Blender 3 - Complete Beginners Guide - Part 1

Introduction

This tutorial is designed for beginners looking to get started with Blender 3. It covers the basics of the interface, how to add objects, and essential navigation tips to help you create stunning 3D scenes. By the end of this guide, you'll have a solid foundation to build upon in your Blender journey.

Step 1: Downloading Blender

• Visit the official Blender website: blender.org.
• Navigate to the download section.
• Select the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• Follow the installation instructions specific to your OS.

Step 2: Starting a New Scene

• Open Blender after installation.
• Upon launching, you'll find a default scene loaded.
• You can start from this scene or create a new one by going to File > New > General.

Step 3: Understanding the Viewport

• The viewport is where you’ll do most of your modeling.
• Familiarize yourself with the layout:
  • Toolbar on the left for tools.
  • Properties Panel on the right for object settings.
  • Timeline at the bottom for animation.

Step 4: Emulating Numpad

• To make navigation easier without a numpad, enable the emulation:
  • Go to Edit > Preferences.
  • Select the Input tab.
  • Check the box for Emulate Numpad.

Step 5: Learning the Axis

• Understand the three axes:
  • X-axis: Left to right.
  • Y-axis: Forward and backward.
  • Z-axis: Up and down.
• Use these axes to position and manipulate objects accurately.

Step 6: Camera View

• To switch to camera view, press Numpad 0 or go to View > Cameras > Active Camera.
• You can adjust the camera's position by selecting it in the scene and using the move tool.

Step 7: Orthographic and Perspective Views

• Toggle between orthographic and perspective views:
  • Press Numpad 5 to switch views.
  • Orthographic view is useful for precise modeling, while perspective is better for visualizing the scene.

Step 8: Selecting Objects

• To select an object, right-click on it in the viewport.
• Use Shift + right-click to select multiple objects.
• Deselect an object by right-clicking it again.

Step 9: Move, Rotate, and Scale

• Use the following shortcuts:
  • G to move (grab) an object.
  • R to rotate.
  • S to scale.
• Confirm your action by left-clicking or pressing Enter.

Step 10: Adding Objects

• To add a new object:
  • Press Shift + A to open the Add menu.
  • Choose from options like Mesh, Curve, or Light.
• Experiment with different objects to see how they fit into your scene.

Step 11: Using the 3D Cursor Pie Menu

• The 3D cursor is a versatile tool for positioning objects:
  • Press Shift + Right Mouse Button to place the cursor.
  • Access the pie menu by pressing Shift + A and use it to add objects at the cursor's location.

Step 12: Frame Selected

• To focus on a selected object:
  • Press Numpad . (period) to frame the selected object in your viewport.
• This helps when you have multiple objects and want to zoom in on one.

Conclusion

Now you have a fundamental understanding of Blender's interface and essential functions. Practice navigating the viewport, adding objects, and manipulating them using the tools described. As you become more comfortable, explore additional tutorials to enhance your skills and create more complex scenes. Happy blending!