Blender Object Manipulation Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Overview of adding and deleting objects in Blender.
• Importance of understanding object manipulation for Blender projects.

Deleting Objects

• Default Cube: Known meme in Blender to start projects by deleting the default cube.
• Methods to Delete:
  • Object Menu: Select cube, go to Object menu, choose Delete.
  • Context Menu: Right-click selected object, choose Delete.
  • Hotkey X: Press X after selecting the object, confirms with a popup.
  • Delete Key: Select object and press delete for immediate action.
  • Outliner: Select in Outliner, right-click, and delete or use X/Delete hotkeys.

Adding Objects

• Add Menu: Access via 3D view header.
  • Sections: Mesh, curves, nurbs, metaballs, text, volumes, grease pencil, armatures, empties, images, lights.
  • Mesh Objects: Typically used most frequently.

Detailed Object Types

• Curves: Similar to vector applications.
• NURBS Surfaces: Less recommended in Blender.
• Metaballs: Unique interactive shapes that meld together.
• Grease Pencil: For 2D animation.

3D Cursor

• Default Object Placement: Added at 3D cursor's location.
  • Move 3D Cursor:
    • 3D Cursor Tool: In toolbar, left-click to place.
    • Shift + Right Click: Place while using other tools.
    • Reset to Center: Object > Snap > Cursor to World Origin.
  • Snap to Object: Object > Snap > Cursor to Selected.

Hotkeys and Adjustments

• Shift + S: Opens Snap menu for cursor.
• Adjust Last Operation Panel:
  • Found in the bottom left of the viewport.
  • Adjust parameters of recently added objects.
  • F9 Hotkey: Reopens panel for further adjustments.

Interactive Object Addition

• Toolbar Addition Tool:
  • Includes Cube, Cone, etc.
  • Allows interactive placement and resizing.
  • Modifiers: Use shift to constrain proportions, alt to draw from the center.
  • Tool Properties vs Redo Panel:
    • Tool properties affect future actions.
    • Redo panel adjusts current object properties.

Practice

• Homework: Practice adding and deleting objects, moving the 3D cursor.
  • Create simple structures or objects to build muscle memory.

Conclusion

• Mastery of object manipulation is foundational for further Blender skills.
• Encouraged to practice to ease future learning processes.