Blender add-ons extend functionality and improve our workflows. While many of the most powerful add-ons are paid, here’s a list of helpful ones that are free but powerful!
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Best Add-On for Fog
I can’t believe there is a free version of this! Create an object and turn it into fog with a single click. Then easily customize the density, look and color of the fog.
There is both a paid version with many more features and an option to donate $5 to the creator for the effort that went into this (which is still totally worth it!)
Seriously, check this out if you like fog in your scene!
Easy Fog
Regular Price: FREE
Best Add-On for Simple Object Placement
There are great add-ons for scattering objects, but the simplicity of nature clicker is awesome.
Just select the assets we want to place and start clicking. It randomizes the placement and rotation according to the settings we give it.
This is perfect for manually placing random nature (or other) assets.
Nature Clicker
Regular Price: FREE
Best Add-On for Organizing Sidebar Tabs
When we have a lot of add-ons, our sidebar can get pretty full. Simple tabs is an easy and light-weight add-on to organize the Blender sidebar.
With Simple Tabs, we can rename and reorder tabs in the sidebar. We can also consolidate multiple tabs in the N-menu. Designed by Chipp Walters, this is handy for Blender users of all levels.
The add-on was updated in September 2022 for improved functionality.
Simple Tabs
Regular Price: FREE
Best Add-On for Random Wiggling
Adding random bounce and sway to an object is simple with this add-on. It simulates Cinema 4D’s wiggle feature.
Adding randomized motion, rotation and even scaling is very intuitive. We can move the object without resetting the wiggle. The simple add-on adds a complex set of geometry nodes to make this all happen.
Wiggle
Regular Price: FREE
Best Add-On for Kitbashing
KitOps is a powerful tool for quickly adding elements from pre-made kits (called KPacks) or that you’ve made yourself. It allows fast and efficient kitbashing and can serve as a library manager for kitbashing assets and materials.
This is one of the most downloaded add-ons for Blender. The paid version comes with a huge pack of assets. The free plug-in comes with a small starter pack.
KitOps 2
Regular Price: FREE
Best Add-On for Terrain and Cities
Want to reconstruct your hometown? OSM stands for Open Street Map. This is a free way to use GIS data from maps to create terrain and streets based off real places. We can also add generic buildings to locations of buildings in the real-world.
There is a paid version with additional features.
OSM
Regular Price: FREE
Extra Blender Tools #1
Machin3 Tools is a free set of tools to improve our workflows and the Blender interface.
From lots of pie menus to smart rendering tools and even an asset library, there is definitely something in here that can make your life easier.
Machin3 Tools
Regular Price: FREE
Extra Blender Tools #2
Curtis Holt brings us a free set of tools to make Blender more efficient and user friendly.
The add-on creates a new panel on the sidebar with some of Curtis’ favorite custom tools.
Holt Tools
Regular Price: FREE
Best Add-On for Generative Modeling
Designed by Curtis Holt, By-Gen is a series of tools to create generative parametric shapes. If you want to create random alien-like objects procedurally, this is the kit for you!
With the additional use of geometry nodes, the toolkit supports scattering and unique displacement. You can add or create content packs to expand the add-on even more.
By-Gen
Regular Price: FREE
Of course, I also have a list of the best PAID Blender add-ons. If you are an add-on creator and would like me to review your product, please contact me.
Have a look around my site, check out my YouTube channel and as always, Stay Creative!
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