Hot Software Tips How-Tos
How To: Model a strand of Christmas Lights in Blender 2.5
This clip demonstrates the process of creating a model of a strand of Christmas lights in Blender 2.5. The tutorials covers modeling and how to use array and curve modifiers to create a strand of lights that will automatically lengthen as needed. 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 fro...
How To: Box model an alien in Blender 2.5
This clip demonstrates how to use the box-modeling technique to create a full character. The box-modeling technique is a good way to quickly visualize the shape of your character, rather than a creating the detail from the beginning. 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 from the folks a...
How To: Use the Blender snapping tool
The snapping tool in Blender allows you to snap your mesh selection to any other vertice, edge, face, or volume. This is a very handy technique for precision modeling. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instruct...
How To: Clean up imported 3D models in Blender
It is quite common for imported models to come into Blender with duplicate vertices and triangulated faces. This quick tip demonstrates how to very easily fix these two issues, leaving you with a model that is ready to go. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie...
How To: Control edge flows in Blender
When working with a high density mesh in Blender, maintainig a firm grip on topology is essential. This quick video demonstrates a few tips for increasing/decreasing your topology in a given area and for redirecting the flow of your topology. 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 from th...
How To: Create threaded models with Blender's screw modifier
In this quick Blender 2.5 video tip, you'll see how you can use the Screw modifier to quickly create threaded objects or springs. This method is non-destructive and very quick to use. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-...
How To: Create 3D cartoon cumulus clouds in Blender
This clip offers a look at how to create non-photorealistic cumulus clouds in Blender. These techniques are taken from a Siggraph 2009 paper titled “Painting with Objects,” created by Isaac Botkin. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, i...
How To: Create a 3D model of a wooden barrel in Blender 2.5
Making use of multiple modifiers and projection painting this tutorial covers the entire process of modeling and texturing an old, wooden barrel 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take ...
How To: Texture with projection painting in Blender 2.49
With the release of Blender 2.49, comes the ability to stencil images onto your model via projection. This tutorial goes through the process of setting up your model and it’s UVs in order to “projection paint” your textures onto the model. 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 from the f...
How To: Create a layered 3D snowflake pattern in Blender
Learn how to create layered snow flake patterns in this tutorial by using scripts and nodes. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Create a face rig in Blender
This tutorials covers how to create a more advanced type of facial rig, showing you how to use the "stretch to" constraint to give the face a more fluid way of animating. The "stretch to" is great for things like lips and eyelids (which is shown in this tutorial); in addition, you'll see how to make the eyelids "stick" to the eyeball surface, so there's no unwanted gap between the two while animating. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics appl...
How To: Create a 3D model of a screw in Blender
This is a quick tip on how to model a screw within Blender. But more so on covering the “threading” of the screw itself. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Combine two rigs into one in Blender
This clip offers a trick for combining two rigs into one and demonstrates how to adjust the settings in the new rig to conform to the settings in the original rig. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions...
How To: Model a 3D praying mantis in Blender
This clip will walk you through the process of modeling a fairly cartoony praying mantis from a sketch. The tutorial covers the entire modeling process and some simple materials. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-st...
How To: Create a 3D model of a witch hat in Blender
This tutorial covers how to create a witch's hat in Blender using a combination of modeling and cloth simulations. Basic materials are also covered. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Cut a whole in a curved mesh in Blender
Cutting a hole into a curved mesh is a common problem, particularly for new modelers. This tip shows you how to go about doing it using Blender's retopology 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions...
How To: Get started using Blender 2.5
Here is a brief overview of some of the changes and additions to Blender 2.5. Keep in mind, 2.5 is still under heavy development and many things will be added/changed. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instruct...
How To: Use the Solidify Selection script in Blender
In this tutorial, we'll take a look at a built-in script called the Solidify Selection script. This script, created by Campbell Barton, will allow you to solidify a mesh by adding a second "skin" to it based on the selected geometry. 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 from the folks a...
How To: Model a pumpkin in Blender
This clip will walk you through the process of modeling a pumpkin in Blender. This tutorial uses a combination of mirror and lattice modifiers to create a model that can easily be shaped without disfiguring the original mesh. 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 from the folks at CG Coo...
How To: Append nodes in Blender
Appending nodes allows you to reuse node trees from previous files. This can be a huge time saver, particularly when working with complex setups. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Use the Blender Make Links tool
When you begin working with complex scenes, you'll often find yourself applying the same material to a multitude of objects, which becomes quite time consuming. By using blender's "Make Links" tool you can quickly apply a single materials to as many objects as you'd like. 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 v...
