Blender tutorials, Blender guide, 3D modeling basics, Blender modeling tools, how to work in Blender

Contents:

• Destructive and procedural approaches
• Vertices, edges, and faces
• Basic modeling
• Basic tools of edit mode
• Procedural approach
• Usage example
• Additional manipulations

Specialist in computer graphics, optimization and automation of projects. Author of training materials and courses on Blender, which is a popular tool for 3D modeling and animation. With deep knowledge in these areas, I help develop users' skills and improve their efficiency when working on graphic projects.

A year ago, Andrey released a detailed course on Blender, a program he has been working with for over seven years, on his YouTube channel. The training starts with the basics and is designed for beginners, but more advanced users will also find interesting points, including hidden features of the program. The material was recorded using Blender 2.90.1, but the knowledge gained is relevant for all versions, from 2.80 to the latest 3.0.0. The course provides valuable information for users of all levels, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of Blender's functionality and develop their skills.

The second lesson is devoted to the basics of modeling in Blender. In this lesson, we will cover key concepts and techniques that will allow you to create 3D objects using this software. If you want to learn about Blender's interface and basic operations, check out the first lesson at the link provided.

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A computer graphics specialist with experience in project optimization and automation. He is the author of Blender training materials, helping users master key skills and techniques for working with the program. He ensures the effective use of technology to create high-quality graphics and simplify workflows.

Destructive and Procedural Approaches

In modeling, Andrey distinguishes two main approaches: destructive and procedural. The destructive approach is characterized by the inability to return to previous steps without deleting all subsequent ones. In contrast, the procedural approach allows for changes to be made at any stage, with each correction affecting all subsequent steps. This difference in approach significantly impacts the flexibility and efficiency of the modeling process.

Destructive modeling is performed in Edit Mode and partially in Sculpt Mode. One example of procedural modeling is the modifier system, which we will discuss in more detail later.

Let's start with the destructive approach and explore the key operations that allow you to create a model from scratch. The destructive approach involves disassembling existing elements and using them to build a new structure. In this context, it is important to understand how exactly you can extract valuable components and adapt them to achieve new goals. Effective use of this method provides greater flexibility in development and allows you to create unique solutions based on existing experience and knowledge.

Vertices, Edges, and Faces

In the starting scene, you should switch to Edit Mode. This can be done by clicking the menu in the upper left corner and changing Object Mode to Edit Mode, or simply by pressing the Tab key. Edit Mode offers extensive capabilities, which take considerable time to master. In this tutorial, we'll cover the basic operations to help you master basic modeling skills. To the right of the main menu are icons for the three selection modes. To switch between them, use the keys 1, 2, and 3 on the main part of the keyboard.

The first mode is selecting vertices (points/vertices) (Vertex select). In this mode, users can select vertices using the left or right mouse button, depending on the interface settings. To select or deselect multiple points, hold down the Shift key. This functionality is especially useful when working with 3D models, allowing for precise manipulation of object geometry.

The second mode is Edge Select. An edge is the connection between two vertices. In this mode, users can precisely select and edit edges in the model, allowing for more detailed manipulation of the object's geometry. Edge selection is an important part of 3D graphics and modeling, as it provides greater flexibility in creating and modifying 3D shapes.

The third editing mode in 3D modeling is Face Select. A face is a feature formed by connecting three or more edges. Using Face Select allows for more precise control over a model's surfaces and facilitates editing, texturing, and material application. This mode is an essential tool for 3D artists and modelers, as it allows them to effectively work with composite forms and complex geometric structures.

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Basic Modeling

You can perform basic operations with selected elements, similar to those demonstrated in the previous lesson. These operations include moving (G), rotating (R), and scaling (S). Confirm the operation with the left mouse button (LMB), and undo the action with the right mouse button (RMB). These skills will help you work effectively with objects in your project.

Elements in 3D graphics can be modified along all axes. For example, to rotate a face around the X axis, use the keyboard shortcut R + X. To rotate along other axes, use R + Y and R + Z. Similarly, moving elements is done with G + X, G + Y, and G + Z, and scaling is done with S + X, S + Y, and S + Z. These keyboard shortcuts allow you to effectively manipulate objects and improve the modeling process.

Edit mode offers not only basic operations, but also additional tools that significantly expand functionality. In this context, it is important to pay attention to the capabilities that allow you to create simple models. Let's consider what tools and functions can help in this process.

Basic Tools of Edit Mode

Let's start with one of the most frequently used operations - extrusion. Select the desired face, press the E key and extrude a new polygon forward. This creates a new face and an additional ring of polygons that connects it to the rest of the mesh. By rotating the new faces around an axis and continuing to extrude, you can form curved and complex shapes. Extrusion is a key tool in 3D modeling, allowing you to create parts and structures with a high degree of complexity.

Please note that this and other operations can be found on the toolbar located on the left. However, we strongly recommend using hotkeys, as they significantly increase the efficiency of your work.

The Inset Faces command with the hotkey I is an essential tool in 3D modeling. In Face Select mode, it allows you to create a new polygon inside an existing one, forming an additional ring of faces around it. This function is useful for adding detail and improving the structure of a model, which is especially important when creating complex objects. Using the Inset Faces command helps to significantly simplify working with polygons and improve the quality of 3D models.

Loop Cut is an essential tool in modeling. To perform this process, press Ctrl + R and hover the cursor over the desired area of ​​the object. A yellow frame will appear indicating the location where the cut will be made. Once you have selected the cut position, left-click to confirm the action. You can then adjust the cut position by moving the cursor. Once you have finished adjusting the settings, left-click again to confirm or right-click to cancel—in this case, the frame will return to its original position. This method allows you to effectively "cut" polygons and add new edges, which significantly improves the detail of your 3D model.

