An Introduction to

BLENDER
Computer Graphics

Discovering New Worlds

Author: John M Blain An introduction to Computer Modelling and Animation Using the BLENDER program's new Graphical User Interface Version 2.60 Plus

Blender
Computer Modeling and Animation Blender is a open source freeware program maintained by the Blender Foundation. The program can be downloaded, free of charge, from www.blender.org Blender is not an easy program to learn but it has limitless possibilities and will give you an understanding of computer animation. Due to the complexity of the subject it is not possible to cover everything. This manual is designed for beginners to help with the very basics of computer animation using Blender. The subject matter in this publication is aimed at removing some of the frustration from the learning process. Blender is a wonderful application but one major drawbacks has been the lack of up to date basic instruction. Documentation has always lagged behind development. There is a multitude of free information available on the INTERNET from various sites in the form of tutorials. Much of the information is relevant to earlier versions of the program and since there has been a dramatic change to the interface, with the introduction of version 2.50+, I believes that a new student would find learning Blender difficult without a current written instruction. This manual is an attempt to remove some of the pain and relieve frustration by setting out the basics. The manual has been written by trial and error in finding the way between Blender 2.49 and Blender 2.50+. I trust you will find the information informative and useful.

This Manual Is Written Using Blender 2.50+

Blender Versions Blender has been around for a considerable time. On starting the program the Graphical User Interface (GUI) shows a panel with the version number in the center of the screen. On each release this panel has been changed to identify the version. Blender has developed over time and as that development has evolved new releases (versions) of the program have been made available. The program reached the stage where the developers considered that a complete overhaul of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) was called for. Version 2.49 was the last of the old and at the time of writing version 2.60 is the current version. The GUI of 2.5+ is completely different to 2.49 and the frustration of learning the new interface without documentation has prompted the writing of this manual. Graphical User Interface The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is the arrangement of Windows, Panels and Buttons which allow you, the user, to interact with the program. The interaction takes place through inputs via the computer keyboard and mouse. In giving instructions in the use of the program with reference to keyboard and mouse actions a series of commands has evolved. The list of commands is extensive and it is not recommended that a new user attempts to memorise the list without understanding of the meaning. As you progress through this manual many of the commands are repeated over and over and you soon find that it becomes second nature. Of course you will forget the obscure commands therefore a listing is provided in the Appendix to this manual. Evolution Blender will continue to evolve and change. New versions of the program will inevitably be released with additions and changes incorporated but the basic operation of the interface and the majority of the functions will remain unchanged. If you would care to assist in maintaining this manual your comment would be welcome. Please email your comment to: silverjb12@gmail.com Good Luck and Enjoy the Experience. John M Blain

How to Get Blender

Blender can be downloaded from www.blender.org

Note: The above download information is referring to version number 2.60a of the Blender program which is the current version. Blender is always under review but the download site will reflect the most current version release and it is expected that the download procedure and installation will remain unchanged.

Recommended Viewing

Blender 3D Design Course Tufts University

http://www.gryllus.net The Blender 3D Design Course provided by Neil Hirsig of Tufts University is a self paced on line educational facility providing a comprehensive series of video tutorials, PDF tutorials and learning exercises. The video tutorials are short and to the point providing the student with a concise introduction to the many facets of the Blender program. The tutorials are presented in an ordered structure which lead the student gently into the complex and fascinating world of computer modelling and animation using the Blender program. Where you see this logo thought the manual gives an approximate reference to the relevant Learning Unit and Video Tutorial provided on the Blender 3D Course website.
LEARNING UNIT Number Video Tutorial File name

To access the 3D Design Course video tutorials go to the web site address shown at the top of this page. Click on the 'Learning Units' heading to open a selection menu for Learning Units 1 to 5 and Learning Units 6 to 10. Clicking on the Learning Unit headings will in turn open a selection menu for the individual Unit which then provides access to the video tutorials.

Contents
Note: The contents pages reflect the electronic bookmarks provided with the PDF files of the individual Chapters. The Chapter Titles are links to the separate Chapter Pages. Chapter 01 The Blender Interface Chapter 03 Create Edit Objects

Chapter 02 Navigate & Save

G- Day Mate

Chapter 04 Materials

Chapter 10 Raytracing Chapter 11 Animation Basics

Chapter 05 Textures

Chapter 06 World Settings Chapter12 3D Text

Chapter 07 Lighting Chapter 08 Camera Chapter 13 Nurbs & Metashapes

Chapter 09 Rendering

Chapter 14 Modifiers

Chapter 15 Particle System

Chapter 16 Child Parent Relationship

Chapter 17 Constraints

Chapter 18 Armatures

Chapter 19 Relative Shapes Keys

Chapter 20 Fluid Simulation

Chapter 21 Nodes
Have you heard about Blender?

Chapter 22 Game Engine

Chapter 23 Video Sequence Editing

Chapter 24 Appendix