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 line to control the mainsail


You can't control the sail without a line. Made just like the tiller, it shows the flexibility of this technique:

  1. Press A to deselect all objects. In the File menu, select Append.

  2. Find 6907_09_sloop_line.blend.

  3. Open the Object folder.

  4. Press A to select the Line and the Line Shape.

  5. In the 3D View, select the Line as shown in the following screenshot:

  6. Press the Tab key to get into Edit Mode. You see the control points of the Bezier Curve that creates the line. Press the Tab key to re-enter Object Mode.

  7. In the Properties window header, press the Object Data button. It's the eighth one from the left. The line is made just the same way as the tiller. In the Geometry subpanel you will see Line Shape listed as the Bevel Object, as in the following image.

  8. Press Shift+LMB to select Empty. Press Ctrl+P to parent the Empty to the line.

  9. Select Empty and press R, Z, Z to do a test rotation. Press theRMB when you are done.

What just happened?

The line was...