Blender Open-Source 3D Software Tutorial

Introduction

• Blender is a free, open-source 3D software used for animations, visual effects, game assets, etc.
• Tutorial series for complete beginners, focusing on core features.
• By the end, users will have created their own donut animation.

Getting Started

• Download Blender from blender.org.
• Install on Windows or Mac by following standard install steps.
• Open Blender, close the splash screen, and start exploring the interface.

Blender Interface and Navigation

• 3D Viewport: Main window for 3D work.
• Objects: Camera, cube, and lamp are initial starting objects.
• Navigating:
  • Orbit: Middle mouse button
  • Pan: Shift + Middle mouse button
  • Zoom: Scroll wheel or Ctrl + Middle mouse button
• Adjusting View:
  • Interface preferences like resolution scale for 4K monitors.

Basic Object Manipulation

• Deleting and Adding Objects:
  • Delete default cube.
  • Add objects via Add Menu or Shift + A.
  • Example: Adding a monkey (Suzanne head).
• Moving Objects:
  • Move using the move tool or G for grab.
  • To move on specific axes, use X, Y, or Z after pressing G.
• Scaling and Rotating Objects:
  • Scale with S.
  • Rotate with R.
  • Lock transformations to axes.

Working with Materials and Rendering

• Materials: Change object colors and properties.
• Render Modes: Viewport shading and rendered view.
• Camera: Adjust camera view, lock to view, and render settings.

Creating and Modifying the Donut

• Starting with a Torus: Base shape for the donut.
• Subdivision Surface Modifier: Adds detail without increasing vertex count.
• Editing Mesh:
  • Enter edit mode to adjust vertices, edges, and faces.
  • Use proportional editing to create natural shapes.

Adding Icing to the Donut

• Duplicating Objects: Create icing by duplicating and modifying the donut.
• Solidify Modifier: Add thickness to icing.
• Creating Realistic Icing Shapes: Use snapping and proportional editing.

Sculpting Details

• Sculpt Mode: Add fine details like icing drips.
• Inflate Tool: Enhance areas to mimic realistic icing pooling.
• Smoothing and Masking: Refine details for a natural look.

Materials and Texture Painting

• Assigning Materials: Apply colors and properties to the donut and icing.
• Texture Painting: Add variations in color to mimic cooking patterns.
• Saving Textures: Ensure painted textures are saved externally.

Adding Sprinkles

• Geometry Nodes: Use for distributing objects like sprinkles on surfaces.
• Randomizing Colors: Use object info nodes for varied sprinkle colors.

Rendering Settings

• Cycles vs. Eevee: Differences in rendering engines, settings, and when to use each.
• Subsurface Scattering: Add realism to materials.
• Lighting Setup: Create realistic lighting scenarios using area lamps and the sky texture.

Finalizing the Scene

• Composition and Animation:
  • Arrange multiple donuts and add a camera move.
  • Keyframe animations for dynamic scenes.
• Compositing: Add effects like glare and adjust final render settings.

Exporting the Final Animation

• Output Settings: Render frames as images to avoid data loss.
• Video Editing in Blender: Compile images into a video sequence using Blender’s video editor.

Conclusion

• Explore further with custom donut designs and variations.
• Experiment with lighting, colors, and additional models.

Additional Resources

• Discord and Community Help: Engage with others for assistance and shared learning.