What are Command Line Arguments? Command line arguments, often shortened to command line args or CLI args, are additional inputs that can be passed to a Python script when it is executed from the command line interface. They allow customizable data to be fed into the script each time it is run, without needing to…
Understanding the Curve Modifier The Curve Modifier in Blender is a powerful tool that allows you to deform an object along the shape of a curve. It provides precise control over the warping and shaping of meshes by mapping the vertices of one object to the curvature information of another curved object. When applied, the…
Applying Modifier to Incorrect Object The curve modifier deforms the geometry of a target object along a control curve. A common mistake is applying the curve modifier to the wrong object in the scene. This results in the intended target object not deforming as expected. To avoid this, carefully select the specific object to be…
Understanding Curve and Mesh Topologies Curves and meshes in Blender have different topological structures that impact how they deform when modifiers are applied. Curves use a series of vertices connected by segments, while meshes use a web of vertices connected by edges and faces. Knowing the topology of your curves and meshes is key to…
What are Bezier Curves and Why They Matter Bezier curves are a mathematical curve type often used in computer graphics and modeling. They allow the creation of smooth organic shapes and complex winding forms. Bezier curves are defined by a set of control points or “handles” that pull and deform a generated curve. By moving…
Understanding Curve Modifiers in Blender The Curve modifier in Blender is a powerful tool for deforming mesh objects along a curve path. It allows you to bend, twist, taper, and otherwise transform your models in extremely flexible ways. However, improper setup can lead to unwanted distortions or irregularities in the deformed geometry. When applying a…
Leveraging Existing Modeling Skills If you have experience with 3D modeling in other software packages like Maya, 3ds Max, or Cinema 4D, you likely have developed certain workflows, techniques, and expectations around the modeling process. When transitioning your skills to Blender, being aware of common concepts but also key differences can help ease the shift….
Boolean operations like union, difference, and intersection are extremely useful modeling techniques in Blender. However, Blender’s built-in Boolean modifiers have some significant limitations that can make using them effectively challenging. By installing the open source BoolTool add-on, Blender users can gain access to enhanced Boolean capabilities that address many of the frustrations commonly associated with…
Optimizing Render Settings for EXR Exports When exporting Blender renders to the EXR file format, optimizing your render settings is key for an efficient workflow. EXR (OpenEXR) is an HDR format that supports high dynamic range imaging and complex data like motion vectors and arbitrary metadata. Tuning your Blender exports specifically for EXR can improve…
The Problem with Manual Multi-Pass EXR Exports Manually exporting multi-pass OpenEXR files from Blender can be tedious and time consuming. Artists often need to export dozens of different render passes like diffuse, glossy, transmission etc. for every scene. Having to manually set up each render layer, choose export settings and file names, and click through…