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 — using arrays to create the pilings for the pier


Arrays are similar to DupliFrames, and DupliVerts, but instead of depending on objects to control the distribution of copies, arrays use mathematical formulas that list the number of copies and the kind of spacing that is put between copies. They are great for making pier pilings:

  1. Press A to deselect all objects.

  2. Press Shift+A and select Mesh then Cylinder from the menus. Name the cylinder Piling.

  3. In the Add Cylinder subpanel of Tool Shelf, set the Vertices to 15.

  4. If you do not see the Add Cylinder subpanel, look for a small plus sign at the bottom of the Tool Shelf. Click on the plus sign and the Add Cylinder subpanel will appear.

  5. Press S, 0.650, and Enter to make the cylinder narrower.

  6. Press S, Z, 8, and Enter to make the cylinder taller.

  7. Press Numpad 7 so you get a Top view.

  8. Press G, X, and use the mouse to move the cylinder so it is on the outside of the rail as shown in the left hand side of the following screenshot. Release...