How to install Blender? - Getting First Steps: Extended Tutorial
Although Blender can even run on a calculator (yes, literally), not all teams will handle it equally well. Here is a quick guide of what you need to make it work without drama:
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| Cycles |
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| EEVEE |
Minimum Requirements:
CPU: 64-bit dual-core processor. It doesn’t have to be the latest model, but it must be able to handle basic 3D tasks.
RAM: 4 GB. With this, you’ll be able to open Blender and work on simple projects without issues.
GPU: Graphics card compatible with OpenGL 3.3. This allows Blender to draw the scene in real time.
Storage: 500 MB free. Blender doesn’t take up much space, so there’s no excuse.
Recommended Requirements
(to work comfortably and use Cycles without losing your patience):
CPU: 4-core processor or more. This makes operations and simulations much faster.
RAM: 16 GB or more. Perfect if you plan to work on scenes with many objects or textures.
GPU: Modern graphics card with support for CUDA, OptiX, or OpenCL. If you want fast and realistic renders, this is almost mandatory.
Storage: SSD. Everything loads faster, from textures to large project files.
💡 Tip: The more powerful your graphics card is, the smoother Blender will run. For example, Eevee is a lightweight and fast render engine, ideal for real-time work. On the other hand, Cycles offers super realistic results, but without a good GPU, rendering can turn into a marathon of hours for a single frame.
Step 1: Download Blender
The first thing to do is go to Blender’s official website:
👉 https://www.blender.org
Tip: Always download it from the official site. This helps you avoid viruses, scams, or pirated versions that could cause problems on your computer.
Blender is totally free and open source. Yes, really free. If you are convinced and want to support the developers, you can send them donations, but it is not mandatory.
Step 2: Choose the correct version
You must choose the version that matches your operating system:
Windows: You’ll find versions for 64-bit (x64), x86, or ARM.
macOS: The same applies, so make sure to check which version is compatible with your device.
Step 3: Install and Open Blender
The installation process is quite simple, so just follow the steps in the installer.
If it’s your first time opening Blender, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. The interface has many buttons, menus, and options, but don’t worry — that’s completely normal. With practice, everything becomes much more intuitive.
💡 Tip: Don’t try to learn everything at once. Start with the basics: moving objects, changing colors, adding lights and cameras. After that, you’ll naturally start leveling up.
Step 4: Install Add-ons
(optional but recommended)
Many tutorials use add-ons that are not installed by default, and they almost never mention it. If you don’t install them, you might feel confused when trying to follow along.
Some basic add-ons I recommend:
Node Wrangler: For working with material nodes more efficiently.
MeasureIt: To measure distances and sizes within the scene.
Extra Objects: Adds additional shapes that don’t come by default.
It’s not mandatory, but installing these add-ons will make your life much easier.
You can find them in:
Edit → Preferences → Add-ons
How to Really Learn Blender
My recommendation: don’t learn Blender as if it were a traditional course. 3D is an art form, and like any art, it’s learned by doing and experimenting — not just by watching theory.
Start with tutorials based on real projects.
Gradually increase the difficulty.
Don’t get frustrated if something doesn’t work the first time. Every mistake is a learning experience.
💡 Final tip: the key is in constant practice and curiosity. Blender has many functions, but with patience and real projects, you will soon master this powerful 3D tool.