How To: Pack a .blend file within Blender
When working in a production environment it is a common need to send a model, along with all of it's associated files off to another artist. Blender makes this quite easy by allowing you to pack (compress) all of the external data associated with the model into the .blend. 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 ...
How To: Rig a small piston with constraints in Blender
Blender's constraint system offers a very powerful feature-set. In this video tutorial we will look at how to rig a piston using several constraints. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Group objects in Blender
Grouping in blender allows you to better oganize the objects within your scene by grouping them together. This is particularly use for complex scenes with large numbers of objects. It also allows easy selection for different types of objects at the same time. 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: Apply a texture to the world background in Blender
In this tutorial, you will see how to apply a texture, in this case a subtle gradient, to the world background in Blender. Textures can vastly improve the presentation of your model. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-b...
How To: Use Blender's curves tools
Blender’s curves tools are quite a powerful and convenient way to model all kind of things. Tubes, lathe-objects, logos, tentacles and much more. This tutorial shows you how to use the different types of curves, control-points and handles and how to use them. You will learn how to trace a logo and to give it some depth, and how to create lathe-objects within Blender and add some variations to them by using the lattice- and the cast-modifier. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popu...
How To: Model a 3D steampunk telescope in Blender
In this clip, Jonathan Williamson discusses modeling and texturing a steampunk-style telescope 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started modeling your own distressed, ge...
How To: Use the Loop Cut tool in Blender
Meet the Blender Loop Cut tool! 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on how to use the Loop Cut tool in your own Blender projects, take a look!
How To: Unwrap UVs on a 3D human head model in Blender
In this tutorial, you'll see how to unwrap the UVs on a human head model in Blender (including the use of seams and pinning). 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Use the Shrinkwrap Modifier tool in Blender
This short video tutorial is going to take you through the process of using Blender’s new Shrinkwrap modifier to make clothing for a character. This modifier makes the process significantly easier and faster! It’s also a lot of fun. 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 from the folks at...
How To: Create a 3D model of a segment of rope in Blender
This tutorial takes a look at how to model a segment of rope in Blender and then replicate it along a path using an Array and Curve modifier. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Use Stencil maps in Blender
Stencil maps can help push your model to the next level by allowing you to layer materials exactly as you see fit. This tutorial covers how to create a stencil map, applying it to your model in Blender and then using it to layer two different materials via the Material Nodes. 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 fr...
How To: Use the Bridge Modifier tool in Blender
This clip presents short video overview of the Blender Bridge Modifier tool. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on using the Bridge Modifier tool in your own Blender projects, take a look!
How To: Paint instance objects in Blender
This tutorial teaches how to use Blender’s particles system to “paint” instanced objects onto mesh surfaces. Similar to Maya’s “Paint Effects,” though not nearly as powerful, it’s a very nice way to fill a scene with flowers, vegetation, rocks, pebbles, gravel, debris, etc. 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...
How To: Use the Mirror Modifier tool in Blender
The Mirror Modifier can be extremely helpful in modeling objects with Symmetry. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started using the Mirror Modifier in your own Blender projects, take a ...
How To: Set up background images in Blender
If you are modeling from a reference file, concept art, or model sheets. Setting the background up with an image can be extremely useful. 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look! Set up back...
How To: Model an entire human head within Blender
This seven-part tutorial series presents an overview of the techniques needed to model a human head using the Blender 3D modeling application. First, you'll set up the primary edgeloops and then move on piece by piece from there. Upon completion you should come away with some good strategies to model your own heads. 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,...
How To: Use the fill tools in CorelDRAW X4
Need help navigating CorelDRAW X4's various fill tools? This easy-to-follow clip provides some much needed assistance. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started using the fill tools in your own CorelDRAW X4 projects, watch this free video software tutorial. Get to know CorelDRAW just a little bit better with this handy guide.
How To: Model a 3D turntable deck in Houdini 10
Interested in modeling a DJ deck using Houdini 10 but aren't quite sure how to go about it? This guide will get you started. Whether you're new to Side Effects Software's popular 3D production program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look.
How To: Get started modeling objects in Houdini 10
Eager to make a foray into the world of 3D modeling with Houdini 10? This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're new to Side Effects Software's popular 3D production program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look.