> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hlddocs.lookingglassfactory.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hlddocs.lookingglassfactory.com/content-pipelines/creating-videos-with-3d-tools/blender.md).

# Blender

Our Blender template makes it simple to create content for Hololuminescent Displays using 3D models.

{% hint style="info" %}
Our Blender template is designed with Blender 4.5 in mind, if you use it with a prior version of Blender you will need to edit the shadow catcher and compositing effects.
{% endhint %}

## Downloads

Download our template for Blender:

{% embed url="<https://github.com/Looking-Glass/HLD-Templates/blob/main/Blender/HLD%20TEMPLATE.blend>" %}

## Requirements

* [Blender 4.5](https://blender.org/)

<figure><img src="https://804846835-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FE9AhVJoaDxXfUQueIzAL%2Fuploads%2FBDEw7bAttVznZdHBC18O%2Fdivider.png?alt=media&amp;token=fc4ff755-dfd1-4ec2-9088-9164e0c2447c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Using the template

Once you've downloaded Blender 4.5 and our template file, open the template by either double clicking the file, or use the file menu in Blender itself. When opening the template you'll see the scene below.

Our Blender template has three main components: the camera, the shadow catcher, and the background composite.

<figure><img src="https://804846835-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FE9AhVJoaDxXfUQueIzAL%2Fuploads%2FMoUbr0Nd2c7dNkpC0tkI%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=1aa655a0-2be1-4ce5-87fb-d88c916a0a9e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Camera

When creating content for HLD systems, the camera should remain static. We've applied a background image to the camera that represents the holographic volume of the HLD display. In general content should be placed as if it's *inside* this volume. See our [Products](/creative-guidelines/products.md) or [Characters](/creative-guidelines/characters.md) pages for more information about how to frame content.

If necessary, you can change the camera's focal length, however this would also require adjusting other portions of the template as well.

### Shadow Catcher

<figure><img src="https://804846835-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FE9AhVJoaDxXfUQueIzAL%2Fuploads%2FUTGI9ORnLmAi355AUCNv%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=c511b77a-6c71-474e-a22a-209d9d0f23e9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The shadow catcher is a plane setup to match the holographic volume of the HLD. The plane does not contribute any color data to the scene and only serves as a means to capture a shadow cast from the main 3D content. The shadow effect is crucial for the 3D effect in the HLD.

### Compositor

<figure><img src="https://804846835-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FE9AhVJoaDxXfUQueIzAL%2Fuploads%2Fs2rJXAw7cnfiRFJyyGEL%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=183c1004-94d4-4c4f-a0f5-3276413cb478" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

We use Blender's Compositor feature to composite a solid-colored background onto the scene. By default, this is white, however you can change this to effectively tint the content in the HLD. We recommend keeping the background a solid color or subtle gradient.

<figure><img src="https://804846835-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FE9AhVJoaDxXfUQueIzAL%2Fuploads%2FBDEw7bAttVznZdHBC18O%2Fdivider.png?alt=media&amp;token=fc4ff755-dfd1-4ec2-9088-9164e0c2447c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Previewing and exporting for HLD playback

Once you’ve exported your video, we recommend opening it in [**HLD Author**](/apps-and-tools/hld-author.md).

HLD Author lets you:

* Import supported 3D media directly or adjust a video rendered from Blender
* Tune framing, model transforms, lighting, shadows, animation, and export-camera motion
* Preview your content on a simulated Hololuminescent Display
* Export the correct MP4 for the included [HLD Demo Media Player](/managing-content/using-the-demo-media-player.md), BrightSign, or standard portrait-video playback

This is the easiest way to refine the result and confirm framing, depth, and orientation before deployment.