Book Image

Blender 3D Basics

Book Image

Blender 3D Basics

Overview of this book

Blender is by far the most popular open source graphics program available. It is a full featured 3D modeling, animation and games development tool used by millions all over the world ñ and it's free! This book is for those looking for an entry into the world of 3D modeling and animation regardless of prior experience. Blender 3D Basics is the entry level book for those without prior experience using 3D tools. It caters for those who may have downloaded Blender in the past but were frustrated by its lack of intuitiveness. Using simple steps it builds, chapter by chapter, into a full foundation in 3D modeling and animation. Using Blender 3D Basics the reader will model a maritime scene complete with boats and water, then add materials, lighting and animation. The book demystifies the Blender interface and explains what each tool does so that you will be left with a thorough understanding of 3D.
Table of Contents (20 chapters)
Blender 3D Basics Beginner's Guide
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
3
Controlling the Lamp, the Camera, and Animating Objects
Index

Time for action — discovering your tools


The 3D View has three major control panels: the Header, which we have looked at; the Tool Shelf on the left side, which says Object Tools at the top; and the Properties Panel, which is hidden by default:

  1. Close Blender and open it again.

  2. With your mouse over the 3D View, press the N key. The Properties Panel appears. It has controls to change the location, rotation, and scaling of objects.

  3. Press the N key again. The Properties Panel disappears.

  4. Press the T key. The Tool Shelf disappears.

  5. Press the T key again. The Tool Shelf reappears and contains many controls used when building objects.

What just happened?

You looked at the Tool Shelf and Properties Panel as shown in the following screenshot. You also learned how to toggle the Tool Shelf and the Properties Panel on and off.

The Tool Shelf gives you control over the current object and the Properties Panel lets you set things like the location of the 3D Cursor and the location, rotation, and scaling of the...