Blender to GLB Export Guide

Learn how to properly export 3D models from Blender to GLB format for optimal web performance and interactive viewing on Blendflare.

New Feature: Blendflare now supports interactive 3D model previews! Upload GLB files to let users explore your models in real-time with our WebGPU-powered viewer, built with Orillusion.

Why GLB for Web?

Understanding the GLB format and its advantages

GLB (GL Transmission Format Binary) is the binary version of glTF, specifically designed for efficient transmission and loading of 3D models on the web. It's become the industry standard for real-time 3D content.

Advantages

•Compact file size with compression
•Fast loading in web browsers
•Supports materials and textures
•Animation support included
•WebGPU/WebGL compatible

Use Cases on Blendflare

•Interactive model previews
•Real-time lighting adjustments
•Camera angle customization
•Animation playback

File Size Limit: Blendflare accepts GLB files up to 20MB to ensure fast loading times for all users. Proper optimization is essential.

Step 1: Mesh Preparation

Preparing your 3D model for optimal export

1Joining Meshes

In most cases, you'll want to join separate mesh objects into a single object to reduce draw calls and improve performance.

How to join meshes in Blender:

1.Select the objects you want to join in Object Mode
2.Press Ctrl + J
3.All selected objects will merge into the active object

Enabling Selected Objects in Blender Export Settings

2Clean Up Your Mesh

Remove duplicate vertices and faces
Delete hidden geometry that won't be visible
Check normals are facing the correct direction

Step 2: Export Settings

Configuring Blender's GLB exporter correctly

1Select GLB File Format

1.Go to File → Export → glTF 2.0 (.glb/.gltf)
2.In the export dialog, set Format: glTF Binary (.glb)

Selecting GLB Format in Blender Export Settings

2Configure Include Settings

Important: Enable "Selected Objects" under Include → Limit to → Selected Objects to export only what you need.

Selected Objects

Exports only selected objects, avoiding unnecessary scene elements

Visible Objects (Optional)

Include only objects visible in viewport

Step 3: Enable Draco Compression (Required)

Dramatically reduce file size while maintaining quality

Required for Blendflare: Draco compression is mandatory for all GLB uploads. It typically reduces file size by 50-90% without visible quality loss.

How to Enable Draco Compression

1.In the export dialog, scroll down to the Compression section
2.Enable the Draco mesh compression checkbox
3.Set compression level to 6 (default, good balance)

Enabling Draco Compression in Blender Export Settings

Compression Levels

Level 0-3: Low compressionFaster export, larger files

Level 6: RecommendedBest quality/size balance

Note: Draco compression affects geometry only. Textures are compressed separately (see next section).

Step 4: Texture Optimization

Using WebP format for maximum compression

Recommended: WebP texture format reduces image file sizes by 25-35% compared to PNG/JPEG while maintaining visual quality.

How to Enable WebP Textures

1.In the export dialog, navigate to Data section
2.Expand Material settings
3.Under Images, select WebP format

Selecting WebP Texture Format in Blender Export Settings

Test your export first: Before uploading to your project, you can preview and test your GLB file at viewer.blendflare.com/edit to ensure everything looks correct before adding it to your upload/edit form.

Export Checklist

Verify before exporting your GLB file

Mesh Preparation: Meshes joined (if appropriate), duplicates removed, modifiers applied
File Format: Export format set to glTF Binary (.glb)
Selection: "Selected Objects" enabled under Include → Limit to
Draco Compression: Enabled in Compression section (required)
Texture Format: WebP selected under Data → Material → Images
Materials: Using Principled BSDF shader with proper texture connections
File Size: GLB file is under 20MB
Testing: Opened GLB in a viewer to verify appearance before upload

Ready to upload? Once you've exported your GLB file with these settings, head to the Blendflare dashboard and use our interactive GLB editor to fine-tune the presentation of your 3D model. You can adjust camera angles, lighting, and even capture screenshots for your project gallery!