Learn Blender 3D in 20 Minutes! Blender Tutorial for Absolute Beginners (2023)

“Learn Blender 3D in 20 Minutes! Blender Tutorial for Absolute Beginners (2023)” is a comprehensive video created by 3DGreenhorn, aimed at beginners who are interested in learning Blender 3D. The tutorial covers various topics such as launching Blender, navigating the interface, using different editors, selecting and manipulating objects, and utilizing tools like move, rotate, and scale. It also delves into adding and modifying modifiers, working with cameras and lights, adding materials, rendering images, and utilizing the asset library feature. The video emphasizes the importance of continuous practice and learning to become skilled in 3D art.

To enhance the learning experience, the tutorial recommends Blender Guru’s Blender 3 Beginner Tutorial series and other beginner courses as additional resources. The video is a quick crash course that aims to teach Blender 3D fundamentals, with an emphasis on modeling, in just 20 minutes. Additionally, the video informs viewers about a Black Friday sale on the instructor’s new modeling course, Blender 3D Stylized Rooms, and provides Blender shortcuts used in the tutorial for download.

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Introduction

In this tutorial, we will provide a comprehensive overview of Blender 3D for absolute beginners. The tutorial aims to teach the fundamentals of Blender 3D in a quick crash course format, allowing you to gain a basic understanding of the software and its functionalities. Whether you are a complete noob to Blender or someone who has forgotten the basics, this tutorial will guide you through the necessary steps to get started.

The duration of this tutorial is approximately 20 minutes, making it a concise and time-efficient way for beginners to learn Blender 3D. By following along with the video, you will be able to quickly grasp the essential concepts and tools needed to create 3D models in Blender.

The tutorial is created by 3DGreenhorn, a reputable instructor in the field of Blender 3D. With years of experience and expertise, 3DGreenhorn has designed this tutorial specifically for absolute beginners, ensuring that the content is easy to follow and understand.

Additionally, there is a Black Friday sale available on 3DGreenhorn’s new modeling course, providing an excellent opportunity for learners to further enhance their skills in Blender 3D. This course is designed to delve deeper into the intricacies of 3D modeling, offering a more comprehensive learning experience.

For those looking for additional resources to supplement their learning, we recommend Blender Guru’s Blender 3 Beginner Tutorial series. These tutorials provide a step-by-step guide tailored for beginners, covering essential topics in depth and providing invaluable insights to aid in your Blender journey. Blender Guru’s tutorials are highly regarded in the Blender community and are an excellent resource for beginners.

Now, let’s dive into the various topics covered in this tutorial, starting with Blender basics.

Blender Basics

Launching Blender

To begin using Blender, you will need to launch the software. Upon launching, you will be greeted with a splash screen displaying various options. For 3D modeling, simply click on the “General” option, or click anywhere outside the splash screen. If you wish to access the splash screen again, click on the software logo located in the top left corner of the interface.

Alternatively, you can open a new 3D file by clicking on “File” in the top menu, then selecting “New” and “General.” This will create a brand-new 3D file for you to work with.

Understanding the Blender Interface

Blender’s interface consists of different windows known as editors, each serving a specific function. To switch between editors, click on the top left corner of the window, and a drop-down menu will appear with available editor options. You can also adjust the size of any editor by placing your cursor near its border and dragging with the left mouse button.

If you find that you have unnecessary editors in your workspace, you can get rid of them by right-clicking near the boundary and selecting “Join Areas” from the context menu. Then, choose the editor you wish to remove. Similarly, if you want to split an existing editor, select either “Horizontal Split” or “Vertical Split” and adjust the size as needed. Remember, you can change the type of editor to suit your preferences.

The main editor where 3D modeling occurs is called the 3D Viewport, where you can see a cube, light, and camera by default. To rotate around the viewport, click and drag the middle mouse button. Alternatively, you can left-click and drag over the region where the cube is located to orbit. To move the viewport, use the Shift key in combination with the middle mouse button or use the hand icon in the toolbar. Zooming in or out of your scene can be done by scrolling the mouse wheel or using the Ctrl key in combination with the middle mouse button.

