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 a template


Now you'll get started by putting up the templates so they can be seen within the 3D View:

  1. Open a new file in Blender.

  2. Press Numpad 3 to get the Right view in the 3D View. Press Numpad 5 to make sure it is in Ortho mode.

  3. Press N to display the Properties panel in the 3D View.

  4. Scroll down to the Background Images subpanel of the 3D View Properties panel as seen in the following screenshot.

  5. Click theLMB over the triangle that is on the left of the subpanel to open it up.

  6. Check the checkbox by the text Background Images so that the background image will be displayed.

  7. Click on the Add Image button with theLMB.

  8. Click on the Open button with theLMB and load the image 6907_07_01.png from this chapter's Images directory in the download pack.

  9. Click on the black All Views button next to Axis:, and select Right from the pop-up menu.

  10. Press Numpad 7 to see the Top view in the 3D View.

  11. Click the Add Image button in the Background Images subpanel of the 3D View Properties panel...