# Connect to Blender

3D-Agent ([3d-agent.com](https://3d-agent.com)) talks to Blender through a small extension called `agent_3d`. The app installs and updates it for you.

## How it connects

1. When 3D-Agent starts, it finds your Blender and installs or updates the extension in the background.
2. When you open Blender, the extension starts and 3D-Agent connects.
3. **Connected to Blender** and your Blender version appear briefly.

The first connection can take a minute or two. Don't restart Blender while it connects.

You don't need a Blender MCP add-on. If you have one for another tool, disable it while you use 3D-Agent.

## Check the connection

Send this prompt:

> What objects are in the current scene?

If 3D-Agent describes your scene, you're connected.

## Which Blender it uses

3D-Agent uses the first one it finds:

1. The **Blender path** you set in Settings
2. A supported Blender that's already running
3. The newest Blender in the usual folders

The usual folders are:

- **macOS:** `/Applications/Blender.app`, or `/Applications/Blender 4.2.app` and similar
- **Windows:** `C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation\`, `C:\Program Files (x86)\Blender Foundation\`, or Steam's `steamapps\common\Blender`

### Several Blender versions installed

3D-Agent uses the newest. To use another one, open it before you send a prompt, or set its path in Settings.

If the extension seems to be missing, open **Edit** → **Preferences** → **Get Extensions** in Blender, check that **3D Agent** is enabled, then restart Blender.

## Use a Blender in another folder

For a portable copy or a Blender on another drive:

1. Open **Settings** → **General**.
2. In the **Blender** card, next to **Blender path**, click **Browse**.
3. Pick `Blender.app` on macOS or `blender.exe` on Windows.

3D-Agent installs its extension into that Blender. Clear the field to go back to automatic detection.

To find the path, run `bpy.app.binary_path` in Blender's **Python Console**.

If 3D-Agent can't find Blender, you can also click **Choose Blender…** in the connection banner.

## Next steps

- [Blender won't connect](https://3d-agent.com/docs/blender-wont-connect): Find your banner message and fix the connection.
- [Permissions](https://3d-agent.com/docs/permissions): Turn on the system permissions 3D-Agent needs.
- [Prompting guidelines](https://3d-agent.com/docs/prompting-guidelines): Write prompts that work on the first try.