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 — introducing layers


It's time for a little introduction to using Blender's layers. Here, you will be learning how to use them with the keyboard. If you are using the Numpad Emulator setting, rather than pressing the numbers on your keyboard, use the Layer Visibility Controls as just discussed, and select the layer that corresponds with the keyboard number.

  1. Select the Viewport Shading menu on the 3D View header, and set the shading to Solid.

  2. Use theMMB to rotate the scene, so you can see the top of the boat. Get into Object Mode.

  3. Press the 5 key on your keyboard, not on the Numpad. If you are emulating the Numpad, select layer 5 from the Layer Visibility Controls, and do so for the rest of this exercise.

  4. Press the 2 key on your keyboard.

  5. Press the 1 key on your keyboard.

  6. Press the Alt key and the 7 key at the same time. Note how the dark color on the Layer Visibility Control shifts to layer 17. Numpad emulators select layer 17.

  7. Press Shift+A, and make a Monkey.

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