Blender is a powerful, open-source 3D software that has become the go-to tool for artists and designers. It allows users to create high-quality 3D graphics, animations, and even video games. First released in 1998 by Ton Roosendaal, Blender has been under continuous development and has grown into one of the most feature-rich 3D software on the market. It offers a wide range of tools that can handle everything from modeling and animation to video editing and compositing. Blender is completely free to use and is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
Blender’s Languages
According to Blender’s docs, Blender is written using a combination of programming languages, which includes: C, C++, and Python. C is “primarily used for Blender’s startup, main loop, shutdown, internal functionality, tools, drawing, GUI, and editors”. C++ is used for the “physics, audio, past game-engine (no longer exists), and Cycles render engine”. Last, but not least, Python is used for “the interface definitions, add-ons, and import/export functions” (wiki.blender.org).
Blender’s Features
Blender has a vast range of features that make it an incredibly versatile tool for 3D modeling, animation, and video editing. Here are some of the key features of Blender (Blender.org):
- Modeling Tools: Blender’s modeling tools are some of the most advanced in the industry. Whether you’re creating organic shapes or hard-surface models, Blender’s toolset has everything you need to bring your ideas to life.
- Animation: Blender’s animation tools are equally impressive. The software’s keyframe animation system allows you to create complex animations with ease, and the powerful kinematics systems make it easy to create realistic character movements.
- Rendering: Blender’s built-in rendering engine is capable of producing stunning visuals, whether you’re rendering images or animations. The software also supports third-party render engines like Cycles and Eevee, which offer even more advanced rendering capabilities.
- Video Editing: Blender’s video editing capabilities are often overlooked, but they are no less impressive than its 3D modeling and animation tools. According to Blender.org, Blender has a built-in video sequence editor allows you to perform basic actions like video cuts and splicing. The software’s video editor allows you to edit and manipulate footage, add special effects, and even create animations within your video projects.
Blender’s 3D Viewport
The image, above, is a screenshot I’ve taken from Blender’s 3D viewport (Mac OS, Version 3.4.1). This is the main workspace where users can view and manipulate 3D objects, scenes, and animations. It is the heart and center of the Blender interface and provides a real-time, interactive view of the 3D environment. In the viewport, users can create, select, and move objects in 3D space, adjust camera angles, and view the results of modeling, texturing, and lighting changes as they work on a project.
Furthermore, let’s quickly go over the 3D Viewport and toolbar to help you get started utilizing Blender.
Toolbar
Blender offers many toolbars (Object Mode, Edit Mode, Paint Modes, and Grease Pencil). However, the 3D Viewport typically defaults to Object Mode, so I will only be covering the Object mode toolbar. (Blender.org: Toolbar)
- Select: Gives you the ability to select items. Dragging will create a rectangle, and select all the items that are partially or completely inside it once you release.
- Cursor: Changes the location of the 3D Cursor.
- Move: Allows you to ‘translate’, as it is a translation tool. You are able to translate and move your selected item on the X, Y, Z axes.
- Rotate: Gives you the ability to ‘rotate’, as it is a rotate tool. You are able to rotate your selected item, using a ‘trackball style rotation’.
- Scale: Gives you the ability to resize items on the X, Y, Z axes.
- Transform: Gives you the ability to adjust the objects translation, rotations and scale. This is a combination of the move, rotate, and scale tools.
- Annotate: Allows you to draw free-hand annotations. If you need to jot down or sketch any elements, this is the best way to do so.
- Measure: Measures distances in the scene. According to Blender, the measure tool “is an interactive tool where you can drag lines in the scene to measure distances or angles.”
- Add Cube: Allows you to render 3D-shapes, such as the famous default 3D cube that appears in your viewport.
Camera
Blender’s camera is a powerful tool that allows users to create realistic and dynamic camera movements in their 3D scenes. The camera is a virtual object that can be positioned and oriented in the scene, and it determines the viewpoint from which the scene is rendered.
Light Source
Blender’s light source is a crucial component for creating realistic and dynamic lighting in 3D scenes. The light source is a virtual object that can be positioned and oriented in the scene, and it determines the illumination and shadowing of objects in the scene. Blender offers a variety of light sources, including point lights, spotlights, sun lamps, and area lights.
Why Blender?
There may be curiosity surrounding which 3D software program is best for you, as familiar names, such as Blender, Maya, and Cinema4D dominate the 3D-modeling scene. However, here are some main reasons to consider why Blender may be a better choice for you:
- Cost: One of the biggest advantages of Blender over Maya and Cinema 4D is that it’s completely free and open-source. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are just beginning, hobbyists, game developers, and smaller companies who may not have the budget to invest in expensive software.
- Interface: Blender’s interface is often praised for being more intuitive and user-friendly than Maya or Cinema 4D, especially for beginners. The customizable workspace and panels make it easier to find the tools and features you need, and the software’s hotkey system can help speed up your workflow.
Real-Life Examples
Did you know that Blender is used in many well-known films? Let’s see if you recognize any of these films! (Source: YouTube: InspirationTuts)
- Spider-Man 2 (2004)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- The Midnight Sky (2020)
Conclusion
Overall, Blender is a powerful tool for anyone interested in 3D modeling, animation, video editing, or game development, and its free and open-source nature makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
Compared to other 3D software like Maya and Cinema4D, Blender’s biggest advantage is its cost, making it ideal for those who may not have the budget to invest in expensive software, alongside being praised for being more intuitive and user-friendly than its competitors, particularly for beginners.
Additionally, if you’re interested in game development, I encourage you to look into GODOT, Unity, and Unreal. Blender’s assets can be exported to other game engines for use in creating interactive applications or video games, working together in unison.
