The Complete Guide to Blender Graphics, 4th Edition

The Complete Guide to Blender Graphics, 4th Edition

by John M. Blain
Released September 2017
Publisher(s): A K Peters/CRC Press
ISBN: 9781351622820

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Book description

Blender is a free and open source graphics program for computer modeling and animation incorporating Photorealstic Rendering, Realistic Materials, Character Rigging, Sculpting, UV Unwrapping, Compositing, Simulation, Camera and Object Tracking, Game Creation and Video Editing.

The program is comprehensive. The interface is extensive. The creative experience is fantastic.

The Complete Guide to Blender Graphics: Computer Modeling and Animation is a unified learning manual for beginners and a reference for advanced users. The manual introduces the basic components of the Blender program with reference to the interface using written instruction in conjunction with illustrations and examples.

In this fourth edition of The Complete Guide to Blender Graphics the author has included changes to the program which eventuate as Blender is developed and improved. New subject matter has been added with examples.

Key Features:

    • Contents are structured in a building-block fashion, using content covered in early chapters to explain more complex content in later chapters.

    • Describes the basic operations of the interface and the majority of its functions with visual references and practical examples

    • Significantly expands discussion of advanced features providing the reader with a guide to the full potential of the program.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Halftitle
  3. Title
  4. Copyright
  5. Table of Contents
    1. Introduction
    2. The Author
    3. Acknowledgements
    4. Download & Installation
    5. Recommended Viewing
    6. CH01: The Blender Interface
      1. 1.0 Starting Blender
      2. 1.1 The Blender Screen
      3. 1.2 Interface Input
      4. 1.3 Interface Arrangement
      5. 1.4 Modifying the Interface
      6. 1.5 Blender Windows
      7. 1.6 The 3D Window
      8. 1.7 The Info (Information) Window
      9. 1.8 The Properties Window
      10. 1.9 The Outliner Window
      11. 1.10 Multiple Scenes
      12. 1.11 Expanding the Outliner Window
      13. 1.12 The User Preferences Window
    7. CH02: Navigate and Save
      1. 2.0 Navigate and Save
      2. 2.1 Windows File Explorer
      3. 2.2 Blender File Browser
      4. 2.3 Saving Your Work
      5. 2.4 The Concept of Files
      6. 2.5 The Append or Link Command
      7. 2.6 Importing Objects
      8. 2.7 Packing Data
    8. CH03: Working with Objects
      1. 3.0 Starting a New File
      2. 3.1 Modifying the Scene
      3. 3.2 Modifying Objects (Modeling)
      4. 3.3 Placing Objects in the Scene
      5. 3.4 Deleting Objects
      6. 3.5 Naming Objects
      7. 3.6 Edit Mode and Object Mode
      8. 3.7 Viewport Shading
      9. 3.8 Mesh Types
      10. 3.9 Duplicating Objects
      11. 3.10 Other Types of Objects
      12. 3.11 Object Placement
      13. 3.12 Manipulating Objects
      14. 3.13 The Transformation Widget
    9. CH04: Editing Objects
      1. 4.0 The Mesh Object
      2. 4.1 Edit Mode Selecting
      3. 4.2 Selecting Vertices, Edges and Faces
      4. 4.3 Manipulating Selected Vertices, Edges and Faces
      5. 4.4 Creating Vertices
      6. 4.5 Specials Menu
      7. 4.6 Creating Vertex Groups
      8. 4.7 Center Points
      9. 4.8 Extruding Shapes
      10. 4.9 Proportional Vertex Editing
      11. 4.10 Creating a Landscape
      12. 4.11 Edge and Loop Selection
      13. 4.12 Inset Faces
