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 — controlling flat and smooth surfaces


By default the surfaces are flat. But you want the rounded surfaces to be smooth. Selecting the faces is the main task. Making them smooth once you have them selected is easy:

  1. Press Numpad 1 and adjust the 3D View window so you see the grip and the guard.

  2. Select the Oar and get into Edit Mode.

  3. Choose Face Select mode from the 3D View header.

  4. Press B and use Border Select to choose the faces of the grip as seen in the left of the following screenshot. Do not select the end of the grip.

  5. Next use Border Select to select the faces on the perimeter of the grip guard, as shown in the center of the next screenshot. Do not select the faces of the sides.

  6. Now select the faces of the oar shaft, the top perimeter of the blade, and where the shaft tapers down within the blade as shown on the right of the next screenshot:

  7. ClickLMB on the Smooth button in the Tool Shelf on the left side of the 3D View window.

  8. Press the Tab key to get into Object Mode. Zoom...