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 — seeing ray tracing


Now, you'll see ray tracing in action demonstrated with three simple spheres:

  1. Open up a new file.

  2. Delete the default cube.

  3. Press Shift+A. Create a UV Sphere from the Add Mesh menu.

  4. In the 3D View Tool Shelf, go to the Object Tools subpanel, and set Shading: to Smooth.

  5. Press Numpad 0 to get the Camera view.

  6. Press Shift+D to make a copy. Move the new sphere to the right and release it next to the original.

  7. In the Properties window, choose the Material button from the header. It's the ninth button from the left, with the chrome ball on it.

  8. Click on the New button and set the color in the Diffuse subpanel to red.

  9. Select the original sphere again.

  10. Press Shift+D to make a copy. Move the new sphere next to the original one on the left.

  11. In the Properties window, click on the New button and set the color in the Diffuse subpanel to blue.

  12. Select the center sphere again.

  13. In the Properties window click on the New button to create a new material.

  14. In the Mirror subpanel, check...