ARRAY MODIFIER

 TO CREATE MULTIPLE OBJECTS OF THE SAME TYPE(BLENDER 2.79b)

 If you want to create, let us say 10 cubes of the same size , placed side by side with some spacing between the cubes Array modifier can be used.
 

  First open the 3D window and a cube.To active the Array modifier, go to the Properties window and clip on the spanner icon.A window with a  heading "Add Modifier" will appear. It has a drop down menu with a number of modifier options. Under the Generate heading click on "Array" to open the Array modifier option. In the window which opens, set count to 10 and under the Relative option, against x axis set it to 1.1 . Then click on Apply button to create an Array of 10 cubes.

 You can try out different settings by varying the count setting, and offset settings. Similarly set the offset along Y or Z axis and  see the result.For more details on Array modifier, see some video tutorial on the subject.

 Once the array is created, go to edit mode and hit "P" key and then click on Separate  by loose parts. Then go to object mode,select all the cubes and click on Ctrl+Shift+Alt+C to move the origin to the centre of each cube. Now each cube can be moved separately. Before you did this, all the cubes would move together.

Array modifier can be used to create a row of cubes(any object), which we may define as 1X5 for a row of 5 cubes in one row. Two dimension layout of cubes can also be created, which we may define as 5x5 and three dimension can be defined as 5x5x5.

To create a 2D array of say 5x5, first create an array of 5 cubes. Select all the 5 cubes, again open Array modifier set the count to 5 and the offset against y axis as 1.1 and click on Apply button.

To create a 3D array, select all the 25 cubes created above, set count to 5 and the offset against Z axis to 1.1 and click on Apply button.

SAMPLE WORKS DONE WITH BLENDER

Image-Animation2 Some of the art work created with blender are made available for viewing.The links for the same are provided below. Click on the  link  to  see/play the image/video.

HEXAGON ANIMATION

TWO-SPHERES

CUBES-GRID ANIMATION

QUADCOPTER-GENERIC 6 DOF CONSTRAINT

BALL-LAMP -TRACK TO CONSTRAINT

CAR ANIMATION-GENERIC 6 DOF CONSTRAINT

GEARS ANIMATION -COPY ROTATION CONSTRAINT

 DUPLIVERTS-ANIMATION

ELECTRON-SPIN

DUPLIVERTS-PLANES 

DUPLIVERTS-ICOSPHERE 

DUPLIVERTS-ICOSPHERES1 

PARTICLES SIMULATION 

PARTICLES-ASTRO-SIM1 

PARTICLES-ASTRO-SIM2

Thermo-Electric 

DNA-HELIX

Scientific Visualization

Scientific Visualization-3

Scientific Visualization-4

Scientific Visualization-5-Magnetic Field

Scientific Visualization-6-Graphene Tube

Scientific Visualization-7-Galaxy

Multiple Gears Animation

 Drones

Swarm Drones 

Image Animation 

Cubes Animation 

Image Animation 2

GETTING YOUR FEET WET

 EDIT MODE

Open a new 3D window, change to front view by clicking on "1" key (in number pad), hit Shift+C to move the cursor to the 3D origin. Press Shift+A to add an object, then go to Mesh and then click on Cube. A cube object will be added. Press Tab key to go to edit mode, press "A" key to deselect all.

To select a vertex click RMB on it. If you  want to select another vertex also, hold the Shift key down and then keep the cursor on the second vertex and then press RMB.

If you want to select an edge, first click on the edge select button in the horizontal panel in the bottom.It is positioned to the right of the edit mode  button. Then position the cursor on the edge you want to select and press RMB.

TO select a face, first select the face select option then select the face in a similar way.



SAVING FILE IN BLENDER

In Blender, the file you are working on must be saved when ever some substantial change is done in your file. Blender DOES NOT auto-save your file. Choose the proper directory where your Blender files are saved. Blender files are saved with the extension ".blend".


DUPLICATING AN OBJECT

To duplicate an object, select the object in object mode, press Shift+D.Then move the mouse, the duplicated object will move in the direction of the mouse movement. Click LMB to confirm the location of the duplicate  object.


STEPS FOR PROPER WORK FLOW

When you want to create a simple object (like a metallic bowl)  or a more complex one,it is worthwhile to spend some time to plan your steps to achieve the desired result. Working as you think would not help you move forward in a focused manner. "Set a target . Achieve it" This would be a better approach.

 
Basic steps for a proper work flow are listed below. You may adapt it to your specific needs:

1. Make a pencil sketch of the model you want to create.
2. Think of the tools in Blender which you would use to design your model.
3. Create the mesh of your model.
4. Add material.
5. Add texture..
6. Add light.
7. Set world horizon colour, if you want.
8. Position camera to get a good view of your model.
9. Render the image.
10.Save results.


CAMERA VIEW

If you want to set the camera position to a desired view which you have already got on your 3D screen, press Ctrl+Alt+0 (Zero key on Number pad).

 

EXTRUDING IN BLENDER

To extrude a set of vertices, select them using Box select option, then press "E" key then "z" key to extrude along z axis. Once you have extruded to desired length, click LMB to confirm.