Blender Dishes Up a New Look

interface from Blender 2.4 (top, red)
and Blender 2.5 (bottom green)

 

 

 

 

After a very long hiatus, I am back on the blog scene and feel excited to start fresh with a great new update on an older software package. One of my earlier posts introduced you to Blender, a freeware program that allows you to create 3d models, animate, render-even game creation, while saving you the big bucks usually spent out on such comparable programs like 3D Studio Max, Maya or Truespace. In this day and age when so many software companies are constantly updating versions of their software on your dime, with minimal changes or advancements to the program, Blender continues to provide us a valuable tool an, in fact, has added a sizable update to the interface. One of the problems I had found with the 2.4 and earlier versions of Blender was the network of dropdown menus-even locating simple functions seemed to take more time than was worth to learn the software. The newer 2.5 version has introduced a more user-friendly appearance, more accustomed to users of other 3d modelling programs. The user options allow you to tailor fit the look and feel of the interface, load or create themes to your personal preference. Another added bonus is the consistent look to the interface across all platforms, so when you view those online tutorials and the presenter is using a Mac and you're on a PC, your not saying 'my screen doesn't look like that-where is THAT button?'
Blender continues to grow in performance and gives anyone the ability to download (did I mention it was free enough?) this high performance program. Don't be misled into thinking this is a quick little point-and-click prog though. Time must be given to learning its' versatility but the end result withh astound you.

Blender

user interface of Blender showing

multiple views

If any one were to ask me to give a one sentence synopsis of Blender, I would have to say 'I can't believe this is a freeware program.' What a package for 3d modeling, rendering, animating, rigging and game creation. Believe it or not, this is a free program. All you need to do is devote a vast amount of time to get used to the interface (navigation was a bit tricky for me having been trained in 3D Max, but after a while it becomes easier) and location of the myriad drop-down menus. Luckily, Blender has a vast support area online and in downloadable files to train you through the basics, up to the more complex operations Blender can provide.

MODELING

Blender comes loaded with 3d mesh primitives for you to build from, polygon mesh, NURBS, bezier and b-spline curves, metaballs and font support. The process of building objects is similar to most popular/conventional packages.

RIGGING

Fast skeletal creation with interactive 3d paint for vertex weighting, fast auto skinning, bone layering for group organization. Overall I feel the rigging works as well as the high end software packages that sell for thousands of dollars.

Additional features include UV unwrapping, shader construction, particle systems and much more. One of the hardest areas I found to delve into was the 3d real-time game creation. This part of the Blender options is not for the weak at heart. The good news still boils down to the fact that you are not paying for this fantastic program so go ahead and visit their website and ive it a try.