Navigating in Blender

Blender offers several methods for navigating within the software. Holding down the tilde key (~) and selecting a view from the options that appear allows you to change your viewpoint quickly. You can also access different views by going to the “View” menu and selecting a view under “Viewpoint.”

Working with Different Editors

Blender provides a range of editors that serve different purposes and allow you to perform various tasks. Some of the commonly used editors include:

• Text Editor: Allows you to write, edit, and execute Python scripts directly within Blender.
• Image Editor: Used for editing and manipulating images within Blender.
• Video Sequence Editor: Enables you to import and edit video files, add effects, and create sequences.
• Dope Sheet Editor: Used for animating objects and controlling keyframes.
• Shader Editor: Allows you to create and modify materials using a node-based interface.
• UV/Image Editor: Used for editing and manipulating UV maps and textures.
• Outliner: Provides an overview of all objects in your scene and allows you to organize and manage them effectively.

Understanding and utilizing these editors will enhance your workflow and help you achieve desired results efficiently.

Now that we have covered the basics of Blender’s interface and editors, let’s move on to object manipulation.

Object Manipulation

Manipulating objects is a fundamental skill in Blender. This section will cover various techniques for selecting, moving, rotating, and scaling objects in the 3D viewport.

Selecting Objects

In Blender, objects can be selected individually or in groups. To select a single object, left-click on it. To select multiple objects, hold down the Shift key while selecting. To deselect an object, click on it again. Another way to select objects is by left-click dragging over a region to create a selection box. To deselect everything in the scene, press the A key. Additionally, holding down the Alt key while left-clicking on an object will deselect it.

Moving Objects

To move an object in Blender, enable the move tool. You can do this by selecting the move tool from the toolbar or pressing the G key. Left-click dragging the white circle will allow you to move the selected object freely. Alternatively, you can left-click and drag the colorful arrows that represent the x-axis (red), y-axis (green), and z-axis (blue) to move the object along a specific axis. For precise movement along a single axis, press the corresponding key (X, Y, or Z) after activating the move tool.

Rotating Objects

Rotating objects in Blender is similar to moving them. Activate the rotate tool by selecting it from the toolbar or pressing the R key. Left-click dragging the white circle will allow you to rotate the selected object freely. The colors on the circle represent the x-axis (red), y-axis (green), and z-axis (blue), indicating the direction of rotation. Alternatively, you can left-click and drag on the highlighted area to rotate the object only on the respective axis. For precise rotation along a single axis, press the corresponding key (X, Y, or Z) after activating the rotate tool.

Scaling Objects

Scaling objects in Blender is achieved using the scale tool. Enable the scale tool by selecting it from the toolbar or pressing the S key. Left-click dragging the white circle will uniformly scale the selected object. To scale the object along a specific axis, left-click and drag the colorful handles representing the x-axis (red), y-axis (green), or z-axis (blue). For precise scaling along a single axis, press the corresponding key (X, Y, or Z) after activating the scale tool.

By mastering object manipulation techniques, you will have the necessary skills to create and position objects in your Blender scene effectively.

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Modifiers

Modifiers are powerful tools in Blender that allow you to alter and enhance objects in various ways. In this section, we will cover the basic concepts of modifiers and explore common modifiers used in Blender.

Adding Modifiers to Objects

Modifiers are applied to objects in Blender to modify their geometry or appearance. To add a modifier, select the object you want to modify and navigate to the “Modifiers” tab in the Properties panel. Click on the “Add Modifier” button and select the desired modifier from the dropdown menu.

Modifying Existing Modifiers

Once a modifier is added to an object, you can modify its parameters to achieve the desired effect. In the Properties panel, under the “Modifiers” tab, you will find a list of modifiers applied to the selected object. Selecting a modifier will display its properties, allowing you to adjust them to achieve the desired result.

