First time here? Complete the Setup guide first to install GAIA and its dependencies.
Overview
The GAIA Blender agent bridges the gap between natural language and 3D modeling by:- Natural Language Processing: Understanding complex 3D scene creation requests
- Automated Planning: Breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps
- Real-time Execution: Direct communication with Blender through MCP (Model Context Protocol)
- Interactive Workflows: Supporting both example-based learning and custom queries
Key Features
Scene Management
- Clear scenes and remove objects
- Get scene information and object listings
- Manage scene hierarchy and organization
Object Creation
- Primitive Objects: Cubes, spheres, cylinders, cones, and torus objects
- Positioning: Precise placement using 3D coordinates
- Scaling: Custom sizing and proportions
- Multiple Objects: Create and arrange multiple objects in complex scenes
Material System
- Color Assignment: Apply RGBA colors to objects
- Material Properties: Set material characteristics and appearance
- Visual Consistency: Maintain material standards across objects
Interactive Planning
- Multi-step Execution: Break complex requests into logical steps
- Automatic Planning: AI-driven task decomposition
- Progress Tracking: Monitor execution through each step
- Error Handling: Graceful handling of invalid operations
Installation & Setup
Prerequisites
- Blender Installation: Blender version 4.3+ recommended
- GAIA Installation: Core GAIA system must be installed
- Lemonade Server: Must be running for AI processing
MCP Server Setup
The Blender agent requires the MCP (Model Context Protocol) server to communicate with Blender:Step-by-Step Setup:
- Open Blender (version 4.3 or newer recommended)
-
Access Add-ons Menu:
- Go to
Edit > Preferences > Add-ons
- Go to
-
Install the MCP Server:
- Click the down arrow button, then
Install... - Navigate to:
src/gaia/mcp/blender_mcp_server.py - Select and install the file
- Click the down arrow button, then
-
Enable the Add-on:
- Find
Simple Blender MCPin the add-ons list - Check the box to enable it
- Find
-
Configure the Server:
- Open the 3D viewport sidebar (press
Nkey if not visible) - Find the
Blender MCPpanel in the sidebar - Set port to
9876(default) or customize as needed - Click
Start Server
- Open the 3D viewport sidebar (press
-
Verify Connection:
- The server status should show as running
- GAIA CLI will validate the connection when starting Blender commands
Visual Setup Guide
For detailed setup instructions with screenshots, see:workshop/blender.ipynb
Command Reference
Basic Command Structure
Available Options
| Option | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
--model | string | ”Llama-3.2-3B-Instruct-Hybrid” | Model ID to use for AI processing |
--example | int (1-6) | None | Run a specific example, if not specified run interactive mode |
--steps | int | 5 | Maximum number of steps per query |
--output-dir | string | ”output” | Directory to save output files |
--stream | flag | False | Enable streaming mode for LLM responses |
--stats | flag | True | Display performance statistics |
--query | string | None | Custom query to run instead of examples |
--interactive | flag | False | Enable interactive mode for continuous queries |
--debug-prompts | flag | False | Enable debug prompts for development |
--print-result | flag | False | Print results to console |
--mcp-port | int | 9876 | Port for the Blender MCP server |
Usage Examples
Running Built-in Examples
Interactive Mode
Custom Queries
Advanced Configuration
Built-in Examples
The Blender agent includes several built-in examples to demonstrate capabilities:Example 1: Clearing the Scene
Purpose: Remove all objects from the scene Command: Clear the scene to start fresh Learning: Basic scene management and cleanupExample 2: Creating a Basic Cube
Purpose: Create a red cube at the center Command: Create a red cube at the center of the scene with red material Learning: Object creation and material assignmentExample 3: Creating a Sphere with Properties
Purpose: Blue sphere with custom position and scale Command: Create a blue sphere at position (3, 0, 0) with scale (2, 2, 2) Learning: Positioning, scaling, and color propertiesExample 4: Multiple Objects
Purpose: Green cube and red sphere arrangement Command: Create a green cube at (0, 0, 0) and a red sphere 3 units above it Learning: Multi-object scenes and spatial relationshipsExample 5: Object Modification
Purpose: Create and then modify a blue cylinder Command: Create a blue cylinder, then make it taller and move it up 2 units Learning: Object modification and transformation workflows Note: Examples 1-5 are currently implemented. Example 6 is planned for future releases.Agent Capabilities
Scene Management
- Clear Scenes: Remove all objects to start fresh
- Object Inventory: List and identify existing objects
- Scene Information: Get comprehensive scene details
- Hierarchy Management: Organize complex scenes
Object Creation & Manipulation
- Primitive Objects:
- Cubes with customizable dimensions
- Spheres with radius control
- Cylinders with height and radius settings
