Hot Software Tips How-Tos
How To: Render a Blender 3D model with LuxRender
This timelapse video shows how to start a simple model in Blender 3D and set up a render in LuxRender. The video also demonstrates how to create a daylight simulation and set up UV Maps in LuxRender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step inst...
How To: Create and use Light Groups in LuxRender and Blender 3
This clip presents detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to work with Light Groups in LuxRender and Blender 3. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Rig objects & components for animation in Blender 2.5
Learn how to create animation rigs for creating 3D animations in Blender 2.5. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Create realistic 3D smoke animations in Blender 2.5
This clip presents a beginner
How To: Create quick masks in the Blender compositing editor
This clip presents a simple trick on how to do masks in the compositing editor, good for color grading and vignetting, not so much for the rest. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Texture with projection painting in Blender 2.5
This clip presents detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to texture 3D objects with projection painting in Blender 2.5. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Create a realistic lightning storm effect in Blender
Add energy and excitement to your scene with lightning! During this tutorial you will discover how to quickly model a detailed lightning bolt, make an object disintegrate, create light flashes, add glow and glare effects in the compositor. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more ...
How To: Create 3D realistic rain within Blender
Learn how to create realistic rain for animation or stills, how to add droplets to the camera lens, reduce your render time and create a glowing sky with this clip. from Blender Guru. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a...
How To: Use the Blender compositor
This video clip presents a detailed introduction to Blender's compositing system. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Create flickering lights in Blender in one step
Learn how to create a foreboding flickering light effect with just a single step when working in Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Customize the Blender user interface
There seems to be a growing number of people who decide to try out blender but when you download Blender and start it the first time, it doesn't look very inviting, does it? Well, here's a little tutorial for those who are annoyed by Blender's default setup. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software ...
How To: Model a 3D character from start to finish in Blender
Learn how to create and rig a 3D model of a 3D character in Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Use Blender to create a soft body mesh in 5 minutes
Learn how to create a quick-and-easy soft body mesh within Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Animate textures with offset parameters in Blender
Learn how to animate movie strip textures using offset parameters when working within Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Animate a crack on a plane in Blender
Learn how to create a simple cracking animation when working in Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Create a rig when animating a 3D model in Blender
Learn how to create a character rig when animating 3D models in Blender. Specifically, this clip addresses the following topics: Bone creation, splitting and re-parenting. Weighting with bone heat, mirrored weight painting and posed weight painting. IK setup, bone roll, and pole targets. Advanced foot rig with control to pivot off of the heel, toe, ankle or ball and control to lift the toes. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or...
How To: Create transparent PNGs from opacity maps for Blender
This tutorial shows how to create transparent PNG files from opacity maps to use in Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Model of a pair of twelve-side dice in Blender
D&D nerd? Learn how to create a 3D model of a 12-sided die with this video guide. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Create a low-poly model of a tree in Blender
This five-part guide presents detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to create a low-polygon model of a tree when working in Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, and to get started making your own 3D trees, take a look!
How To: Bake a shadow map in Blender
Learn how to bake shadow maps when working in Blender with this handy video guide. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Adjust a level's ambient colors with GLSL in Blender
This clip presents a guide on changing the mood and feel of a level by adjusting its ambient colors via GLSL in Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Create an ambient occlusion effect in Blender
This clip presents a guide to faking ambient occlusion (AO) using vertex colors and nodes with glsl in Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Create a rainbow mist effect in Blender
Learn how to use nodes and glsl in blender to create a realtime mist effect that fades out objects in the distance to whichever colors you want. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Model realtime water (animated normal maps) in Blender
Learn how to create simple animated normal maps for a realtime water effect within Blender 3D. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Render volumetric clouds in Blender
This clip provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to model and render volumetric clouds when working in Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, and to get started rendering volumetric clouds yourself, take a look!
