Learn Blender 3D in 20 Minutes! Blender Tutorial for Absolute Beginners (2023)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a quick and accessible guide for using Blender 3D, tailored for absolute beginners. In just 20 minutes, you will learn essential tools and techniques to start creating your own 3D models. This crash course is perfect for newcomers and those who want to refresh their Blender skills.

Step 1: Setting Up Blender

• Download and Install Blender

  • Visit the official Blender website and download the latest version.
  • Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

• Familiarize Yourself with the Interface

  • Open Blender and take note of the key areas:
    • 3D Viewport: Where you will create and manipulate objects.
    • Toolbar: Contains various tools for modeling and editing.
    • Properties Panel: Used for adjusting settings and parameters of selected objects.

Step 2: Creating Your First Object

• Add a New Object

  • Press Shift + A to open the Add menu.
  • Select a basic shape like a Cube, Sphere, or Cylinder to get started.

• Manipulate the Object

  • Use the following shortcuts for basic transformations:
    • Move: Press G and drag to move your object.
    • Rotate: Press R to rotate the object.
    • Scale: Press S to resize the object.

Step 3: Editing Your Object

• Enter Edit Mode

  • Select your object and press Tab to switch to Edit Mode.
  • You can manipulate vertices, edges, and faces individually.

• Basic Editing Tools

  • Select Vertices: Right-click to select individual vertices.
  • Extrude: Press E to extrude selected geometry, creating new shapes.
  • Delete: Select unwanted geometry and press X to delete.

Step 4: Applying Materials and Colors

• Open the Materials Tab

  • In the Properties Panel, click on the Material icon (a sphere).

• Create a New Material

  • Click the "New" button to create a new material.
  • Adjust the Base Color to give your object a unique look.

Step 5: Lighting and Rendering

• Add Lighting

  • Press Shift + A and choose Light > Point or Sun to add light to your scene.
  • Adjust the light's position and intensity in the Properties Panel.

• Render Your Scene

  • Switch to the Render tab in the Properties Panel.
  • Click on the "Render" button to see a preview of your scene.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you've now learned the basic functionalities of Blender 3D, from setting up the software to rendering your first scene. As next steps, consider exploring more complex modeling techniques, experimenting with textures, or diving into animation. Don't forget to check out additional resources or tutorials for deeper learning!