How to add images to objects in Blender 3.5

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll learn how to add images to objects in Blender 3.5. Whether you want to create a custom sign or apply textures to your models, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Enable Import Images as Planes Add-on

• Open Blender and navigate to Edit > Preferences.
• In the preferences window, find the Add-ons section.
• Search for Import-Export: Import Images as Planes and activate it by checking the box.

Step 2: Import an Image onto a Plane

• Press Shift + A to open the Add menu.
• Select Image > Images as Planes.
• Choose the desired image from your files and click Import Images as Planes.
• Switch to Material Preview mode to see the image displayed on the plane.

Step 3: Add an Image to a Cube

• Hide the plane by selecting it and pressing H.
• Press Shift + A to add a new mesh and select Cube.
• Scale the cube if necessary, and ensure its scale is set to 1 by selecting the cube and pressing Ctrl + A > Scale.

Step 4: Create a New Material for the Cube

• Go to the Material Properties panel.
• Click New to create a new material.
• In the Base Color section, click the yellow dot next to it, then select Image Texture.
• Open your image by clicking Open and navigating to your file.

Step 5: Unwrap the Cube

• Switch to Edit Mode by pressing Tab.
• Select all faces by pressing A.
• Press U and choose Cube Projection to unwrap the cube.

Step 6: Adjust Image Placement

• Switch to UV Editing workspace.
• Use Face Select mode to select individual faces.
• Move the faces to adjust the image placement using G to grab and move.
• If you want to remove the image from specific sides, select those faces and move them outside the UV space.

Step 7: Modify Image Texture Settings

• Go to the Shading workspace.
• Ensure the image texture node is connected to the Base Color of the material.
• Change the Extension setting from Repeat to Clip to prevent the image from repeating.
• Return to UV Editing to scale the image on the cube as needed by selecting faces and pressing S to scale.

Step 8: Adding Image to Other Objects

• To add an image to a cylinder, press Shift + A and select Mesh > Cylinder.
• In the Material Properties, you can copy the material from the cube or create a new one.
• Enter Edit Mode, select faces, and adjust their placement as you did with the cube.

Conclusion

You have now learned how to add images to various objects in Blender 3.5! This process can enhance your 3D models, making them more visually appealing. Experiment with different images and objects, and consider exploring more advanced texturing techniques in future projects. If you're interested in furthering your Blender skills, consider checking out available resources or courses. Happy blending!