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 — adding planks to the pier with DupliFrames


DupliFrames are the stronger cousin to DupliVerts. It will take one plank and make 100 out of it, and use the same object that you made to control the rails of the pier:

  1. Now select the cube you made to establish the length of the pier, with theRMB. In the Properties window, select the Object button in the header. It is the fifth button from the left, with the cube on it. Change the name from Cube to Plank.

  2. In the 3D View Properties panel in the Transform subpanel, set the Dimensions: to X: 8.00, Y: 1.000, and Z: 0.150.

  3. Press Shift+RMB and select the Pier Railing Path.

  4. Press Ctrl+P to parent the rails to the plank. Select Object from the pop-up menu.

  5. Zoom out and select the plank with theRMB.

  6. Press G and move the plank to the land end of the rails.

  7. Zoom in to the plank. Move the plank so it is just to the right of the right end of the rails. Center it between the rails as shown on the left side of the following screenshot. Release the...