For most users, Blender 4.5 LTS is the best version because it offers new tools and long-term stability.
You may have opened Blender’s download page and felt stuck. There are regular releases, LTS versions, older builds, and even options for different computers. If you only want to model, animate, sculpt, or render without update stress, the right choice matters. In this guide, I explain what Blender version should I use in 2026, based on your skill level, computer, plugins, and project needs.
Blender 4.5 LTS
Blender 4.5 LTS is the safest starting point for most new users in 2026. LTS means Long-Term Support, so this version receives fixes for a longer period than a short-term release. That matters when you want to learn without changing your work every few months. I also like it for home users because it balances modern features with a steady base.
This version suits modeling, animation, sculpting, video editing, and 3D rendering. It also works well for students who need a dependable version for a class or a long project. Most current tutorials should remain useful, though menus may differ slightly from older lessons. If you are asking what Blender version should I use and want one simple answer, Blender 4.5 LTS is my first pick.
Pros:
- Long-term support provides a more stable learning path
- Includes newer modeling, animation, and rendering improvements
- Strong choice for beginners and experienced artists
- Good fit for long projects and school work
- Works with current Blender workflows and common file types
- Receives important bug and security fixes during its support period
- Reduces the need for frequent version changes
Cons:
- Some older add-ons may need an update
- New users may still face a steep learning curve
- Very old computers may perform better with an earlier release
My Recommendation
I recommend Blender 4.5 LTS to beginners, students, freelancers, and most home creators. It gives you room to grow without forcing you to chase every short-term update. If you use add-ons, check that they support Blender 4.5 before moving a major project. For anyone who asks what Blender version should I use, this is the best all-around answer.
Blender 4.3
Blender 4.3 is a good choice for users who need a specific feature, course, or add-on that targets the 4.3 release. It is newer than the 4.2 LTS branch but does not offer the same long support window as Blender 4.5 LTS. This makes it more useful for short projects than for a multi-year production plan. I would consider it a middle-ground version.
Many artists choose a regular release because it may offer a feature before an LTS version receives the same change. That can help if you follow a current tutorial or test a new workflow. Still, I suggest saving a copy of your project before opening it in a newer build. If you are asking what Blender version should I use for a course, first match the version shown by the instructor.
Pros:
- Offers a modern feature set for current learning material
- Useful when a tutorial or add-on names Blender 4.3
- Can provide newer tools than older LTS builds
- Free to download and use
- Supports major Blender workflows such as modeling and rendering
- Good option for testing new features before a long-term move
Cons:
- Has a shorter support life than an LTS version
- Some add-ons may not be ready for every regular release
- Less ideal for a project that must stay unchanged for years
My Recommendation
Choose Blender 4.3 if your school, studio, tutorial, or add-on specifically requires it. I would not choose it only because the number looks newer than 4.2. A regular release can be excellent, but stability and support often matter more than a few extra features. For most people searching what Blender version should I use, Blender 4.3 is a special-purpose pick rather than the default choice.
Blender 4.2 LTS
Blender 4.2 LTS remains useful for users who need a proven and mature setup. It has had time to receive fixes, and many add-ons and tutorials may already support it. This can be important for a small business that cannot stop work to solve compatibility issues. It is also a sensible choice for an older computer that struggles with the newest release.
The main trade-off is age. Blender 4.2 LTS may not include every improvement found in later versions, and support will end sooner than support for Blender 4.5 LTS. Still, an older stable version can be better than a newer version that breaks your tools. If you wonder what Blender version should I use on an older PC, 4.2 LTS deserves serious attention.
Pros:
- Mature release with a broad compatibility history
- Good option for older hardware and established workflows
- Helpful for add-ons that have not caught up with newer builds
- Long-term support makes it more reliable than a short-term release
- Suitable for modeling, animation, and rendering
- Can reduce surprises during a production project
Cons:
- Has fewer newer features than Blender 4.5 LTS
- Its support period is closer to its end
- New tutorials may focus on a later version
My Recommendation
I recommend Blender 4.2 LTS for users with older hardware, fixed studio pipelines, or add-ons that need a mature release. It is also a smart backup version when a new update causes trouble. However, I would not install it for a fresh start unless you have a clear reason. When deciding what Blender version should I use, pick 4.2 LTS for compatibility and 4.5 LTS for the best long-term path.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Beginners and most creators | Blender 4.5 LTS offers current tools with long-term stability. |
| Specific courses or add-ons | Blender 4.3 works well when a project requires that exact release. |
| Older computers and fixed workflows | Blender 4.2 LTS provides a mature and dependable environment. |
How Blender Version Numbers Work
Blender uses a three-part version number, such as 4.5.1. The first number shows the major generation. The second number identifies the feature release. The last number usually marks a corrective update. A version such as 4.5.1 belongs to the Blender 4.5 family but includes extra fixes compared with the first 4.5 build.
This system can look confusing at first. You do not need to study every number before you start creating. In most cases, install the latest maintenance build within the release family you choose. For example, if you select Blender 4.5 LTS, use the latest 4.5 maintenance release available for your operating system.
