So you ve heard about Blender, the free 3D animation software. You really want to know more about the features of Blender, where to get it, and how to use it. You re in luck! It s all in Blender For Dummies, including Blender software on the bonus DVD. Because there s a lot to learn about Blender, you ll be glad this book takes it step by step. First, you ll learn to install Blender 2.48 and think the Blender way. Then you ll start creating 3D objects and setting them in motion with animations and rigging. Soon you ll be texturing with Blender, rendering with Blender, and sharing your creations. You ll learn how to: Create almost anything with meshes, save time with the Mirror modifier, and use Blender s secret weapon, Dupliverts Understand texture mapping, know when to use which type of lamp, and use radiosity in animation Work with curves and surfaces, and add color, shades, texture, and reflections Rig your characters for animation with shape keys, hooks, and armatures, and understand kinematics Navigate in three dimensions Make your animations more believable, and let Blender do the animating for you Use the video sequence editor Export, render, composite, and edit for output You ll even get tips on common problems new Blender users face and how to avoid them. Blender For Dummies will have you creating eye-popping 3D animations before you know it! Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of e Book file.