      14. 4.13 Deleting and Adding Vertices, Edges, or Faces
    10. CH05: Editing Tools
      1. 5.0 The Knife Tool
      2. 5.1 Joining and Separating Meshes
      3. 5.2 Object Groups
      4. 5.3 Sculpt Mode
      5. 5.4 Curves Circles and Paths
      6. 5.5 The Spin Tool
      7. 5.6 Spin Duplication
      8. 5.7 The Screw Tool
      9. 5.8 Modifiers for Editing
      10. 5.9 Dupliverts
      11. 5.10 Practical Examples
    11. CH06: Materials
      1. 6.0 Material Settings
      2. 6.1 Material Buttons
      3. 6.2 Material Colors
      4. 6.3 Adding a New Material
      5. 6.4 The Preview Tab
      6. 6.5 The Diffuse Tab
      7. 6.6 The Specular Tab
      8. 6.7 The Hardness Value
      9. 6.8 Ramp Shaders
      10. 6.9 Transparency and Reflection
      11. 6.10 Halo Settings
      12. 6.11 Vertex Painting
      13. 6.12 Materials and the GUI
      14. 6.13 The Outliner Window - Materials
      15. 6.14 Assigning Texture Color
    12. CH07: Textures
      1. 7.0 Texture Prerequisites
      2. 7.1 Textures in General
      3. 7.2 Material Textures
      4. 7.3 Texture Display in the 3D Window
      5. 7.4 Texture Mapping
      6. 7.5 Displacement Mapping
      7. 7.6 Surface Displacement
      8. 7.7 UV Mapping
      9. 7.8 Selective UV Texture Mapping
      10. 7.9 Unwrapping with Seams
      11. 7.10 Texture Paint
      12. 7.11 Paint Image Texture
    13. CH08: World Settings
      1. 8.0 The Properties Window World Buttons
      2. 8.1 Mist Effect
      3. 8.2 Texture as Background
      4. 8.3 Image as Background
      5. 8.4 Image as Template
      6. 8.5 Stars
    14. CH09: Lighting and Cameras
      1. 9.0 Lamp Settings
      2. 9.1 Cameras
      3. 9.2 Camera Settings
      4. 9.3 Camera Switching
      5. 9.4 Camera Tracking
    15. CH10: Rendering and Ray Tracing
      1. 10.0 The Properties Window Render Buttons
      2. 10.1 The Dimensions Tab
      3. 10.2 The Anti-Aliasing Tab
      4. 10.3 The Output Tab
      5. 10.4 Rendering a JPEG Image
      6. 10.5 Rendering a Movie File
      7. 10.6 Video Playback
      8. 10.7 Video Codees
      9. 10.8 Making a Movie
      10. 10.9 Raytracing
      11. 10.10 Cycles Ray Trace Rendering
    16. CH11: Animation Basics
      1. 11.0 The Animation Scene
      2. 11.1 Keyframes Time and Interpolation
      3. 11.2 Animation Speed and Length
      4. 11.3 Inserting a Keyframe
      5. 11.4 Viewing Your Animation
      6. 11.5 The Graph Editor Window
      7. 11.6 Reading the Graph
      8. 11.7 Editing the F-Curve
      9. 11.8 Other Types of Curves
      10. 11.9 The Curve Properties Panel
      11. 11.10 Automatic Key Framing
      12. 11.11 Animating Rotation
      13. 11.12 Rotation Using F-Curves
      14. 11.13 Animating Other Features
      15. 11.14 Keying Sets
      16. 11.15 Vertex Animation
      17. 11.16 Animation Following Curves
      18. 11.17 Following Path: The Child/Parent Relationship Method
      19. 11.18 Follow the Path: The Follow Path Constraint Method
      20. 11.19 Displacement Sound Animations
      21. 11.20 Sound Effect and Cast Modifier
    17. CH12: 3D Text
      1. 12.0 Creating 3D Text in Blender
      2. 12.1 The Object Data Button “F”
      3. 12.2 Fonts
      4. 12.3 Creating Text on a Curve
      5. 12.4 Converting Text to a Mesh Object
      6. 12.5 Converting Text to a Curve
      7. 12.6 Entering External Font
    18. CH13: Nurbs and Meta Shapes
      1. 13.0 Using Nurbs Curves
      2. 13.1 Nurbs Circle
      3. 13.2 Nurbs Curve
      4. 13.3 Lofting
      5. 13.4 Meta Shapes
    19. CH14: Modifiers in General
      1. 14.0 Object Modifiers in General
      2. 14.1 The Modifier Stack
