Creating an Image Textured Cube with Blender Python and Viewing It on the Web

This beginner level tutorial explains how to create a simple three dimensional cube using the Blender Python API and place a different image on each side of the cube. The finished model is then displayed in a web browser using the model viewer web component. The scene is lit using an HDR environment image which is the Courtyard EXR included with Blender 4.5 LTS.

This workflow is ideal for learning the basics of Python scripting in Blender and understanding how three dimensional content can be shared on the web.

Why Use Blender Python

Blender includes a powerful Python API that allows automation of modeling materials lighting and exporting. Instead of clicking through menus each step can be described in code which makes it repeatable and easier to learn over time.

Creating a Cube with Images on All Sides

To place different images on each side of a cube we follow these simple steps

• Create a cube
• Unwrap the UVs so images know where to appear
• Create one material per face
• Load one image per material
• Assign each material to a different face

Blender Python Script

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import bpy

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

# Create a cube
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add(size=2, location=(0, 0, 0))
cube = bpy.context.active_object

# UV unwrap
bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
bpy.ops.mesh.select_all(action='SELECT')
bpy.ops.uv.unwrap(method='ANGLE_BASED')
bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='OBJECT')

def create_image_material(name, image_path):
    mat = bpy.data.materials.new(name=name)
    mat.use_nodes = True

    nodes = mat.node_tree.nodes
    links = mat.node_tree.links
    nodes.clear()

    tex_node = nodes.new(type='ShaderNodeTexImage')
    bsdf_node = nodes.new(type='ShaderNodeBsdfPrincipled')
    output_node = nodes.new(type='ShaderNodeOutputMaterial')

    tex_node.image = bpy.data.images.load(image_path)

    links.new(tex_node.outputs['Color'], bsdf_node.inputs['Base Color'])
    links.new(bsdf_node.outputs['BSDF'], output_node.inputs['Surface'])

    return mat

image_paths = [
    "/path/to/image1.png",
    "/path/to/image2.png",
    "/path/to/image3.png",
    "/path/to/image4.png",
    "/path/to/image5.png",
    "/path/to/image6.png",
]

for i, path in enumerate(image_paths):
    mat = create_image_material(f"FaceMat{i}", path)
    cube.data.materials.append(mat)

for i, poly in enumerate(cube.data.polygons):
    poly.material_index = i

Each face of the cube receives its own material and each material contains a different image. This is the key step that places unique images on all sides of the cube.

Lighting with an HDR Image

The scene is lit using an HDR environment texture. Blender 4.5 LTS includes a Courtyard EXR file which can be assigned to the World shader. HDR lighting provides soft realistic light and reflections without adding traditional lamps.

Exporting the Model for the Web

After the cube is complete it can be exported as a GLB file. This format includes geometry materials and textures in a single file which makes it ideal for web use.

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bpy.ops.export_scene.gltf(
    filepath="image_cube.glb",
    export_format='GLB'
)

Displaying the Cube in the Browser

The model viewer web component allows three dimensional models to be displayed directly in modern browsers using standard HTML.

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<script type="module"
  src="https://unpkg.com/@google/model-viewer/dist/model-viewer.min.js">
</script>

<model-viewer 
  src="image_cube.glb"
  environment-image="courtyard.exr"
  auto-rotate
  camera-controls>
</model-viewer>

Open Source Tools and Licenses

Blender is open source software released under the GNU General Public License. This license ensures Blender remains free and community driven.

Model viewer is also open source and is released under the Apache License version 2.0. This permissive license allows use in both personal and commercial projects.

📸 Screenshots & Screencast

Books and Learning Resources

If you want to learn more about Python and Blender scripting you may find these resources helpful.

Learning Python book on Amazon

Mastering Blender Python API book on Amazon

Learning Python online course

One on One Python and Blender Training

I am available for one on one online Python tutorials including Blender Python scripting.

Contact me for private training

Conclusion

This beginner friendly workflow shows how Blender Python scripting HDR lighting and web based three dimensional viewing can work together. It is a strong foundation for anyone interested in automation three dimensional graphics and sharing interactive models on the web.