What is Blender and how does it modify 3D objects?

Blender is a popular open-source 3D computer graphics software developed by Blender Foundation that allows users to create, model, animate, and render 3D objects and scenes.

While Blender is not inherently a virtual reality (VR) software, it can be used with VR hardware to enhance the 3D modelling and editing experience. Blender can be integrated with VR headsets and controllers to provide a more immersive, intuitive and realistic way of modifying 3D objects. This integration allows users to interact with their 3D models using natural movements and gestures in a virtual environment.

How does blender modify objects?

The interface of Blender (version 2.80.74) looks like this:

Blender allows users to modify 3D objects using an amalgamation of modelling techniques, editing tools, and transformation operations. You can find them on the right most portion of the landing interface.

Here's a quick breakdown of each of the components:

Modelling techniques

• Extrusion: This technique involves the extension/reduction of the selected faces, edges, or vertices of objects to create a new geometry.

• Beveling: Blender allows you to round off the sharp edges of a model by adding a bevel or chamfer to them.

• Loop Cut and slide: Using this technique Blender enables the users to create new edge loops along a selected path on the model's surface.

• Boolean operations: Blender provides Boolean operations like union, difference, and intersection to combine or cut out shapes from existing geometry.

• Subdivision surfaces: This technique smooths out the geometry by subdividing the faces, resulting in a more organic and detailed appearance.

Editing tools

• Knife tool: This tool is used to manually create new edges or cut through existing geometry to add more detail.

• Vertex slide tool: With this tool, Blender lets the user to slide a vertex along an adjacent edge while maintaining the model's overall shape.

• Merge and dissolve tool: These tools are used to merge selected vertices, edges, or faces together and dissolve them to reduce unnecessary geometry.

Transformation operations

• Translation: Blender uses operation to move objects, vertices, edges, or faces along the X, Y, or Z axes to change their position in the 3D space.

• Rotation: Blender lets the users to rotate the selected components around a chosen axis at a certain angle.

• Shearing: Shearing applies a non-uniform transformation, tilting the selected geometry along one pivot point while maintaining the shape.

• Lattice deform: Blender includes the lattice tool, which creates a cage-like structure around an object and gives the option to deform the object by manipulating the lattice's control points.

Blender in a VR environment

On PC (which is a non-VR environment), the interface of Blender looks similar to the one already shown above. We have to modify objects and models using our mouse or keyboard inputs.

But in a VR environment, we are transported into a virtual space that simulates a 3D interface of Blender. We can see and interact with our models and screens by directly manipulating the 3D objects using natural hand gestures and movements as if we are physically present within them. This means that instead of relying solely on traditional keyboard and mouse inputs, we can grab, scale, rotate, and move objects as if we are interacting with the physical objects in real world.

This creates a heightened sense of immersion, enhancing the overall creative experience. We can achieve this experience by using a VR headset and controllers. In a VR headset, the interface will appear as follows:

Conclusion

Blender makes the process of 3D modelling less challenging and interactive but Blender in a VR world combines the power and flexibility of its feature-rich toolset with the natural interaction of virtual reality. It offers a transformative creative experience, making 3D modelling more intuitive, immersive, and exciting for designers.