To delete an element, select it and press the X key. A menu will appear in which you can specify which element you want to delete: vertices, edges, or polygons. Several additional options are also available, but we'll leave those for later. It's important to keep in mind that deleting one element may cause other related objects to disappear. For example, if you delete a corner edge, the two polygons formed by that edge will also be deleted.

If you delete both vertices of an edge separately, all edges and polygons associated with these vertices will disappear. This change breaks the structure of the geometric model, as vertices are the key elements that define shape and connections in polygonal meshes. Removing vertices affects the integrity of the entire model and can result in empty spaces or distortions in the geometry.

To create a polygon between two or three edges in Blender, activate edge selection mode. Select the desired edges and press the F key. This function also works with a single edge, provided the object's geometry allows it. In such cases, Blender will attempt to automatically create a polygon between the selected edge and its neighbors. This method is especially effective when multiple polygons need to be added, for example, to form a row of five polygons. While this feature may not work in all cases and for all geometry types, it's worth trying as it greatly simplifies the modeling process and speeds up your workflow.

Using the methods listed, it is possible to create objects of varying complexity. However, this approach has its drawbacks, as it is difficult for the user to return to previous stages of work.

If you delete a vertex of an object in Blender and later decide to restore it, you will have to undo all previous actions before you can restore the deleted vertex. If the problem occurs in one session, you can try pressing Ctrl + Z several times to undo actions. However, it is important to remember that Blender has a limited number of undo operations (32 by default, 256 maximum). All available undo operations can be found in the Edit tab - Undo History... To avoid data loss and simplify the editing process, it is recommended to periodically save the project and use the history functions.

Despite its shortcomings, many users continue to choose Blender for 3D modeling. This program offers high speed and an extensive set of tools, making it an ideal choice for professionals and enthusiasts in the field of computer graphics. Blender combines powerful features and a user-friendly interface, allowing users to effectively implement their creative projects.

Procedural approach

For procedural modeling, which provides the ability to make changes at any stage, it is recommended to use the modifier system. This system is displayed in the right panel and is indicated by the wrench icon. Using modifiers allows you to effectively manage objects and their parameters, which greatly simplifies the process of creating and editing models.

When you select the «Add modifier» option, You will have access to a full list of available modifiers. We recommend taking the time to explore them and experiment with different options to get the most out of all the available features.

Usage Example

In this text, we will look at several modifiers from the Generate and Deform classes. The most popular of these is the Subdivision Surface modifier. This modifier increases the number of polygons and simultaneously smooths their corners, which allows you to achieve a smoother and more realistic look for your model. We will apply this modifier to a standard cube to demonstrate its effect on the object's geometry.

In this section, we'll look at the Array modifier, which allows you to duplicate objects. In the Count parameter, you specify how many copies of the object you want to create. You can also experiment with the Relative Offset parameter to adjust the spatial arrangement of the duplicated objects. Using this modifier greatly simplifies the process of creating complex scenes and objects, allowing you to quickly and efficiently organize elements.

Let's add a new object to the scene. In object mode, open the menu by pressing Shift + A. In the Curve section, select Circle and resize it by pressing S. After that, return to the first object to which the Curve modifier can be applied. In the settings for this modifier, go to the Curve Object tab and select Circle — this can be done either from the drop-down list or using the eyedropper in the scene itself. As a result, a chain of copies will be placed along the created circle, which will allow you to create interesting compositions and visual effects in your 3D scene.

This example demonstrates how modifiers can significantly speed up your workflow. Setting up a scene using a destructive approach is time-consuming and makes it difficult to evenly distribute objects. Using modifiers simplifies and streamlines the process, which is especially important for design and development professionals. Effective modifier techniques help avoid unnecessary time and effort, improving the final quality of the project.

When adding multiple copies of an object to a previously used Array modifier, the objects will be distributed around the circumference. Changing the Subdivision Surface settings will also affect the Array, demonstrating the essence of the procedural approach. Changes can be made at any stage, and they will be automatically applied to all subsequent steps. This allows for flexible management of the modeling process and the achievement of relevant results without the need to recreate elements.

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Advanced Manipulations

Modifiers offer a wide range of settings for working with objects. One example is the ability to duplicate an object along multiple axes. To do this, open the object menu with Shift + A, then in the Empty tab, select Plain Axes. This element will be used to offset all copies of the original object. In the Array modifier, uncheck the Relative Offset option and enable the Object Offset option, selecting the previously created Empty. After this, the old duplicates will disappear, and by pressing G + X you can start cloning objects along the X axis. This approach allows you to effectively manage objects in space and create complex compositions.

You can experiment with the resulting chain of copies. Using the keyboard shortcut G + Z, you can extend the spiral and change the shape of the objects. To do this, use the Rotate (R) or Scale (S) tools. Such manipulations allow you to create unique compositions and improve the visual perception of your objects.

Let's summarize. Modifiers effectively solve tasks that are difficult to accomplish manually. Their significant advantage lies in the ability to return to a previous stage and make necessary changes, including adjusting the object using destructive modeling. To do this, simply switch to edit mode and perform the necessary operations on the object. After completing the manipulations, you can return to object mode and obtain an updated result. This approach significantly simplifies the modeling process and allows us to achieve high-quality results.

In the third part of the guide, we'll focus on key aspects of interest to both beginners and experienced users: object structure and optimization. These topics are critical to achieving high results in content development and management. We'll discuss how to properly organize your object structure to ensure efficiency and accessibility, and we'll also cover optimization techniques that will help improve the performance and SEO indexing of your projects.

Check out other materials in this series.

• Blender Tutorials: Interface, Navigation, Simple Operations
• Blender Tutorials: Object Structure, Optimization, Python Scripts
• Blender Tutorials: Animation Basics