Blender For Dummies
Here's something to get animated about — free 3D animation software and this fun and easy guide!So you really want to explore 3D animation, but you can't afford one of the high-end 3D graphics programs? Blender was made for you, and it's free! And this book is even friendlier than the open source Blender community. It shows you just what you need to know to turn your ideas into cool movies or games, even if you've never used 3D software before.Think like Blender — get familiar with Blender's novel way of doing things, especially the unique interfaceThe basics — start creating 3D objects with meshes, curves, and surfaces, and use the Extrude toolLights, colors, and scenes — learn to build detailed 3D models, create characters and props, and light your scenesGet moving — understand animation curves, rig characters for motion, use particles, and make objects bounce and jiggleFrom Blender to something bigger — see how to render your files and move them into a movie file format such as QuickTimeOpen the book and find:Updates and new Blender featuresHow to save time with hotkeysWays to use ModifiersTips on adding color and adjusting shader valuesAll the options for adding textureHow to build a character from skeleton to skinBasic animation principlesTen solutions to common problems that new users faceLearn to:Create realistic animations with this free, open source softwareBuild 3D objects with meshes, curves, and surfacesTake advantage of the new interface and other features of Blender 2.56Install Blender 2.56a from the bonus DVDBonus DVD IncludesBlender v 2.56a with installation instructionsA sample Blender movie to illustrate what you can achieveOther helpful materials to get you going with BlenderPlease see the About the DVD Appendix for complete system requirements.Visit the companion Web site at www.dummies.com/go/blenderfd2e for examples, a link to download Blender, and more!