Uses and Functions of Blockbench

Marcos Jimgar

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Introduction

Blockbench is an editing program for computers and the web dedicated to low-poly 3D modeling. Does it sound familiar? Exactly! This is the go-to program for creating 3D models for Minecraft Bedrock and Minecraft Java.

In this article, we will explain all the utilities of the program and many features you might not know about. Let's get started!

General Use

The general use of this program, as we mentioned earlier, is low-poly 3D modeling. This is not only useful for Minecraft but also for other programs like Blender. One of the essential virtues of the program is its interface. People familiar with Blender or 3DS Max will know what I mean; the interface is highly simple, allowing you to create competent models even without prior tutorials or instructions.

The program also includes basic tools for creating simple textures and exporting to various model formats (.bbmodel, .obj, .geo, etc.), making it easy to use in Unity or Unreal Engine.

Creating Minecraft Bedrock Blocks

This is, in my opinion, the highlight of Blockbench. In 2022, Blockbench released an official collaboration with Minecraft, which, thanks to a plugin, allows you to create your own blocks step by step.

The steps are simple but somewhat limited. It lets you customize the block’s sound, hardness, durability, and uses, as well as its texture and model. If you are new to creating Add-Ons, I recommend using and reading development guides to start here, as it will teach you the basics of code structuring and allow you to expand later.

Creating Minecraft Bedrock Entities

This is another functionality that, although I don’t use it much, is much more advanced than block creation. This is another official Mojang plugin, allowing you to create new entities based on existing Minecraft vanilla entities.

For example, suppose I want to create a dolphin that walks on land. To do this, I would use the dolphin model and the AI or "behavior" of an animal like a pig or a cow, and that’s it! I have my custom entity.

Entity creation can be much deeper, allowing for more complex functions, but in summary, it enables you to create entities from scratch or mix models and behaviors.

Creating Minecraft Bedrock Items

This is the last of Mojang’s official plugins, and as expected, it is used to create custom items. You can choose from a few presets, like an apple or an iron sword, and design your own item from scratch.

Some highlights include the ability to create 3D items and modify their position in the player’s hand. Personally, I use this simple editor whenever I need to create an item. It’s great and very easy to use, allowing you to get a competent result in about five minutes.

Creating Official Minecraft Titles

This feature completely revolutionized Minecraft titles, being used worldwide. This plugin, created by Ewan Howell, allows you to create dynamic text/titles. It significantly impacted third-party Add-On titles on MCPEDL, making them freely accessible.

One of its standout features is the infinite combinations of colors, shapes, fonts, and templates available, allowing you to create any logo with just a few clicks.

One downside is that the market has become saturated with logos made using this editor, removing some of the charm of manually replicating Minecraft’s official style. However, if you have a good design sense, you can create a professional-looking logo with this editor!

Basic Modeling

Besides all these tools, let's not forget that Blockbench is primarily a modeling program. It includes tools for creating models for Minecraft blocks/entities, which are somewhat limited due to how they work, as well as a general modeling system, which is more advanced. This allows you to mix PNG textures, create model meshes, and generate complex geometric shapes.

If you are planning to start a low-poly game,I highly recommend this program. It is the easiest and fastest option.

Texturing

A few years ago, this feature was quite limited, but recent updates have focused on improving the texturing system. You can now apply gradients, clone texture areas, rotate textures, and more.

Updates and Community

Blockbench is currently an open-source software under the GPL license and remains in active development. It has a massive community and highly skilled developers, adding new features each year and even hosting competitions with prizes.

What Else Could You Want?

As a frequent user of both the community and the program, I am very happy with this software. I believe it is unmatched, and seeing it improve every year, adding new features and becoming more advanced, leaves me speechless.

With nothing more to add, I say goodbye and thank you for reading. See you next time!