Blender Day 1 - Absolute Basics - Introduction Series for Beginners ( compatible with 4.3)

Introduction

This tutorial is designed for absolute beginners looking to get acquainted with Blender, a powerful 3D modeling software. In this first day of the series, you will learn the basic interface, essential commands, and how to create simple objects. By the end of this session, you will have developed a foundational understanding of Blender, which will prepare you for more complex tasks in future tutorials.

Step 1: Explore the Blender Interface

• Launch Blender: Start the software and familiarize yourself with the layout.
• Key Areas of the Interface:
  • 3D Viewport: The main area where you create and manipulate objects.
  • Tool Shelf: Located on the left side, it contains tools for creating and modifying objects.
  • Properties Panel: On the right, it allows you to adjust settings related to the selected object.
  • Outliner: Displays a hierarchical view of all objects in your scene.

Practical Tips

• Spend time clicking through different areas to understand their function.
• Use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom in and out in the 3D viewport.

Step 2: Basic Commands for Moving, Rotating, and Scaling

• Select an Object: Right-click on an object to select it.
• Move: Press G (Grab) and then drag the mouse to move the object.
• Rotate: Press R to rotate the object.
• Scale: Press S to scale the object.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure the object is selected before trying to move, rotate, or scale it.
• Remember to right-click to select unless you have changed this setting in preferences.

Step 3: Understanding the 3D Cursor

• 3D Cursor: Acts as the pivot point for transformations.
• Positioning the Cursor:
  • Left-click to place the cursor in the 3D viewport.
  • Use Shift + Right Click to move it precisely.

Practical Advice

• Keep the 3D cursor at the center of your scene for easier object placement.

Step 4: Navigating the Viewport

• Pan: Hold Shift + Middle Mouse Button and drag.
• Rotate View: Hold the Middle Mouse Button and drag.
• Zoom: Scroll the mouse wheel or hold Ctrl + Middle Mouse Button and drag.

Step 5: Creating Basic Objects

• Add Objects:
  • Press Shift + A to bring up the Add menu.
  • Select from options like Mesh > Cube to create a new object.

Assignment 1: Create a Basic Table

1. Add a Cube to your scene.
2. Scale it to create the tabletop (use S).
3. Add four more cubes for the legs and position them appropriately.

Step 6: Understanding Object Selection and Active Objects

• Use Right Click to select objects.
• Use Shift + Right Click for multiple selections.

Step 7: Working with Coordinates

• Global vs. Local Coordinates:
  • Global coordinates refer to the world space.
  • Local coordinates relate to the object's origin.
• Toggle between these settings in the Transform panel.

Step 8: Utilizing Snapping Options

• Enable snapping by clicking the magnet icon in the top bar.
• Use Shift + Tab to toggle snapping on and off.
• Choose snapping modes (e.g., vertex, edge) for precise placement.

Step 9: Viewport Display Options

• Adjust viewport shading for better visualization:
  • Wireframe, Solid, Material Preview, or Rendered modes.

Step 10: Rendering Your Scene

• Render Settings:
  • Go to the Render tab in the Properties Panel.
  • Set your resolution and output settings.
• Render Image: Press F12 to see your scene rendered.

Conclusion

In this first day of your Blender journey, you have learned the basics of the interface, essential commands for moving and modifying objects, and how to create a simple scene. Practice these skills to build muscle memory. On the next day, you will delve into editing mesh objects and further enhancing your skills. Happy blending!