Blender: Open SMD files - how it works

Blender cannot open SMD files without an extension. We show you how to activate this and other data types in the 3D graphics program.

Install SMD extension in Blender

To open SMD files, you must first install an add-on. To do this, start Blender and follow these steps:

1. Download the Blender Source Tools.
2. Switch to Blender and open the settings ("User Preferences").
3. Click on the "Add-ons" tab and then select "Install From File".
4. Search for the ZIP archive that you downloaded in the first step and open it.
5. In the add-on list you will now find the entry "Import-Export: Blender Source Tools". Check whether the entry is activated - if not, put a check in the selection box.
6. Finally click on "Save User Settings" and close the window. Blender is now able to open SMD files.

Open SMD files with Blender

With Blender Source Tools you can now open and edit SMD files in Blender:

1. Click on "File" and move the mouse over "Import".
2. At the bottom you will find the "Source Engine" entry, which you can use to open SMD files.

With Blender you can create your own skins for games like DotA 2 or League of Legends. In the next practical tip, we will show you how to create your own 3D animations with Blender.