All these updates look fantastic. But I can't get comfortable with Blender.
I think I've asked this before, but do you guys really hit G key and then X, Y or Z keys to move stuff in viewport? Can't believe it! It is so unintuitive and just cruel to my left hand.
im so used to the G-S-R .etc that when i try any other program i keep pushing these buttons unintentionally ..
BTW as i know u can rebind any key if that helps . check : Ctrl+Alt+U - input
G-S-R are ok. It is axes keys what I can't get used to. Looks like a lot of unnessesary key presses to me.
I have other question. When I select let's say face and switch transform orientation to normal and then hit G and Y/X/Z it translates selected face along world space axes, not along face normal.
Looks like I can only translate in normal space only by clicking those screen arrows.
All these updates look fantastic. But I can't get comfortable with Blender.
I think I've asked this before, but do you guys really hit G key and then X, Y or Z keys to move stuff in viewport? Can't believe it! It is so unintuitive and just cruel to my left hand.
After you pressed G, just hold down the MMB and select the axis you want to move to, then release, whit SHIFT you can add another axis; there is also the legacy "axis grab" mode, if you don't see the manipulator, just use CTRL+SPACEBAR to toggle between the modes.
CTRL and SHIFT, respectively, quantizes the movements in the order of 1.0 increments and the other increase the precision of operations.
CTRL+SHIFT quantize the movements in the order of 0.1 increments.
G-S-R are ok. It is axes keys what I can't get used to. Looks like a lot of unnessesary key presses to me.
I have other question. When I select let's say face and switch transform orientation to normal and then hit G and Y/X/Z it translates selected face along world space axes, not along face normal.
Looks like I can only translate in normal space only by clicking those screen arrows.
Double tap your axis key and it will lock to your normal/local axis.
If find other programs quite unintuitive after being used to blender's way of translating. I just hate click dragging manipulator arrows.
I'm trying to be open minded. And in theory I like the idea of not having to drag manipulator arrow. I also like the idea of predictive transform, so MMB really could be very handy.BUT for example:
I have arbitrary rotated face and I want to move it along one of its axes.
I switch to normal space and then:
Press G, release G, press Shift+MMB, release Shift+MMB, press and hold MMB, move mouse, release MMB, hit LMB to confirm.
This is what I call insanity:)
While testing some other stuff in Blender (right now) I discovered that you don't have to press G every time if you want to move something, just RMB and drag.
To not move involontarely something while you select it, use SHIFT+RMB.
Actually I've made me a simple Autohotkey script to assign that sequence to a single key and now I like very much how translate prediction works. Though of course this is a rather ugly solution to use Autohotkey. I wish Blender were more flexible.
As @SonicBlue said, you don't have to press G/R/S... so long as you have the correct 'widget type' active (the icons in the middle of the header), you can simply left-click drag one of the green/red/blue handles to move/manipulate objects. You can also fix the axis pressing X/Y/Z after doing that (if you want to switch axis). If you right-click, you freeform move irrespective of the axis clicked (so will likely need to press an axis button)
Blender is actually pretty flexible, you just don't know it yet
Yes, I know this. I just don't like pressing X/Y/Z. I think it's counterintuitive.
MMB auto axis selection is much better to me but I had to use autohotkey to make it really comfortable. I wonder if it is possible to tweak python scripts instead of autohotkey.
My favorite feature are the new pie menus, it makes accessing tools and options really fluid. Before, it required digging through menus, or finger acrobatics with shortcuts. Still with a lot of untapped potential, so far only some menus are available as pie menus.
There's also the whole upgrade to the texture paint system and new UV add-ons look interesting as well. Can't wait to finish my current project and fully switch to 2.72.
Yeah, they are really speed up switching modes (pivot, snapping, viewport and mesh modes).
For some reason they only work on Viewport tab (on other tabs like UV editor it works the "old" way).
Plus I miss being able to (I am not sure that it's really not possible though) assign what each pie menu "brings up". Transform orientation is one of shortcutless panels I use often and for some reason it doesn't have pie menu.
Plus I miss being able to (I am not sure that it's really not possible though) assign what each pie menu "brings up".
For that, you have to go with Python and create a separate addon with your own pie menus. It's quite simple though, you can already look into the script's template (search for Ui Pie Menu in Text editor>templates) and I think some tutorials are already online.
Some have already post nice Pie menus ! The wazou's pie menus is very complete (and with nice additions like "Origin to bottom") : http://blenderartists.org/forum/showthread.php?348496-Addon-Wazou-s-Pie-Menus
For that, you have to go with Python and create a separate addon with your own pie menus. It's quite simple though, you can already look into the script's template (search for Ui Pie Menu in Text editor>templates) and I think some tutorials are already online.