Blender also separates regular releases from LTS releases. Regular releases bring features at a faster pace. LTS releases focus more on stability and longer support. This is why the answer to what Blender version should I use depends on whether you value new tools or a steady production base.
LTS Versus Regular Blender Releases
An LTS release is like a reliable family car. It may not have every flashy feature on day one, but it gets you to the same destination with fewer surprises. A regular release is more like a new sports car. It can feel exciting and fast, but it may need more care when your route is long.
I prefer an LTS version for paid work, school assignments, client files, and long animation projects. A stable environment saves time because you can focus on your art instead of fixing a broken add-on. Regular releases make more sense for users who enjoy testing features or who need a tool that has not yet reached the LTS branch.
Neither choice is wrong. The mistake is changing versions in the middle of a project without a backup. Before you update, save your file, copy your add-ons, note your render settings, and keep the old version installed until your work opens correctly.
What Blender Version Should I Use as a Beginner?
As a beginner, use Blender 4.5 LTS unless your class or tutorial tells you to use another release. It gives you a clean path for learning the interface, viewport controls, modifiers, materials, lighting, and rendering. You will also find a large amount of current learning content for recent Blender versions.
Do not worry if a tutorial uses Blender 4.2 or 4.3. The main ideas often stay the same. Buttons may move, and some names may change, but modeling tools such as extrude, inset, bevel, and loop cut still follow the same basic logic. I suggest learning the concept instead of copying every click without understanding it.
A beginner should also avoid installing several versions at once unless there is a reason. Multiple builds can create confusion with file associations and add-on folders. Start with one stable version, practice often, and move only when your needs change.
What Blender Version Should I Use for Animation?
For animation, Blender 4.5 LTS is the strongest general option in this guide. Animation projects can last weeks or months, so a stable version helps protect your work. You can use keyframes, the Graph Editor, the Dope Sheet, armatures, constraints, and the video sequencer without needing the newest build every month.
Professional users should also consider the software used by their team. A studio may lock everyone to one version for file safety. Even a small team benefits from a shared setup because linked libraries, materials, rigs, and scripts can behave differently between releases.
If an animation course uses Blender 4.3, you can follow it with that version. Keep your project folder separate and avoid saving the file in a newer version until you finish the lessons. When I answer what Blender version should I use for animation, I focus first on stability and team compatibility.
What Blender Version Should I Use for Rendering?
Render choice depends on your engine, graphics card, and add-ons. Blender includes major render tools such as Cycles and Eevee, but their performance can change with hardware and driver support. A newer Blender version may improve speed or features, yet the best result still depends on your computer.
Use Blender 4.5 LTS for a fresh rendering setup if your graphics drivers support it. Update your GPU driver from the official manufacturer when needed, but do not update right before a deadline. Test a small scene first. Check noise, shadows, denoising, color management, and render time before starting a large sequence.
For an older computer, Blender 4.2 LTS may feel more comfortable. Lower the sample count, use a smaller test size, and watch memory use. If your computer has limited RAM or an old graphics card, the version number alone will not solve slow rendering.
What Blender Version Should I Use for Add-Ons?
Add-ons are one of the biggest reasons users should not update without checking first. An add-on may depend on an old programming interface, a specific menu location, or a particular Blender feature. Even if Blender opens normally, the add-on may stop working after an update.
Before choosing a version, visit the add-on maker’s product page or documentation. Look for a supported version range. If the maker lists Blender 4.2 through 4.5, you have more freedom. If the maker lists only Blender 4.3, install 4.3 for that project.
I also suggest keeping a clean Blender installation for testing. Use a copy of your project and enable one add-on at a time. This makes it easier to find the cause of a problem. In practical terms, what Blender version should I use with add-ons is often answered by the add-on developer, not by the newest download button.
What Blender Version Should I Use on a Low-End PC?
A low-end PC may run Blender, but you must set fair expectations. Blender needs a capable graphics processor, enough memory, and a supported operating system. A newer version can include performance gains, yet new features may also place more demand on your system.
Start with Blender 4.2 LTS if your computer is older and your tools support it. If it runs well, test Blender 4.5 LTS in a separate folder. Use simple scenes, hide heavy modifiers, lower viewport quality, and close other programs while you work.
Choose the version that feels stable on your actual machine. A smooth older release is better than a newer release that freezes during every render. This is one of the few cases where what Blender version should I use may have a very personal answer.
Windows, Mac, and Linux Considerations
Blender supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, but the best download depends on your system type. On Windows, check whether your computer uses a modern 64-bit system. On macOS, confirm your Mac model and processor type before downloading the correct package.
Apple silicon Macs may use a build made for Apple silicon, while older Intel Macs need the Intel build. A native build can improve performance and battery use. On Linux, your graphics driver and desktop setup matter greatly, especially when using GPU rendering.
Always download Blender from the official Blender website. Avoid unknown mirror sites and modified installers. Before installing, check the operating system requirements and release notes. These simple steps help you avoid problems that have nothing to do with what Blender version should I use.