Understanding Common Modifiers

Blender offers a wide range of modifiers that can drastically alter an object’s appearance or geometry. Some commonly used modifiers are:

• Subdivision Surface: Adds smoothness to the object’s geometry by subdividing its faces or edges.
• Solidify: Gives thickness to a 2D object, turning it into a solid with volume.
• Bevel: Rounds the edges of an object, creating a more natural and polished look.
• Mirror: Mirrors the geometry of an object, allowing symmetrical modeling.
• Array: Creates multiple copies of an object along a specified axis, allowing you to easily create repeating patterns or structures.
• Boolean: Combines or subtracts objects to create complex shapes by performing boolean operations.
• Displace: Deforms the geometry of an object based on the values of a texture or displacement map.
• Armature: Allows you to control the deformation of an object using a skeleton or rig.

These are just a few examples of the extensive range of modifiers available in Blender. By experimenting with different modifiers, you can achieve a wide variety of effects and enhance the visual appeal of your models.

Now that we have covered object manipulation and modifiers, let’s move on to cameras and lights in Blender.

Cameras and Lights

In this section, we will explore the functionalities of cameras and lights in Blender and learn how to set them up effectively to create visually engaging scenes.

Using Cameras in Blender

Cameras are essential for controlling the viewpoint and framing of your scene in Blender. To add a camera to your scene, select the desired location and press Shift + A to bring up the “Add” menu. Under the “Camera” submenu, select “Camera” to add a new camera object to your scene.

Once added, you can position and orient the camera by moving and rotating it in the 3D viewport. To switch to the camera view, press 0 on the numpad or navigate to “View” in the top menu and select “Camera.” This will give you a preview of what the camera will capture in the final render.

To adjust the camera’s properties, navigate to the “Camera” tab in the Properties panel. Here, you can modify settings such as the focal length, depth of field, and camera presets.

Setting up Lighting for a Scene

Proper lighting is crucial for creating realistic and visually appealing scenes in Blender. To add light sources to your scene, press Shift + A and navigate to the “Light” submenu in the “Add” menu. Blender provides various types of lights, including point lights, spotlights, and area lights.

Once added, you can position and orient the lights in the 3D viewport. To adjust their properties, select the light source and navigate to the “Light” tab in the Properties panel. Here, you can modify settings such as the strength, color, and falloff of the light.

In addition to the default ambient lighting, you can also use environment lighting and HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) to create more realistic and dynamic lighting effects in your scene.

Adjusting Camera Settings and Angles

To fine-tune the camera settings, navigate to the “Camera” tab in the Properties panel. Here, you can modify the camera’s focal length, sensor size, aspect ratio, and other parameters to achieve the desired perspective and framing for your scene.

Adjusting the camera angle allows you to change the composition of your scene and focus on specific elements. Experimenting with different camera angles can greatly impact the overall aesthetics of your render.

Working with Different Light Types

Blender offers various types of lights that can be used to achieve different lighting effects. Here are a few common light types and their functions:

• Point Light: Emits light from a single point in all directions, simulating a light bulb.
• Spotlight: Emits light in a cone shape, allowing for focused and directional lighting.
• Area Light: Emits light from a rectangular or circular shape, mimicking soft and diffused lighting.
• Sun Light: Simulates sunlight, providing strong and directional lighting.

Each light type can be customized to suit your scene’s needs. By experimenting with different light types, positions, and settings, you can create a wide range of lighting effects in Blender.

Now that we have covered cameras and lights, let’s move on to materials and textures.

Materials and Textures

Materials and textures are essential elements in creating realistic and visually engaging 3D models in Blender. In this section, we will explore how to add materials to objects, adjust material properties, work with textures, and create realistic materials.

Adding Materials to Objects

Materials in Blender define how objects appear and interact with light. To add a material to an object, select the object and navigate to the “Material” tab in the Properties panel. Click on the “New” button to create a new material, then modify its properties to achieve the desired look and feel.