      3. 14.2 The Modify Group
      4. 14.3 UV Project Modifier
    20. CH15: Modifiers – Generate
      1. 15.0 The Generate Group
      2. 15.1 Array Modifier
      3. 15.2 Bevel Modifier
      4. 15.3 Boolean Modifier
      5. 15.3 Boolean Modifier
      6. 15.4 Build Modifier
      7. 15.5 Decimate Modifier
      8. 15.6 Edge Split Modifier
      9. 15.7 Mask Modifier
      10. 15.8 Mirror Modifier
      11. 15.9 Multiresolution Modifier
      12. 15.10 Remesh Modifier
      13. 15.11 Screw Modifier
      14. 15.12 Skin Modifier
      15. 15.13 Solidify Modifier
      16. 15.14 Subdivision Surface Modifier
      17. 15.15 Triangulation Modifier
      18. 15.16 Wireframe Modifier
    21. CH16: Modifiers – Deform
      1. 16.0 Deform Modifiers
      2. 16.1 Armature Modifier
      3. 16.2 Cast Modifier
      4. 16.3 Corrective Smooth Modifier
      5. 16.4 Curve Modifier
      6. 16.5 Displace Modifier
      7. 16.6 Hook Modifier
      8. 16.7 Laplacian Smooth Modifier
      9. 16.8 Laplacian Deform Modifier
      10. 16.9 Lattice Modifier
      11. 16.10 Mesh Deform Modifier
      12. 16.11 Shrinkwrap Modifier
      13. 16.12 Simple Deform Modifier
      14. 16.13 Smooth Modifier
      15. 16.14 Warp Modifier
      16. 16.15 Wave Modifier
    22. CH17: Modifiers – Simulate
      1. 17.0 Cloth Modifier
      2. 17.1 Collision Modifier
      3. 17.2 Dynamic Paint Modifier
      4. 17.3 Explode Modifier
      5. 17.4 Fluid Simulation Modifier
      6. 17.5 Ocean Modifier
      7. 17.6 Particle Instance Modifier
      8. 17.7 Particle System
      9. 17.8 Smoke Modifier
      10. 17.9 Soft Body Modifier
    23. CH18: Particle Systems
      1. 18.0 The Default Particle System
      2. 18.1 The Emissions Tab
      3. 18.2 The Velocity Tab
      4. 18.3 More Effects
      5. 18.4 Particles Display as Other Objects
      6. 18.5 Particle Modifiers
      7. 18.6 Particle Buttons Tabs - Detail
      8. 18.7 Understanding Particle Systems
      9. 18.8 Material Influence on Particles
      10. 18.9 Creating Stars
      11. 18.10 Creating a Mist Effect
      12. 18.11 Particle Interaction
      13. 18.12 Wind Force
      14. 18.13 Sample Particle Settings
      15. 18.14 Snow Effect
      16. 18.15 Fire Simulation
      17. 18.16 Simple Fireworks
      18. 18.17 Keyed Particle Systems
      19. 18.18 Boids Particle Systems
      20. 18.19 Hair Particles
      21. 18.20 The Assignment Tab
      22. 18.21 Practical Exercises
      23. 18.22 Particle Modifiers
      24. 18.23 Fluid Particles
    24. CH19: Constraints
      1. 19.0 Introduction to Constraints
      2. 19.1 Constraint Stacks
      3. 19.2 Transform Constraints
      4. 19.3 The Transformation Constraint
      5. 19.4 Tracking Constraints
      6. 19.5 Relationship Constraints
      7. 19.6 The Action Constraint
      8. 19.7 The Shrinkwrap Constraint
      9. 19.8 The Rigid Body Joint Constraint
      10. 19.9 The Follow Path Constraint
    25. CH20: Armatures
      1. 20.0 Child/Parent Relationship
      2. 20.1 Single Bone Armature
      3. 20.2 Adding Armatures
      4. 20.3 Armature Display Types
      5. 20.4 Multi-Bone Armatures
      6. 20.5 Multi-bone by Subdivision
      7. 20.6 Multi-bone by Extrusion
      8. 20.7 Naming Bones
      9. 20.8 Deforming a Mesh
      10. 20.9 Vertex Groups vs Field of Influence
      11. 20.10 Inverse Kinematics Constraint
      12. 20.11 Spline IK Constraint
      13. 20.12 Forward
    26. CH21: Character Rigging
      1. 21.0 Human Character Model
      2. 21.1 Centering the Cursor
      3. 21.2 Creating the Armature (Root Bone)
      4. 21.3 Bone Naming
      5. 21.4 Adding More Bones
