How do I open a Blender file in another file?

The most direct way to transfer objects from one Blender file into another currently open file is by utilizing multiple Blender sessions and simple copy-paste operations.

Transferring Objects Between Blender Files: A Multi-Session Approach

To effectively move specific objects or assets from one Blender project into another without complex import procedures, Blender allows for a straightforward copy-and-paste method across separate running instances of the software. This approach is particularly useful for quickly consolidating elements from different scenes.

Step-by-Step Guide for Copying Objects

Follow these steps to transfer desired objects between your Blender files:

Open Your First Project: Launch Blender and open your initial project (the source file containing the objects you wish to copy). This will be your first Blender session.
Launch a Second Blender Session: Open another instance of Blender. This can typically be done by clicking the Blender shortcut again or by right-clicking the Blender icon in your taskbar and selecting "Blender" to open a new window.
Open Your Second Project: In this newly launched second Blender session, open the destination project (the file where you want to paste the objects).
Copy the Desired Object:
- Switch back to your first Blender session (the source project).
- Select the specific object(s) you wish to transfer.
- Perform a simple copy operation by pressing Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on macOS).
Paste into the Second Project:
- Now, switch to your second Blender session (the destination project).
- Press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V on macOS) to paste the copied object(s) into the current scene.

This method allows for a quick transfer of geometry, materials (if they are part of the copied object), and modifiers, providing an efficient way to merge elements across different projects.