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 trees to the landscape


Like the ANT Landscape, Sapling uses mathematical algorithms to create organic forms. You'll step through the menus to make a tree:

  1. Create a new Blender file.

  2. In the File menu at the upper-left corner of the Blender window, select User Preferences, as you did earlier in this chapter to use the ANT Landscape add-on. The Blender User Preferences window will pop up.

  3. Select Addons from the Blender User Preferences menu. Scroll down and put a checkmark in the box for Add Curve:Sapling. Select Install Add-on... from the header at the bottom of the menu.

  4. Press the X button at the upper right-hand corner of the Blender User Preferences window and close the window. If you are using a Mac or Linux, use the red dot on the left-hand corner of the Blender User Preferences window.

  5. Delete the default cube.

  6. Press Shift+A and select Curve and then Add Tree from the menus.

  7. Press Numpad 1 to get the Front view. Press Numpad 5 to get Ortho mode. Press Shift+MMB and...