Some have already post nice Pie menus ! The wazou's pie menus is very complete (and with nice additions like "Origin to bottom") : http://blenderartists.org/forum/showthread.php?348496-Addon-Wazou-s-Pie-Menus
Wow I'm excited that Blender has pie menus now. That's my favorite thing about Maya.
Can Blender's pie menus be customized to be context sensitive like Maya's so it's a different menu depending on selection, such as face operations when faces are selected, edge operations when edges are selected etc.
I would like Shift key + RMB for selection context pie menus, and Ctrl + Shift + RMB for current tool pie menu. That's how it is in Maya. Those keys don't require looking down at keyboard so it's easier and faster than letter keys.
Autodesk better hurry with improving Maya because I think the main reason indies don't want to use Blender is because of the UI, and these new pie menus are probably going to change that.
Don't know much about blender but would assume if the radial menus are built from script like Mayas you could have it check for things like the selection type and how many things are selected and display a menu based on that.
Can Blender's pie menus be customized to be context sensitive like Maya's so it's a different menu depending on selection, such as face operations when faces are selected, edge operations when edges are selected etc.
If you're familiar with scripting, it's just a matter of setting up the logic.
This code will behave differently in edit mode vs object mode.
if (bpy.context.mode == 'EDIT_MESH'):
pie.operator("mesh.select_mirror")
pie.operator("mesh.select_face_by_sides")
pie.operator("mesh.select_nth")
pie.operator("mesh.select_random")
if (bpy.context.mode == 'OBJECT'):
pie.operator("object.select_mirror")
pie.operator("object.select_by_type")
pie.operator("object.select_camera")
pie.operator("object.select_random")
And the following is all that's needed for detecting which selection modes are active, which can then be used like the above example.
Hi, just a head up about updated builds for Custom Split Normals (not much new features, but these are 2.72-like ). Available from http://download.blender.org/ftp/mont29/ (for until GA accepts easily again uploads ).
[EDIT]FBX addon embedded in the build had some stupid bugs, so updated it in these builds today (sunday, 12/10/2014).
Thanks Volantk. That makes me more interested in trying Blender in the near future when I get back into CG and modeling. I am familiar with scripting so I should be able to get it done.
Hey mont29, having some trouble with the split normal modifier. Trying to get some upward facing normals, and it works, sometimes? Same settings on the two objects. Tilting the plane can sort of fix is, but it's pretty hacky and not precise.
After some further testing it seems to happen to only these props, regardless of settings. I can only assume the blender gods are against me.
@Flight is it possible to share the .blend file so others can take a look? I can't reproduce the bug after trying the build as everything works as it should.
Just wanted to share an update to Polystrips retopology that's coming soon. The main problem with Polystrips right now is that you must manually fill in the negative space between the face loops.
Version 1.1.0 is introducing the first step towards improving this workflow, Simple Fill. It'll be released sometime in the coming months.
Here's a general 'Why not use Blender for games production?' presentation given at this year's Blender Conference by Aidy Burrows, late of Tt Fusion (Lego franchise games) and now with CG Masters.
I though I'd share something I discovered from Pablo Vasquez a Blender user. Seems it might be of use seeing as Polycount loves to make guns and hardsurface.
When you use the Un-Subdivide function with an odd number it causes the edges to rotate 45 degrees, Subdividing twice before un-subdividing causes the triangles to match up perfectly with the rest of the mesh.
With this technique coupled with extrude individual faces and Scaling along individual origins or scaling along normal you can also make Knurling/Grips in seconds rather than playing around with arrays and deformers.
With this technique coupled with extrude individual faces and Scaling along individual origins or scaling along normal you can also make Knurling/Grips in seconds rather than playing around with arrays and deformers.
literally takes seconds.
you can archive the grip result in your image also with the "Poke Faces" function via Alt+ P
and thank you for posting the tutorial from Pablo Vasquez , it was really helpful in my test
A hard-edge modeling tip I got from Kent Trammell recently and felt dumb for not thinking of myself is using bevel to create holding edges. Simply bevel an edge, give it 2 segments and a profile set to 1. Works with the bevel modifier too.
Spiffy, Myclay, Xrg - those are brilliant. Sequences like this are invaluable. Someone needs to create a definitive library of how-to's for hard-surface stuff in Blender.
Dalai Felinto has been working on a "Epic Navigation" scheme for Blender so that people working with Unreal Engine will feel at home in Blender. Test Builds are available here:
Linux x86_64: http://goo.gl/oNnQIn
OSX x86_64: http://goo.gl/GHzNei
Win 64: http://goo.gl/mKOIsH
Choose "Unreal Engine" from the "interaction" dropdown on the splash screen to activate.
