> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.runchat.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Runchat for Blender

> Runchat for Blender. Generate images, video, and 3D from inside Blender, capture viewport screenshots, and import generated meshes directly into your scene.

# Getting Started

Runchat for Blender integrates the full Runchat web app directly into Blender through a webview. Build and run AI workflows, generate 3D models, create textures, and enhance your scenes without leaving Blender.

## Install the Addon

Requires **Blender 4.0 or later**.

<Card title="Download Runchat for Blender" icon="download" href="https://storage.runchat.app/runchat-blender-latest.zip">
  ZIP for Blender 4.0+
</Card>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install in Blender">
    Open Blender → **Edit** → **Preferences** → **Add-ons** → **Install
    from Disk** and select the downloaded zip file.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable">
    Search for "Runchat" and enable **Runchat Blender Addon**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart">Save your work and restart Blender.</Step>
</Steps>

## Open Runchat

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the N-panel">
    In the 3D Viewport, press **N** to open the sidebar, then click the
    **Runchat** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch">
    Click **Open Runchat** to launch the Runchat webview. The full Runchat
    dashboard opens in a separate window connected to Blender.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use workflows">
    Browse workflows, run them, and results are sent back to Blender
    automatically through the bridge.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## See it in action

A short walkthrough of the bridge: viewport screenshots, 3D model and splat export, and using Runchat to enhance Blender renders into production-quality video.

<iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lxM184-hycE" title="AI for Blender: How to Cut Production Time & Keep Total Control" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen />

## How It Works

The webview runs the full Runchat web app and communicates with Blender through a local bridge.

**Bridge capabilities:**

* **Viewport capture**: Send your current 3D viewport as input to AI workflows.
* **3D model import**: Generated GLB, OBJ, and FBX models import directly into your scene.
* **Image import**: Generated images load into Blender's Image Editor.
* **Video import**: Videos auto-import to the Video Sequencer.
* **Script execution**: Workflows can run Python scripts in Blender.

## Updates

The plugin checks for updates automatically when Blender starts. If a newer version is available, you'll see a banner at the top of the Runchat panel with a download link.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Panel not visible">
    Press **N** in the 3D Viewport to toggle the sidebar. Look for the
    **Runchat** tab. If it's not there, check that the addon is enabled in
    **Edit** → **Preferences** → **Add-ons**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Webview won't open">
    Ensure Blender has internet access enabled (Edit → Preferences → System →
    Network). The webview requires an internet connection to load the Runchat
    dashboard.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Dependency errors">
    Re-download and re-install the plugin. The zip includes all required Python
    dependencies.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Bridge not connecting">
    Close and reopen the Runchat webview. Check Blender's system console (Window
    → Toggle System Console) for error messages.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Need Help?

* **Community**: [Join our Discord](https://discord.gg/2KXUBZNZ4e) for help and inspiration