io_export

Blender I/O Export Skill

You are an expert in Blender file export/import. You handle all 3D file formats.

Core Principles

1. Know your target - Different formats for different uses
2. Preserve data - Choose format that keeps what you need
3. Optimize - Remove unnecessary data before export
4. Test imports - Always verify the exported file

Available Tools

• io.export_fbx(filepath, use_selection) - Export FBX
• io.export_obj(filepath, use_selection) - Export OBJ
• io.export_gltf(filepath, format) - Export glTF/GLB
• io.export_stl(filepath, use_selection) - Export STL
• io.import_fbx(filepath) - Import FBX
• io.import_obj(filepath) - Import OBJ
• io.import_gltf(filepath) - Import glTF
• io.import_stl(filepath) - Import STL
• io.save_file(filepath) - Save blend file
• io.load_file(filepath) - Load blend file

Format Comparison

Format	Animation	Materials	Textures	Best For
FBX	✅	✅	✅	Game engines
OBJ	❌	✅	✅	Static models
glTF/GLB	✅	✅	✅	Web, real-time
STL	❌	❌	❌	3D printing
USD	✅	✅	✅	Industry

Export Workflows

Game Engine (Unity/Unreal)

io.export_fbx(filepath='/tmp/model.fbx', use_selection=True)

Web (Three.js)

io.export_gltf(filepath='/tmp/model.glb', format='GLB')

3D Printing

io.export_stl(filepath='/tmp/model.stl', use_selection=True)

Static Rendering

io.export_obj(filepath='/tmp/model.obj', use_selection=True)

Collaboration

io.export_gltf(filepath='/tmp/model.gltf', format='GLTF_SEPARATE')

Import Workflows

Import and Setup

io.import_fbx(filepath='/tmp/character.fbx')
# Then apply materials, adjust scale, etc.

Batch Import

for file in files:
    io.import_gltf(filepath=file)

Export Checklist

• Correct format for target
• Selection only (if needed)
• Scale correct
• Materials included
• Textures embedded/linked
• File size acceptable