RenderBuddy MCP v2.0

"Your render, one message away."

RenderBuddy MCP is a Blender-native Model Context Protocol (MCP) tool. Artists install the RenderBuddy Blender Add-on, enable it in Blender, and can immediately talk to their active renders in natural language using any MCP client (Claude Desktop, Cursor, Antigravity, VS Code) without manual path configuration.

What's New in v2.0 (Blender Add-on Architecture)

• Zero-Setup Workflow: No need to configure .blend file paths or Blender executable paths in TOML! Blender (via the add-on) is the live source of truth.

• Blender N-Panel & Properties UI: View connection status, port settings, and generate security PIN hashes directly inside Blender's interface.

• Local HTTP REST API (Port 7342): Pure Python http.server running on a background daemon thread inside Blender exposes live render state instantly over loopback.

• Safe Main-Thread Execution: Render cancellations are queued and safely executed on Blender's main thread via bpy.app.timers.

• Cross-Platform: Full support for Windows, macOS, and Linux out of the box.

Related MCP server: Blender MCP Link

How It Works

 ┌───────────────────────────┐                ┌───────────────────────────┐
 │       Blender 3.6+        │                │     MCP Server Proxy      │
 │  ┌─────────────────────┐  │   GET /status  │  ┌─────────────────────┐  │
 │  │ RenderBuddy Add-on  │◄─┼────────────────┼──│     AddonClient     │  │
 │  │ (bpy.app.handlers)  │  │  POST /cancel  │  │  (services/addon)   │  │
 │  └──────────┬──────────┘  │                │  └──────────┬──────────┘  │
 │             │             │                │             │             │
 │             ▼             │                │             ▼             │
 │    [HTTP Server:7342]     │                │     [MCP Tool Handlers]   │
 └─────────────┬─────────────┘                └─────────────┬─────────────┘
               │                                            │
               └─────────────────── Loopback ───────────────┘
                                  (127.0.0.1)

Quick Start Guide

1. Install & Enable the Blender Add-on

1. Run the build script to generate dist/renderbuddy_addon.zip:

   python build_addon.py

2. In Blender: Edit → Preferences → Add-ons → Install...

3. Select dist/renderbuddy_addon.zip and check the box to Enable RenderBuddy.

2. Install the MCP Server

pip install -e .[dev]

3. Add to your MCP Client Configuration

In your client configuration file (mcp_config.json or claude_desktop_config.json):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "renderbuddy": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": [
        "C:/path/to/RenderBuddy/main.py"
      ]
    }
  }
}

4. Start Rendering & Ask Anything!

Open any project in Blender, press Render, and ask your AI assistant:

• "How is my render going?"

• "Show me the latest rendered frame."

• "How much time is left?"

• "What resolution am I rendering?"

• "Cancel the render (PIN: 1234)"

MCP Tools Reference

SAFE Tools (No Authentication Required)

PROTECTED Tools (PIN Authentication Required)

Running Automated Tests

Run the full 107+ unit test suite (runs standalone without requiring Blender):

python -m pytest -v

License

MIT License. Designed for 3D Artists, Studios, and Pipeline TD Automation.