Batch export Blender files to glTF

This script recursively finds every .blend file below a directory and exports each one as separate glTF files. It launches Blender in background mode for each model, so the batch can be run from a normal Python installation without opening the files manually.

File

batch_export_blend_files_to_gltf.py

Output layout

Each source file gets an export directory beside it. The glTF and binary data are placed there, while textures are kept in a nested textures directory.

models/
  character.blend
  export/
    character.gltf
    character.bin
    textures/
      base_color.png
      normal.png

Existing directories named export are excluded while searching, which prevents exported content from being treated as source material.

Usage

Place the script at the root of the Blender project tree and run it with a normal Python installation:

python batch_export_blend_files_to_gltf.py

To export a different directory:

python batch_export_blend_files_to_gltf.py --root path/to/models

Preview the work without launching Blender:

python batch_export_blend_files_to_gltf.py --dry-run

Show the Blender executables the script detected:

python batch_export_blend_files_to_gltf.py --list-blenders

Choose a particular Blender executable:

python batch_export_blend_files_to_gltf.py --blender "C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation\Blender 4.5\blender.exe"

How Blender is found

The script checks, in order:

The BLENDER_EXE or BLENDER_PATH environment variable.
A blender executable available on PATH.
Normal Blender Foundation installation directories on Windows.
Common Blender installation locations on Linux.
The default Steam library and additional libraries listed in libraryfolders.vdf.

When multiple discovered installations exist, newer versions are preferred. An explicit command-line path or environment variable remains the most direct way to select a version.

Export behavior

Uses Blender's built-in glTF exporter.
Exports separate .gltf, .bin, and texture files.
Applies modifiers when the installed Blender version supports the option.
Exports lights, texture coordinates, and normals when supported.
Uses glTF's Y-up export convention.
Continues through the batch after a failed model and reports all failures at the end.

Notes

Run --dry-run first when checking a large project.
The script uses --factory-startup, so user startup-file settings do not affect the batch.
Blender exporter properties vary by version; unsupported optional settings are skipped automatically.
Re-running the script writes to the same export paths and may replace previous exports.

batch export blend files to gltf