Adjusting Material Properties

Once a material is added to an object, you can adjust its properties to control various aspects of its appearance. In the “Material” tab of the Properties panel, you will find options to modify properties such as color, transparency, reflectivity, and more. Experimenting with different material properties can help you achieve different visual effects.

Working with Textures

Textures add depth and realism to materials in Blender. To add a texture to a material, navigate to the “Texture” tab in the Properties panel. Click on the “New” button to create a new texture, then adjust its properties to control how it affects the material.

Blender supports various types of textures, including image textures, procedural textures, and generated textures. Image textures allow you to use external images to influence the material’s appearance, while procedural textures are computer-generated patterns that can be customized to achieve desired effects.

Creating Realistic Materials

To create realistic materials in Blender, it is essential to combine different textures, adjust material properties, and utilize advanced shading techniques. By using a combination of diffuse, specular, normal, and displacement maps, you can achieve realistic textures and enhance the visual quality of your models.

Blender also provides a comprehensive node-based material editor, known as the Shader Editor, which allows for more precise control over material creation and manipulation. The Shader Editor provides a visual interface for creating complex materials using nodes that represent different properties and operations.

By experimenting with different material settings, textures, and the Shader Editor, you can unleash your creativity and create stunning, high-quality materials in Blender.

Now that we have covered materials and textures, let’s move on to rendering.

Rendering

Rendering is the final step in the 3D modeling process, where you generate the final images or animations based on your scene setup. In this section, we will explore how to render images in Blender, configure render settings, add effects and post-processing, and optimize rendering performance.

Rendering Images in Blender

To render an image in Blender, navigate to the “Render” tab in the Properties panel. Here, you can choose the output format, resolution, and other settings for your image. Once you have configured the settings, click on the “Render” button to start the rendering process.

Blender offers various rendering options, including the ability to render specific layers or objects, render animations, and control the number of samples for better image quality.

Configuring Render Settings

In the “Render” tab of the Properties panel, you will find many options to configure the render settings according to your requirements. These settings include resolution, frame range (for animations), output format, and quality settings. By adjusting these settings, you can optimize your render output and achieve the desired balance between image quality and rendering time.

Adding Effects and Post-Processing

Blender provides a range of effects and post-processing options to enhance your rendered images. These options can be found in the “Render” tab, under the “Post Processing” section. Here, you can enable features such as motion blur, depth of field, bloom, and more.

By enabling post-processing effects, you can add depth, realism, and artistic touches to your renders, enhancing their overall appearance and quality.

Optimizing Rendering Performance

Rendering can be a computationally intensive process, especially for complex scenes. To optimize rendering performance, you can adopt several strategies:

• Reduce Samples: Lowering the number of samples used for rendering can significantly reduce rendering time. However, this may result in reduced image quality, especially in terms of noise and smoothness.
• Use GPU Rendering: If your computer has a powerful graphics card, you can enable GPU rendering in Blender. This can significantly speed up render times compared to CPU rendering.
• Simplify Geometry: In certain cases, reducing the complexity of your scene’s geometry can lead to faster rendering times. This can be achieved by removing unnecessary detail or using techniques such as baking textures or using proxies.
• Optimize Materials: Complex materials with numerous textures and shaders can increase render times. Simplifying materials or using more efficient material setups can help improve rendering performance.

By applying these optimization techniques, you can minimize rendering times and achieve faster results, making your workflow more efficient.

Now that we have covered rendering, let’s move on to the asset library feature.

Asset Library

Blender’s asset library is a powerful feature that allows you to import and use pre-made assets in your projects. In this section, we will explore how to use the asset library, import pre-made assets, and customize assets and materials.

Using Blender’s Asset Library

Blender’s asset library provides a collection of ready-to-use assets, including pre-made models, materials, textures, and more. To access the asset library, click on the “Asset Browser” button located in the top-left corner of the Blender interface.

Within the asset library, you can find a wide variety of assets organized into categories. By browsing through the library, you can quickly import and utilize assets in your Blender projects, saving valuable time and effort.