      6. 21.5 Creating Arm Bones
      7. 21.6 Mirror Bones
      8. 21.7 Creating Leg Bones
      9. 21.8 Assigning the Mesh
      10. 21.9 Vertex Groups
      11. 21.10 Correct Parenting Issues
      12. 21.11 Parenting Legs
      13. 21.12 Inverse Kinematics (IK)
      14. 21.13 Elbow Target Bones Figure 21.25
      15. 21.14 IK Chains for the Legs
      16. 21.15 Pinning the Feet
      17. 21.16 Controlling Hips and Torso
      18. 21.17 Pinning the Hands
      19. 21.18 Keeping on Track
      20. 21.19 Setting a Constraint Slider
      21. 21.20 Correcting Hand Movement
      22. 21.21 Head Rotation Tweak
      23. 21.22 Translating the Rig
      24. 21.23 Pre-Assembled Armatures
      25. 21.24 Pre-Rigged Characters
      26. 21.25 Corrective Smooth Modifier
      27. 21.26 Summary to This Point
      28. 21.27 Rigging with Rigify
    27. CH22: Shape Keys & Action Editors
      1. 22.0 Shape Key Editor
      2. 22.1 Add a Key Slider
      3. 22.2 Set Limits of Movement
      4. 22.3 Inserting a Keyframe
      5. 22.4 Inserting a Second Keyframe
      6. 22.5 Inserting Multiple Keyframes
      7. 22.6 The Animation
      8. 22.7 Additional Keys
      9. 22.8 Action Editor
      10. 22.9 Shape Keys and Action Editor in Practice
    28. CH23: Fluid Simulation
      1. 23.0 The Quick Fluid Method
      2. 23.1 Starting from Scratch
      3. 23.2 The Bakery
      4. 23.3 Fluid Objects
      5. 23.4 Viscosity Presets
      6. 23.5 Fluid Simulation Examples
    29. CH24: Smoke Simulation
      1. 24.0 Quick Smoke
      2. 24.1 Smoke from Scratch
      3. 24.2 The Domain
      4. 24.3 The Emitter
      5. 24.4 Rendering Smoke
      6. 24.5 Domain Render Settings
      7. 24.6 Lighting Effect
      8. 24.7 Smoke with Color
      9. 24.8 Fire
      10. 24.9 Smoke Plus Fire
      11. 24.10 Smoke Animation Preview
      12. 24.11 Smoke Recap
      13. 24.12 Smoke from Particles
      14. 24.13 Final Exercise
      15. 24.14 Summary
    30. CH25: Nodes
      1. 25.0 Introduction
      2. 25.1 Node Arrangement
      3. 25.2 Material Nodes
      4. 25.3 Texture Nodes
      5. 25.4 Compositing Nodes
      6. 25.5 Node Groups
      7. 25.6 Nodes and Cycles Render
      8. 25.7 Summary
    31. CH26: Cycles Render
      1. 26.0 Computer Specifications for Cycles
      2. 26.1 How To Start Cycles
      3. 26.2 Create an Object Light Source
      4. 26.3 Cycles in Perspective
      5. 26.4 Special Effects
      6. 26.5 Texture in Cycles
      7. 26.6 Summary
    32. CH27: Game Engine
      1. 27.0 Game Environment
      2. 27.1 Logic Editor Window
      3. 27.2 Logic Block Arrangements
      4. 27.3 Reinforcing Fundamentals
      5. 27.5 Game Animation
      6. 27.6 Rigid Bodies - Dynamics
      7. 27.7 Making a Stand Alone Game
      8. 27.8 Summary
    33. CH28: Video Sequence Editor
      1. 28.0 Making a Movie
      2. 28.1 The Video Editing Screen
      3. 28.2 Storyboard
      4. 28.3 File Browser Window
      5. 28.4 Video Sequence Editor
      6. 28.5 Rendering the Movie File
      7. 28.6 Summary
    34. CH29: Drivers
      1. 29.0 Blender Drivers
      2. 29.1 Randomize Object Properties
    35. CH30: Installing Add-Ons
      1. 30.0 Celtic Knot Generator
      2. 30.1 Finding the Celtic Knot Zip File
      3. 30.2 Installing the Python Script
      4. 30.3 Activating the Script
      5. 30.4 Using the Script
      6. 30.5 Summary
    36. Internet Resources
    37. Appendix-A
    38. Index

Product information

  • Title: The Complete Guide to Blender Graphics, 4th Edition
  • Author(s): John M. Blain
  • Release date: September 2017
  • Publisher(s): A K Peters/CRC Press
  • ISBN: 9781351622820