- Cones with base and tip configuration
- Torus objects with major and minor radius
- Positioning: Precise 3D coordinate placement
- Rotation: Object orientation control
- Scaling: Non-uniform scaling on X, Y, Z axes
Material & Appearance
- Color Assignment: Full RGBA color control
- Material Properties: Basic material characteristics
- Visual Consistency: Standardized material application
- Material Library: Reusable material definitions
Advanced Features
- Multi-step Planning: Complex task breakdown
- Dependency Resolution: Handle object relationships
- Error Recovery: Graceful handling of invalid operations
- Progress Monitoring: Step-by-step execution tracking
Interactive Mode
Interactive mode provides a continuous interface for 3D scene creation:Starting Interactive Mode
Interactive Commands
- Scene Creation: Describe the scene you want to create
- Object Modification: Request changes to existing objects
- Scene Queries: Ask questions about the current scene
- Control Commands:
- Type
exit,quit, orqto exit - Use
Ctrl+Cfor immediate termination
- Type
Example Interactive Session
Requirements & Dependencies
System Requirements
- Blender: Version 4.3+ (4.2 may work but not fully tested)
- Python: Compatible with GAIA’s Python environment
- Memory: Sufficient RAM for both GAIA and Blender (8GB+ recommended)
- Storage: Space for 3D scene files and outputs
Software Dependencies
- GAIA Core: Full GAIA installation required
- Lemonade Server: Must be running for AI processing
- Blender MCP Server: Must be installed and running in Blender
Network Requirements
- Local Communication: MCP server runs on localhost
- Port Availability: Default port 9876 (customizable)
- Firewall: Allow local connections on MCP port
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Lemonade Server Not Running
Error: Connection errors or “server not accessible” messages Solution:Blender MCP Server Issues
Error: “Blender MCP server is not running or not accessible” Solutions:- Verify Blender is open with the MCP add-on installed
- Check the MCP server is started in Blender’s sidebar panel
- Confirm port 9876 is available (or use custom port with
--mcp-port) - Restart Blender if the server appears unresponsive
Installation Problems
Error: MCP server add-on not found or won’t install Solutions:- Verify you’re navigating to the correct file:
src/gaia/mcp/blender_mcp_server.py - Check Blender version compatibility (4.3+ recommended)
- Ensure GAIA is properly installed
- Try restarting Blender after installation
Performance Issues
Error: Slow response times or timeouts Solutions:- Reduce
--stepsparameter for simpler operations - Use smaller models for faster processing
- Ensure adequate system resources
- Check for memory constraints in both GAIA and Blender
Port Conflicts
Error: MCP server won’t start due to port conflicts Solutions:- Use
--mcp-portto specify an alternative port - Check for other applications using port 9876
- Kill conflicting processes:
gaia kill --port 9876
Debug Mode
Enable debug mode for detailed troubleshooting:- Detailed prompt information
- Step-by-step execution logs
- Error stack traces
- Communication details between GAIA and Blender
Getting Help
For additional support:- Check the workshop notebook:
workshop/blender.ipynb - Review the Development Guide
- Consult the FAQ for common solutions
- Enable debug mode to gather detailed information
Advanced Usage
Custom Models
The Blender agent supports different AI models for varying performance characteristics:Batch Operations
Process multiple scenes or operations efficiently:Integration with Other Tools
The Blender agent can be integrated into larger workflows:- Automated Content Creation: Script multiple scene generations
- Educational Tools: Demonstrate 3D concepts through natural language
- Rapid Prototyping: Quick visualization of 3D ideas
- AI-Assisted Modeling: Accelerate traditional 3D modeling workflows
Best Practices
Query Construction
- Be Specific: Include precise positions, colors, and sizes
- Use Clear Language: Avoid ambiguous terms
- Break Complex Requests: Split large scenes into manageable parts
- Specify Relationships: Clearly describe object positioning relative to others
Scene Organization
- Start Clean: Begin with
Clear the scenefor predictable results - Logical Progression: Build scenes step by step
- Test Incrementally: Verify each step before adding complexity
- Use Consistent Naming: Reference objects clearly in follow-up commands
Performance Optimization
- Appropriate Models: Match model size to task complexity
- Step Limits: Set reasonable
--stepsvalues - Resource Monitoring: Use
--statsto track performance - Batch Similar Operations: Group related tasks together
Future Enhancements
Planned improvements to the Blender agent include:- Extended Object Library: More primitive types and complex shapes
- Advanced Materials: PBR materials, textures, and lighting
- Animation Support: Keyframe animation and motion paths
- Scene Templates: Pre-built scene configurations
- Import/Export: Integration with external 3D file formats
- Collaborative Features: Multi-user scene editing capabilities