Edit - you guys seem to be slamming the dropbox links here is the windows version on mega: http://goo.gl/JgBpCu
hi
is it possible to change ui of blender?
(i mean been gpl and all that)
wonder if someone made more user friendly gui ,not like amiga lightwave ui
thanks
hi
is it possible to change ui of blender?
(i mean been gpl and all that)
wonder if someone made more user friendly gui ,not like amiga lightwave ui
thanks
Yes, it's perfectly possible to customize it through python scripting or diving into the source code. I'm not aware of any projects where people are redoing Blender's UI from the grounds up.
How are you guys enjoying using Blender, do you feel it stands up well to other, more commonly used apps like Max and Maya and do any of you freelance guys use it in production? I've been using Maya for years now but since I mainly focus on modeling/texturing I feel there's so much fluff in it that I don't need.
The UI at first struck me as a little archaic, but after seeing its capabilities shown off by artists like Max Puliero (below) I really want to give it a shot - seems like an all in one app with some sculpting/texturing included too
Yeah man, it's really, really good. The UI is actually quite elegant - the only real issue is the way some of the hardcore Blender fans swear by the default hotkeys, probably because they are so convoluted that starting to edit them is a bit of an undertaking. It personally took me a few weeks to get comfortable with the program and bend it to my workflow, but it is now my main 3d app.
Here are two very good resources to get you started :
These two videos will basically cover all the basics that you need to know in order to fully evaluate Blender. From there one you can ask any question on the BlenderArtists forums. Their registration process is extremely annoying as they require 10 validated posts before letting you freely use the forum, but once you get past this barrier of entry it is a great place to get support. Here is my ongoing questions thread to give you an idea :
I'd also like to hear some opinions from freelancers (for 3D modeling and texturing, no rigging or animation) working in the industry: do you think having max or maya is a must, or can blender satisfy everything needed for your job feature wise. I'm not talking about individual preference for UI etc., I mean real showstoppers like exporter plugins that you need to use, which are only available for autodesk software or things like that.
I feel like blender has a good feature set for sub-d modeling but doesn't even come close to zBrush in anything that zBrush does, especially sinc its viewport performance is rather poor (afaik they will improve that in one of the next versions).
I've been reading through some threads and the opinions about which software to use seem rather conflicting.
Replies
im so used to the G-S-R .etc that when i try any other program i keep pushing these buttons unintentionally ..
BTW as i know u can rebind any key if that helps . check : Ctrl+Alt+U - input
I have other question. When I select let's say face and switch transform orientation to normal and then hit G and Y/X/Z it translates selected face along world space axes, not along face normal.
Looks like I can only translate in normal space only by clicking those screen arrows.
After you pressed G, just hold down the MMB and select the axis you want to move to, then release, whit SHIFT you can add another axis; there is also the legacy "axis grab" mode, if you don't see the manipulator, just use CTRL+SPACEBAR to toggle between the modes.
CTRL and SHIFT, respectively, quantizes the movements in the order of 1.0 increments and the other increase the precision of operations.
CTRL+SHIFT quantize the movements in the order of 0.1 increments.
Double tap your axis key and it will lock to your normal/local axis.
If find other programs quite unintuitive after being used to blender's way of translating. I just hate click dragging manipulator arrows.
I have arbitrary rotated face and I want to move it along one of its axes.
I switch to normal space and then:
Press G, release G, press Shift+MMB, release Shift+MMB, press and hold MMB, move mouse, release MMB, hit LMB to confirm.
This is what I call insanity:)
While testing some other stuff in Blender (right now) I discovered that you don't have to press G every time if you want to move something, just RMB and drag.
To not move involontarely something while you select it, use SHIFT+RMB.
Blender is actually pretty flexible, you just don't know it yet
MMB auto axis selection is much better to me but I had to use autohotkey to make it really comfortable. I wonder if it is possible to tweak python scripts instead of autohotkey.
http://www.blender.org/features/2-72/
There's also the whole upgrade to the texture paint system and new UV add-ons look interesting as well. Can't wait to finish my current project and fully switch to 2.72.
Yeah, they are really speed up switching modes (pivot, snapping, viewport and mesh modes).
For some reason they only work on Viewport tab (on other tabs like UV editor it works the "old" way).
Plus I miss being able to (I am not sure that it's really not possible though) assign what each pie menu "brings up". Transform orientation is one of shortcutless panels I use often and for some reason it doesn't have pie menu.
Can't you switch now?!
Some have already post nice Pie menus ! The wazou's pie menus is very complete (and with nice additions like "Origin to bottom") : http://blenderartists.org/forum/showthread.php?348496-Addon-Wazou-s-Pie-Menus
Thanks Yadoob.:)
Can Blender's pie menus be customized to be context sensitive like Maya's so it's a different menu depending on selection, such as face operations when faces are selected, edge operations when edges are selected etc.
