Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
To replace the cube in layer 1, click on square 2 in the header, select the cube in the 3D
window, press the M key with the cursor in the 3D window, and click on square 1 in the
“Move to Layer” window.
1.6.1 Object Tools Tab (Tool Shelf Panel)
Th e object tools tab contains tools for manipulating objects in the 3D window. What tools
are displayed depends on which window mode you
are in (e.g., object mode or edit mode). Not all tools
are displayed—this is simply to save screen space.
In earlier versions of Blender 2.5, there is a
search bar at the top of the tool shelf where you can
enter the name of a tool and it is added to the shelf.
In later versions, the tool shelf has become the ob-
ject tools tab and the search bar has disappeared.
Th e search bar is now accessed by pressing the space
bar with the cursor in the 3D window. Th is displays
a drop down menu with the search bar at the top
(Figure 1.19).
Enter the tool
name in the
search bar.
1.7 Moving in 3D Space
In a 3D program, not only do you have to worry about
where you are in two dimensions (height and width),
but you also need to consider depth (how close or far
away). Before you can work in 3D space, it would be benefi cial if you had some skills in 2D
drawing and layout. Moving around in the 3D window is controlled by the mouse and the
keyboard number pad.
Th e Blender default scene opens in what is termed the user perspective view , which al-
lows you to move objects around in the 3D window. Sometimes it is more convenient and
easier to see how far objects are separated by using separate orthographic views. Th ink of
a standard three-view orthographic drawing: top, front, and right side views. Th ese views
match up with the 7, 1, and 3 keys on the number pad. Put your cursor in the 3D window
and try pressing those numbers keys.
Figure 1.19
Learning
Unit 1
Maneuvering
About in 3D
Space
Learning
Unit 1
Note: Some laptops do not have number pad keys. In the user preferences window,
click on “Input” at the top of the window and then, at the LHS of the window, click
“Emulate Numpad.” You can now use the number keys on your laptop to emulate the
number pad on a standard keyboard.
Blender for
Laptops
When moving from the user perspective view to either of the orthographic views, at
fi rst you'll get a top, front, or end perspective view (Figure 1.20). Look at the lamp and
you should see a line pointing towards the cube. Press on the number pad 5 to get the true
orthographic view. Pressing the number pad 5 again toggles back to the perspective view.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search