PCB 3D Importer lets you export KiCad PCB designs as .pcb3d files and import them directly into Blender for rendering, with quick import times, built‑in shader nodes, and material testing menus. It works with Blender 5.1 and is released under GPL‑3.0.
Developed by Bobbe.
About PCB 3D Importer
PCB 3D Importer bridges KiCad and Blender via the pcb2blender workflow, allowing KiCad PCB projects to be turned into product renders. In KiCad’s pcbnew you export a board using the Export to Blender (.pcb3d) button, then import the file in Blender via File → Import → PCB (.pcb3d). The add‑on handles cleanup, enabling fast export and import suitable for work‑in‑progress boards or last‑minute revisions. It includes a PCB Shader node setup and provides Add → Mat4Cad and Add → Pcb2Blender menus in the Shader Editor for material testing, plus an X3D/VRML import option for previewing .wrl component models. Version 2.17.5 supports Blender 5.1 and runs on Windows (including Arm), Linux, and macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon). PCB 3D Importer is part of the Blender extensions library and is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later.
Features
- Imports KiCad PCB models into Blender from .pcb3d files exported with the Export to Blender button in pcbnew
- Quick export and import times, suitable for rendering work-in-progress boards or updating renders after board revisions
- Removes the cleanup work the process would otherwise require before rendering
- Includes a PCB Shader node setup
- Add -> Mat4Cad and Add -> Pcb2Blender menus in the Shader Editor for testing mat4cad materials on components and PCBs
- X3D/VRML (.x3d/.wrl) import option to preview .wrl PCB component models with the mat4cad materials
Best for
KiCad users who need to create realistic product renders of their PCB designs within Blender.
Frequently asked questions
Does PCB 3D Importer work with Blender 5.1?
Yes. PCB 3D Importer version 2.17.5 adds support for Blender 5.1; Blender 5.2 and later are not listed as supported. The add‑on runs on Windows, Windows Arm, Linux, and macOS (both Intel and Apple Silicon).
How do I import a KiCad board into Blender with PCB 3D Importer?
Export your board from KiCad’s pcbnew using the Export to Blender (.pcb3d) button, then in Blender choose File → Import → PCB (.pcb3d) to load the model. After import you can use the Shader Editor menus to apply materials and preview component models.
What license does PCB 3D Importer use?
PCB 3D Importer is released under the GNU General Public License version 3.0 or later, and is offered as a free download.
Can I change component materials in PCB 3D Importer?
Yes. The add‑on includes a PCB Shader node setup and provides Add → Mat4Cad and Add → Pcb2Blender menus in the Shader Editor, allowing you to test different mat4cad materials on components and PCBs.
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