I would like Shift key + RMB for selection context pie menus, and Ctrl + Shift + RMB for current tool pie menu. That's how it is in Maya. Those keys don't require looking down at keyboard so it's easier and faster than letter keys.
Autodesk better hurry with improving Maya because I think the main reason indies don't want to use Blender is because of the UI, and these new pie menus are probably going to change that.
[ame]htt://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN1aC7DsS6A[/ame]
If you're familiar with scripting, it's just a matter of setting up the logic.
This code will behave differently in edit mode vs object mode.
if (bpy.context.mode == 'EDIT_MESH'): pie.operator("mesh.select_mirror") pie.operator("mesh.select_face_by_sides") pie.operator("mesh.select_nth") pie.operator("mesh.select_random") if (bpy.context.mode == 'OBJECT'): pie.operator("object.select_mirror") pie.operator("object.select_by_type") pie.operator("object.select_camera") pie.operator("object.select_random")And the following is all that's needed for detecting which selection modes are active, which can then be used like the above example.
true_if_vertex_selection_active = bpy.context.tool_settings.mesh_select_mode[0] true_if_edge_selection_active = bpy.context.tool_settings.mesh_select_mode[1] true_if_face_selection_active = bpy.context.tool_settings.mesh_select_mode[2]I wouldn't be surprised if someone made a visual tool for creating pies in the future.
[EDIT]FBX addon embedded in the build had some stupid bugs, so updated it in these builds today (sunday, 12/10/2014).
After some further testing it seems to happen to only these props, regardless of settings. I can only assume the blender gods are against me.
Edit: After testing it myself, it doesn't seem like that affects the result at all. Hm.
If you need a place to upload the .blend file you can use http://www.pasteall.org/blend/
Just wanted to share an update to Polystrips retopology that's coming soon. The main problem with Polystrips right now is that you must manually fill in the negative space between the face loops.
Version 1.1.0 is introducing the first step towards improving this workflow, Simple Fill. It'll be released sometime in the coming months.
Here's a demo video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qidVmJjtBA
[ame="
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEx0aXH7Z5w
When you use the Un-Subdivide function with an odd number it causes the edges to rotate 45 degrees, Subdividing twice before un-subdividing causes the triangles to match up perfectly with the rest of the mesh.
With this technique coupled with extrude individual faces and Scaling along individual origins or scaling along normal you can also make Knurling/Grips in seconds rather than playing around with arrays and deformers.
literally takes seconds.
you can archive the grip result in your image also with the "Poke Faces" function via Alt+ P
and thank you for posting the tutorial from Pablo Vasquez , it was really helpful in my test
Gmanx, I've thought about it before, Even if it's just a playlist of youtube tutorials that are only 1-2 minutes long.
@xrg those settings are a great time saver
good Development news for game artists using Blender;
Linux x86_64: http://goo.gl/oNnQIn
OSX x86_64: http://goo.gl/GHzNei
Win 64: http://goo.gl/mKOIsH
Choose "Unreal Engine" from the "interaction" dropdown on the splash screen to activate.
Edit - you guys seem to be slamming the dropbox links here is the windows version on mega: http://goo.gl/JgBpCu
is it possible to change ui of blender?
(i mean been gpl and all that)
wonder if someone made more user friendly gui ,not like amiga lightwave ui
thanks
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Agreed! I'm really liking how solid the booleans are as well.
The UI at first struck me as a little archaic, but after seeing its capabilities shown off by artists like Max Puliero (below) I really want to give it a shot - seems like an all in one app with some sculpting/texturing included too
[ame="
Here are two very good resources to get you started :
[ame="
And this excellent Gumroad tutorial, very goal-oriented :
http://gumroad.com/masterxeon1001
These two videos will basically cover all the basics that you need to know in order to fully evaluate Blender. From there one you can ask any question on the BlenderArtists forums. Their registration process is extremely annoying as they require 10 validated posts before letting you freely use the forum, but once you get past this barrier of entry it is a great place to get support. Here is my ongoing questions thread to give you an idea :
http://blenderartists.org/forum/showthread.php?351344-Customization-questions-from-a-Blender-curious-2d-3d-artist
Good luck !
I feel like blender has a good feature set for sub-d modeling but doesn't even come close to zBrush in anything that zBrush does, especially sinc its viewport performance is rather poor (afaik they will improve that in one of the next versions).
I've been reading through some threads and the opinions about which software to use seem rather conflicting.
EDIT: Is there anything like Maya's viewport 2.0 or the Xoliul shader for Blender, just to preview game meshes?