Should You Install More Than One Blender Version?
Sometimes, yes. I keep more than one version when I test an add-on, compare a render, or open an old client file. Blender can install separate versions, and you can usually keep an older build while testing a newer one.
Use clear folder names and keep separate preferences when possible. Do not assume that one version’s add-on settings will work perfectly in another. Make a backup of your startup file, custom themes, scripts, and important preferences before changing anything.
Multiple versions are most useful for advanced users. Beginners may gain more from one stable installation and a simple backup plan. If you are still learning shortcuts and basic tools, switching versions can add noise without adding value.
How to Move a Blender Project to a New Version
First, save a duplicate of the project. Use a clear name such as “scene_backup_before_update.blend.” Then write down the Blender version, render engine, add-ons, external textures, and linked files used by the project.
Open the copy in the newer version and inspect the scene. Check the camera, lights, materials, modifiers, particle systems, rigs, simulations, and render output. Play the animation from start to finish if the project contains motion.
Do not overwrite the original until the test looks correct. If something breaks, return to the older installation and continue working there. This method takes a few minutes and can save hours of repair work.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Blender Version
The first mistake is choosing only by the highest number. New does not always mean best for your project. A feature you never use is not worth losing a working add-on or stable file.
The second mistake is ignoring tutorial requirements. If a lesson uses an older interface, you may spend more time searching for buttons than learning 3D skills. Matching the course version can make the first month much easier.
The third mistake is updating before a deadline. I recommend testing updates during a quiet period. Keep your old version installed until you complete the job and confirm the new version works with your full setup.
Blender Version and File Compatibility
Blender files generally open in newer versions, but the result may not always look identical. New features can change how materials, geometry nodes, physics, or simulations behave. A file saved in a newer release may also fail to open correctly in an older release.
That is why I treat a Blender project file like a working recipe. Once you change the recipe, the final result may shift. Export important assets in useful formats when possible, such as FBX, OBJ, Alembic, or image sequences, but remember that exports may lose some Blender-only details.
For important work, keep the original file and an exported backup. Record the version used to create the final output. These habits matter more than chasing the newest release.
Blender Version for Students and Schools
Students should first follow the school’s required version. A teacher may use a custom file, a specific add-on, or a lesson made for one release. Matching that setup reduces confusion and makes it easier to ask for help.
If the school gives no instructions, Blender 4.5 LTS is a strong general choice. It should provide a stable base for modeling, sculpting, animation, and rendering. Keep screenshots of your settings if you work in a shared lab.
Students should also save often and keep versioned files. Use names such as project_01, project_02, and project_final_test. This basic system protects you if a file becomes damaged or a new version changes the scene.
Blender Version for Freelancers and Small Studios
Freelancers need reliability more than novelty. A client does not care which version created the image if the final result is correct. Blender 4.5 LTS is a sensible base for a new freelance setup because it offers a current toolset and a longer support path.
Before accepting a project, ask about the client’s file version, render engine, texture format, and plug-ins. If the client uses Blender 4.2 LTS, opening the work in 4.5 may be fine, but test it first. A shared version plan can prevent missed deadlines.
Small studios should also keep a written software list. Include Blender version, operating system, add-on versions, GPU driver, and render settings. This turns guesswork into a repeatable process.
How I Would Choose in 2026
If I were starting a new personal project in 2026, I would install Blender 4.5 LTS. I would download the latest maintenance build in that branch and test my key add-ons before doing serious work. I would also keep a copy of the installer so I could return to the same setup later.
If I were joining a class, I would use the teacher’s version. If I were repairing an old project, I would first open it in the version used to create it. If I had an older computer, I would compare Blender 4.2 LTS and Blender 4.5 LTS with a small test scene.
This simple rule answers most searches for what Blender version should I use. Use 4.5 LTS for a fresh start, match the required version for a course or studio, and keep an older LTS version when compatibility matters most.
FAQs Of what blender version should i use
What Blender version should I use as a complete beginner?
Use Blender 4.5 LTS unless a course or teacher requires another version. It offers current tools and a stable learning path.
Is Blender 4.5 LTS better than Blender 4.3?
For most users, yes. Blender 4.5 LTS offers longer support, while Blender 4.3 makes more sense when a tutorial or add-on requires it.
Should I use Blender LTS for professional work?
Yes. An LTS version can reduce compatibility problems during long projects. Always match the version used by your team or client when required.
What Blender version is best for an old computer?
Try Blender 4.2 LTS if your hardware is older, then compare it with Blender 4.5 LTS. Use the version that runs smoothly with your scenes and drivers.
Can I open an old Blender file in a new version?
Usually, yes, but you should test a copy first. Materials, simulations, add-ons, and linked assets may need changes after an upgrade.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
For most users, Blender 4.5 LTS is the best answer to what Blender version should I use. Choose Blender 4.3 for a required course or add-on, and Blender 4.2 LTS for older hardware or fixed workflows.
Use the official download, test your add-ons, and keep backups. The right Blender version is the one that supports your work without slowing your creative flow.