How To: Create a realistic 3D model of a human head in Blender
In this four-part tutorial, you'll learn how to create a full human head with Blender's 3D modeling tools. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started modeling your own 3D heads in Blender, take a look!
How To: Model a realistic eyeball in Blender
Learn how to create a realistic 3D model of an eye within Blender with this video guide. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started creating your own 3D eye models, take a look!
How To: Add sound to an animation in Blender
In this short video tutorial, you will see how to add sound to an animation when working in Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Model & animate a realistic 3D planet in Blender 2.5
This video guide presents detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to create a realistic 3D model of a planet within Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, as well as to get started modeling your own planets, take a look!
How To: Copy and back up DVDs & Blu-ray discs on a Windows PC
Learn how to copy and back up your optical meda with this tutorial. With the right software, it's easier than you might think! So easy, in fact, that this free video guide can offer a complete walkthrough of the burning process in just under five minutes' time. For detailed instructions, and to get started burning copies of your own DVD and Blu-ray discs, take a look.
How To: Make vector graphics with CorelDRAW X4
Want you create infinitely-scalable vector graphics? With CorelDraw X4, it's a cinch. It's so easy, in fact, that this free video software tutorial can present a thorough, step-by-step walkthrough of the process in just under five minutes' time. For detailed instructions, and to get started creating your own custom vector graphics, watch this graphic designer's guide.
How To: Add detail with displace modifiers in Blender 2.5
This quick Blender 2.5 video tip demonstrates how to use a displace modifier in conjunction with textures to add extra detail to a mesh. Using this technique can help provide another level of depth to a model with relative ease that otherwise would have to be done manually or through bumpmaps. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well...
How To: Get Cyberlink Youcam 3 for free
Cyberlink Webcam 3 is a very fun piece of software to have if you use your webcam a lot. Why pay for it? This video will teach you how to get the popular software for free by downloading this file and installing it on your computer. Do this as fast as you can and then get back to Chatroulette!
How To: Use the blur, smear & sharpen tools in SketchBook Pro
Learn how to use the blur, smear and sharpen tools in Autodesk SketchBook Pro 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular raster graphics editor or a seasoned graphic artist merely looking to better acquaint yourself with SketchBook Pro 2010, you're sure to be well served by this free video software lesson from the folks at Lynda. For more information, take a look.
How To: Use the image editing tools in SketchBook Pro 2010
See how to use the various image edit features within Autodesk SketchBook Pro 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular raster graphics editor or a seasoned graphic artist merely looking to better acquaint yourself with SketchBook Pro 2010, you're sure to be well served by this free video software lesson from the folks at Lynda.
How To: Use the color selector tool in SketchBook Pro 2010
See how to work with the SketchBook Pro 2010 color selector. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular raster graphics editor or a seasoned graphic artist merely looking to better acquaint yourself with SketchBook Pro 2010, you're sure to be well served by this free video software lesson from the folks at Lynda.
How To: Use the pen display feature in SketchBook Pro 2010
See how to enable the pen display mode within Autodesk SketchBook Pro 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular raster graphics editor or a seasoned graphic artist merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software lesson from the folks at Lynda.
How To: Use a pen tablet with AutoDesk Sketchbook Pro 2010
Use your pen tablet with AutoDesk SketchBook Pro 2010. This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular raster graphics editor or a seasoned graphic artist merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software lesson from the folks at Lynda.
How To: Create and manipulate proxies in Mental Ray
See how to create set up proxies for use in Mental Ray. Whether you're new to the Mental Ray rendering engine or a seasoned 3D artist just looking for a few tips, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started creating your own Mental Ray proxies, take a look!
How To: Create a motion blur camera effect with Mental Ray
Learn how to create a motion blur effect with Mental Ray in 3ds Max 2010 or 2011. See how to control the camera's shutter speed, the quality of motion blur, and how to decide if a single mesh has motion blur or the entire scene. You'll also take a look at fast motion blur option using Scanline Fast Rasterizer option. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by...