Generate Low-Poly Fence Gate With Blender Python API For Website

Creating Modular Fence Gates with Blender Python API and Displaying Them on the Web

If you’re new to Blender Python scripting, welcome! In this tutorial, we’ll walk through a basic Python script that generates modular fence gate models in Blender, exports them as glTF (.glb), and displays the result in a web browser using the <model-viewer> component.

Whether you’re just starting with Python or leveling up your 3D skills, this post will help you get your first model online in minutes!

🔧 What You’ll Need

Blender installed (3.0+ recommended)
Basic knowledge of Python
Text editor or Blender’s built-in scripting tab
Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Simple web server (e.g., Python’s http.server)

📦 Step 1: Generate the Fence Gate in Blender

Here’s a basic Blender Python script that creates a modular fence gate using cubes and collections. Save this as generate_fence_gate.py:

import bpy

# Clear the scene
bpy.ops.object.select_all(action='SELECT')
bpy.ops.object.delete(use_global=False)

# Create a glossy material
material_name = "GlossyMaterial"
if material_name in bpy.data.materials:
    glossy_mat = bpy.data.materials[material_name]
else:
    glossy_mat = bpy.data.materials.new(name=material_name)
    glossy_mat.use_nodes = True
    nodes = glossy_mat.node_tree.nodes
    links = glossy_mat.node_tree.links

    # Clear existing nodes
    for node in nodes:
        nodes.remove(node)

    # Create new nodes
    output = nodes.new(type='ShaderNodeOutputMaterial')
    glossy = nodes.new(type='ShaderNodeBsdfGlossy')
    glossy.inputs['Roughness'].default_value = 0.1  # Glossiness level (lower = glossier)

    # Link nodes
    links.new(glossy.outputs['BSDF'], output.inputs['Surface'])

# Create fence posts
for i in range(3):
    bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add(size=0.1, location=(i, 0, 0.5))
    post = bpy.context.active_object
    post.scale.z = 5
    post.name = f"Post_{i}"
    if post.data.materials:
        post.data.materials[0] = glossy_mat
    else:
        post.data.materials.append(glossy_mat)

# Create connecting bars
for j in range(1, 10, 2):
    bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add(size=0.1, location=(1, 0, j * 0.1))
    bar = bpy.context.active_object
    bar.scale.x = 10
    bar.scale.z = 0.05
    bar.name = f"Bar_{j}"
    if bar.data.materials:
        bar.data.materials[0] = glossy_mat
    else:
        bar.data.materials.append(glossy_mat)

# Export to GLB
bpy.ops.export_scene.gltf(filepath="fence_gate.glb", export_format='GLB')
print("Exported GLB: fence_gate.glb")

# Save the .blend file
bpy.ops.wm.save_as_mainfile(filepath="fence_gate.blend")
print("Saved Blend File: fence_gate.blend")

💻 Step 2: Run the Python Script from Command Line

To execute the script outside the Blender GUI, run this in your terminal:

blender --background --python generate_fence_gate.py

This tells Blender to run in the background and execute your script. The result will be a .glb file you can use on the web!

🌐 Step 3: Display with <model-viewer> in Your Browser

Create an index.html file:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <title>Modular Fence Gate</title>
  <script type="module" src="https://unpkg.com/@google/model-viewer/dist/model-viewer.min.js"></script>
</head>
<body>
  <model-viewer src="fence_gate.glb" alt="Fence Gate"
                auto-rotate camera-controls
                style="width: 600px; height: 400px;">
  </model-viewer>
</body>
</html>

Then start a simple web server in the same folder:

python -m http.server

Visit http://localhost:8000 in your browser to see your gate in full 3D!

📷 Screenshots & Screencast

Blender Scripting Workspace Displaying Low Poly Fence Gate Python Code

Blender Layout Workspace Displaying Low Poly Fence Gate

Web Browser Displaying Rendered Low Poly Fence Gate

Screencast For Blender Python API Low Poly Fence Gate

📚 Recommended Reading & Courses

📕 Learning Python (Amazon eBook) – Great for beginners starting with Python.
📕 Mastering Blender Python API (Amazon eBook) – Perfect for those ready to automate and expand Blender workflows.
🎓 Learning Python (Online Course) – Learn at your own pace, practical and project-based.

👨‍💻 Need Help? One-on-One Tutoring Available!

I offer personalized online Python tutoring, including Blender scripting.
💻 Reach out via my contact form to schedule your session.

✅ Final Thoughts

You’ve now created a modular 3D model in Blender using Python and visualized it online. This is just the beginning—automated 3D workflows can revolutionize how you design, visualize, and publish assets on the web.

Have questions or want to show your fence gate render? Drop a comment below!

Recommended Resources:

Disclosure: Some of the links above are referral (affiliate) links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them - at no extra cost to you.