling let users shape low-poly forms, while texturing and animation tools carry work beyond geometry. Blockbench is open source under the GPL license and has been a project since 2017. Its resource-pack support, custom entity tools, HD skins, and slim (Alex) model support make it useful for Minecraft work as well as broader game modeling.

The visual editor is available as a web app and across desktop and mobile platforms. External image editors and pixel-art software can be connected, so users can keep a preferred texture workflow rather than relying exclusively on Blockbench's painting tools.

Key features

Modeling and texturing

Blockbench combines cuboid and mesh workflows for low-poly shapes. It can generate a model's UV map and template, and users can create, edit, and paint textures in the program, including painting directly on the 3D model. That combination is useful for creators who want to move between form and surface work in one editor. An external editor remains an option when texture work is better handled elsewhere.

Animation and extensions

The animation editor supports rigging, position, rotation, and scale keyframes, with a graph editor for working with animation. This gives a model creator more than static asset preparation, though the defined scope is focused on those animation tools rather than a broader production pipeline.

The built-in plugin store offers tools, export formats, and model generators, and users can write their own plugins. This flexibility can extend the editor for particular workflows; it also means users who depend on a specialized capability may need to identify an appropriate extension or build one themselves.

Pricing

Blockbench costs free. The free plan is described as usable for any type of project with no strings attached, and there is no free trial because the product is free to use. There are no paid tiers, seat counts, quotas, or renewal terms to weigh against the free offer. That makes it a straightforward fit for individuals and projects that can use its editor and extensions as provided, rather than buyers seeking a paid support or service tier.

Platforms

Blockbench runs in a browser and on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The web app is linked from the home page, giving users a browser option alongside installed platforms. Its broad platform reach is useful for creators who move between devices, although platform choice does not change the product's low-poly and Minecraft-oriented focus.

Who it's for

Blockbench is a strong fit for Minecraft creators making resource packs, custom entities, or skins, particularly when painting on the model and posing or animation are part of the work. Low-poly game creators can also use its modeling, texture, and animation capabilities. Choose another tool if you need a different modeling scope or want only a dedicated skin-making workflow.

Pros and cons

Pros: Modeling, UV preparation, texture editing, and animation sit in one editor, reducing the need to split basic asset work across separate applications.

Pros: Minecraft-oriented features include resource packs, custom entity tools, HD skins, slim models, and direct painting on a 3D model.

Pros: A free-to-use GPL-licensed project with browser, desktop, and mobile access offers a low-friction way to start across platforms.

Cons: Its low-poly focus makes it a poor match for creators whose modeling needs fall outside that style.

Cons: Plugin flexibility is not the same as a guaranteed built-in feature: a needed tool or export format may require an extension or custom plugin.

Cons: Privacy terms matter for some workflows: Local Storage and Cookies remember preferences on the device, and optional Model Sharing stores model data for the duration selected. The policy says anonymized usage data may be collected and that absolute data security cannot be guaranteed.

Alternatives

For skin-specific work, Laby Skin Studio is a narrower free browser option: it requires no account and exports 64×64 PNG for Minecraft: Java Edition. Choose it when that defined skin workflow is enough and Blockbench's broader modeling and animation tools are unnecessary. The Skindex is another free option on Android, iOS, and the web.

PMCSkin3D, Nova Skin, mcskins.top, and SkinMC are also free alternatives. MCTools offers free browser-based Minecraft tools. For broader category browsing, see Minecraft Skin Editors, Minecraft Add-on Editors, Minecraft Mod Development Tools, Game 3D Modeling Software, Game Character Creation Software, and 3D modeling software.

Verdict

Choose Blockbench if you make low-poly or Minecraft assets and want modeling, texturing, and animation in a free, extensible editor across browser, desktop, and mobile. Look elsewhere if you need a different modeling focus or a purpose-built skin workflow; for shared models, weigh the optional storage terms against the convenience.

Verdict

Blockbench covers modeling, texturing, animation, and extensions in a free, open-source editor. Review its privacy terms if using local storage or the optional model-sharing feature.

Where Specifiction places it

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