Blender 4.1 review: not an exciting update, but a welcome one

We try out the latest update to the free 3D software Blender.

Blender 4.1 promo shot of a living room scene with 'Blender' in the corner
(Image: © Blender)

Our Verdict

Blender 4.1 isn’t an exciting update but it is a very welcome one. Speed enhancements, interface tweaks, a few changes here and there to make daily tasks easier, all add up to a worthy update and one that I highly recommend to any user, new or old.

For

  • Some significant speed improvements
  • Interface more appealing
  • Node improvements
  • Import/expert now easier than ever

Against

  • I still don't like that 'Y' isn't the vertical axis

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Blender’s meteoric rise in popularity over the last few years has meant that updates are coming thick and fast, but do these just fix bugs, or do they add anything new to the mix to tempt people away from other 3D software solutions?

Version 4.1 doesn’t wow users with showstopping new features, rather it focuses on productivity changes, speed enhancements and some interface tweaks. This isn’t a bad thing though. I would much rather have a set of responsive, stable tools that don’t cause eye strain than a fancy new tool that I may or may not use.

The Verdict
9

out of 10

Blender 4.1

Blender 4.1 isn’t an exciting update but it is a very welcome one. Speed enhancements, interface tweaks, a few changes here and there to make daily tasks easier, all add up to a worthy update and one that I highly recommend to any user, new or old.

Rob Redman

Rob Redman is the editor of 3D World and ImagineFX magazines and has a background in animation, visual effects, and photography. As a 3D artist he created the mothership in the Webby winning Plot Device and was animator on the follow-up; Order up. He has created training for Cinema 4D and Blackmagic Design Fusion artists. He's been a published product and food photographer since the age of 15. As well as being a multi-instrumentalist, Rob is also an avid beard grower.

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