Importing and Using Pre-Made Assets

To import pre-made assets from the library, simply click on the desired asset and drag it into your scene. Blender will automatically import the asset and place it at the location of your choice. You can then manipulate, scale, and adjust the asset to fit your scene as needed.

Using pre-made assets can significantly speed up your modeling process and provide additional creativity and inspiration for your projects.

Customizing Assets and Materials

While pre-made assets are a great starting point, you can also customize them to fit your specific needs. Blender allows you to modify imported assets by adjusting their geometry, textures, materials, and other properties.

By customizing assets and materials, you can add your unique touch to pre-made assets and create truly unique and personalized scenes.

Now that we have covered the asset library, let’s move on to the importance of practice and continuous learning.

Practice and Continuous Learning

Becoming skilled in 3D modeling requires dedication, practice, and continuous learning. In this section, we will emphasize the importance of practice, recommend exercises for beginners, and provide additional beginner courses and tutorials for further learning.

Importance of Practice in 3D Modeling

Practice is fundamental when it comes to mastering any skill, including 3D modeling. By actively practicing and applying the concepts and techniques learned, you can solidify your understanding and develop your skills as a 3D artist.

Consistent practice allows you to explore different possibilities, experiment with new ideas, and refine your techniques. It is through practice that you build muscle memory, develop a keen eye for detail, and cultivate your unique artistic style.

Recommended Exercises for Beginners

For beginners looking to practice their 3D modeling skills, we recommend the following exercises:

• Modeling a Simple Object: Start by modeling a simple object, such as a mug or a chair. Focus on getting the proportions and basic shapes right.
• Modeling from Reference Images: Choose a reference image of an object, character, or scene, and replicate it in 3D. This exercise will help you improve your observation skills and attention to detail.
• Creating a Scene: Build a complete 3D scene using a combination of objects, materials, lighting, and textures. This exercise will allow you to practice the entire 3D pipeline and strengthen your overall understanding of Blender.

Remember, the key is to practice regularly and challenge yourself with new and more complex projects as you progress.

Additional Beginner Courses and Tutorials

In addition to this tutorial, there are several other beginner courses and tutorials available that can further enhance your learning experience. These resources provide comprehensive and detailed guidance on various aspects of Blender and 3D modeling. Here are a few recommended beginner courses and tutorials:

• Blender Guru Donut 3.0: This free tutorial series by Blender Guru is a classic resource for beginners. It covers essential topics and provides step-by-step guidance in creating a realistic donut scene.
• Blender 3D Beginner Tutorial – Part 1: This beginner tutorial by Blender 3D World is a great starting point for those new to Blender. It covers the fundamentals of Blender and provides hands-on exercises to practice.
• 3DGreenhorn’s Modeling Course: If you are looking for an in-depth modeling course, consider 3DGreenhorn’s course. It provides comprehensive lessons and guides you through the entire modeling process, from basic shapes to advanced techniques.

By exploring different courses and tutorials, you can gain diverse perspectives and insights, accelerating your learning journey and expanding your skill set.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive Blender tutorial for absolute beginners, we have covered various topics and techniques to help you get started with Blender 3D. From understanding the Blender interface and object manipulation to working with modifiers, cameras, lights, materials, and textures, we have provided a solid foundation for your Blender journey. Additionally, we discussed rendering, using the asset library, the importance of practice, and recommended additional resources for continuous learning.

We encourage you to continue learning and exploring Blender’s vast capabilities. With practice and dedication, you can unlock your full potential as a skilled 3D artist. Remember, Blender offers endless possibilities for creativity, and there is always something new to learn and discover.

As you embark on your Blender journey, keep in mind that patience and persistence are key. Enjoy the process of learning and creating, and don’t be afraid to experiment and push your boundaries. With time and practice, you will be able to create stunning 3D artwork that reflects your unique vision and style.

Best of luck on your Blender endeavors, and may your artistic journey be fruitful and fulfilling!

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