COMMANDS FOR SPECIFIC TASKS

 12/11/2020

KEYBOARD/MOUSE COMMANDS FOR SPECIFIC TASKS

1. To insert a key frame while animating, set the location, rotation and scaling for the object as desired. In the Timeline window enter the frame number which you want to be key framed,then click in the 3D window  and press the I key to insert a keyframe. In the menu which appears, click on location,rotation,scale or any combination of these commands. A yellow line will appear in the Timeline window which indicates that a key frame is added.

2. To delete a key frame, select  the yellow line of the frame  desired, in the Time line window.Click in the 3D window, then hold down Alt key and click on I  key.

3. To select different short cuts for view,in object mode,  click on the view  on the control bar. A menu list will appear. Select the option desired.For example to get quad view hit Ctrl+Alt+Q.

4. To loop cut an object, go to edit mode (press Tab key), position the cursor on the edge where you want to make a loop cut, then press Ctrl+R. A pink line will appear. Drag it with the mouse and leave it where you want to make loop cut  and LMB. The pink line will change into yellow.

5. To add an edge between two vertices, select the vertices  and press F key. An edge will be added.

6. To create a face between three or more vertices, select the vertices and press F key. A face will be created between these vertices.

7. To select a circle on any object, go to edit mode. On the required circle, select an edge, then click on "Select" option  in the control bar near the edit mode button, then in the menu which appears click on Edge loop.

8. To unwrap a mesh,split the 3D window into two. Change one window to UV/Image editor window.  In 3D window,go to edit mode, select the complete object. All the vertices and edges should be selected.  The hit U key and then select  Smart UV project. The unwrapped mesh will will be displayed in the UV/Image Editor window.

9. To position an object at 0,0,0 location, select the object in object mode and then press Alt+G. To set the rotation of an object to  zero degree along all three axes-x,y &z.select the object in object mode and press Alt+R.

10. To apply a material to multiple objects. Assume that you have three object- A Cube an UVSphere and a Cylinder. Add a material to the Cube. To add the same material to the other two objects, select the UVSphere and the Cylinder and lastly the Cube,then click on object menu, then on  Make Link option and then on Materials option.


11. The same procedure as explained above(10 above) can be used to link animation data to different objects.

12. To move an object along the X,Y or Z axis: To move along the X axis, position the cursor on the Red arrow and click LMB and drag the Red arrow. The object will move in the X direction. Similarly to move an object along the Z axis, click on the Blue arrow, hold the LMB down and then drag up or down.

13. To scale an object along the X and Y axis, press S to scale then Shift+Z then  1.5 and hit Enter key. The object will be scaled 1.5 times its current size along the X and Y axis.

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.