How to Import a glTF to Blender

To import a glTF file into Blender, you need to ensure the built-in glTF importer add-on is enabled and then use the import function from the File menu.

Importing glTF files into Blender is a straightforward process, thanks to the software's robust built-in support for the format. glTF (GL Transmission Format) is a royalty-free specification for the efficient transmission and loading of 3D scenes and models by applications. It's widely used across the web and various 3D tools.

Enabling the glTF Importer Add-on

Blender comes with a powerful glTF 2.0 importer built-in. However, like many features, it needs to be enabled before you can use it. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Edit > Preferences.
2. In the Preferences window, click on the Add-ons tab on the left.
3. In the search bar at the top right of the Add-ons panel, type 'glTF'.
4. You will see an add-on listed, typically named 'Import-Export: glTF 2.0 format'. According to the reference, look for KSons' glTF 2.0 Importer.
5. Tick the checkbox next to this add-on's name to enable it.
6. Close the Preferences window. Blender automatically saves your preferences.

Once enabled, this add-on makes the glTF import option available in the File menu.

Importing Your glTF File

Now that the importer is active, you can easily bring your .gltf or .glb files into your Blender scene.

1. In Blender's main menu, click on File.
2. Hover over the Import option in the dropdown menu.
3. From the list of import formats, select KSons' glTF 2.0 (.glb/.gltf).
4. A file browser window will open. Navigate to the location on your computer where your glTF file is saved.
5. Select the desired .gltf or .glb file.
6. Click the Import glTF button in the top right corner of the file browser.

Your 3D model will now be loaded into your current Blender scene.

Supported glTF File Types

The glTF format commonly comes in two main file extensions:

• .gltf: This is the standard JSON-based format. It typically references external files for textures, shaders, and binary mesh data.
• .glb: This is the binary version of glTF. It's a single file format that bundles the JSON structure, binary data, and textures into one self-contained package.

Blender's importer handles both of these formats seamlessly.

You have successfully imported your glTF model into Blender!