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 — making the rudder with a Bezier Curve


The controls for the Bezier Curves work in a similar manner as the controls for the F-Curve. You have a control point that represents a particular location in space and two control handles that control how the curve approaches and departs from the control point. Check Chapter 3, Controlling the Lamp, the Camera, and Animating Objects again if you need a reminder on how they work:

  1. Select the scaling reference cube. Press M, 2, and Enter to move it to layer 2 so it won't be in your way.

  2. Press Shift+S and select Cursor to Center from the menu. Use Shift+MMB to center your view on the top of the rudder, and Ctrl+MMB to zoom into the rudder. Check the diagram earlier in the chapter if you don't remember what the rudder is. Move the 3D Cursor to the top-right corner of the rudder as shown in the following screenshot.

  3. Press Shift+A and select Curve and then Bezier as shown in the following screenshot:

  4. By default, the Bezier Curve is facing upwards...