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 the global axis and local axis


We discussed the global and local axes. It's kind of an abstract concept until you use it. Here we can see it:

  1. Select New in the file menu.

  2. With the cursor over the camera, click theRMB to select it. Note the 3D manipulator and that the Z axis (in blue) is straight up. You can press 5 to toggle to Ortho mode to confirm that the Z axis is pointing up.

  3. Move the mouse over the Orientation selector in the 3D View header, outlined in the previous screenshot. Note that it says Global. Move the mouse up the Orientation pop-up menu and select Local with theLMB. Note which direction the Z axis is pointing now.

  4. Change from Local back to Global and back several times, noting the change in direction.

What just happened?

By changing the value of the Orientation Selector, you can choose whether you are working with the global or local axes. Why is this important? The global Z axis is up and down. The local Z axis of the camera is almost sideways. In...