Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Every window and panel within a window may be resized. Place the mouse cursor on a
window or panel border and it changes to a double headed arrow (see right). Click and hold
with the LH mouse button (referred to as LMB from now on) and drag the arrow to resize
the panel or window. Th is works on both horizontal and vertical borders.
Every window may be divided to form a new window. In opposite corners of each win-
dow there is a small cross hatched triangle, which is a
splitter widget
(Figure 1.4). When
the mouse cursor is placed on the cross hatching, the cursor changes to a white cross. Click,
hold, and drag the cross into the window and the window divides in two to form identical
copies of the original window. One copy may then be changed to another window type as
previously described.
To cancel a window, place the mouse cursor on the cross hatching (it changes to a cross)
and drag it out of the window into the window to be canceled (Figure 1.5). A large ar-
row appears pointing into the window to be
canceled. Release the LMB and the window
cancels. Before releasing, you can move the
cursor from one window to the other and
the arrow changes direction accordingly.
Releasing the LMB cancels the window into
which the arrow is pointing. Th e individual
windows will be explained as you progress
through the topic but i rst you need to un-
derstand the components of a window in
general terms (Figure 1.6).
One of the great features
of Blender is that the GUI
may be modifi ed to suit the
preferences of individual us-
ers. I have mentioned how to
resize windows and panels
and how to split and cancel
windows, but there are many
other features that can be
changed. At this stage I will
demonstrate an example just
to show how this is done. Th e
possibilities are endless, so
like many things in Blender,
you will have to experiment
and try these options for
yourself. Th e following ex-
ample will introduce you to
the user preferences window.
Learning
Unit 1
Splitting/Joining/
Extending
Windows
New window
Mouse cursor on
the splitter widget
Click, hold, and drag to
make a new window.
Figure 1.4
Figure 1.5
