1. Introduction

1.1 Tutorial Goal

This tutorial aims to provide a comprehensive guide on the different 3D modelling tools and techniques. By the end of this tutorial, you will have hands-on experience in creating detailed models using a popular 3D software.

1.2 Learning Outcomes

You will learn:

• Different 3D modelling tools
• Techniques for creating detailed models
• Best practices for 3D modelling

1.3 Prerequisites

No prior experience in 3D modelling is required. However, basic computer skills and an interest in 3D design are beneficial.

2. Step-by-Step Guide

2.1 3D Modelling Tools

There are various 3D modelling tools available, such as Blender, Maya, and 3Ds Max. For this tutorial, we will use Blender because it's free and widely used in the industry.

2.2 Basic Concepts

Before getting started, let's understand some basic concepts:

• Mesh: A collection of vertices, edges, and faces that define the shape of a 3D model.
• Vertices: These are points in 3D space.
• Edges: Lines that connect two vertices.
• Faces: A flat surface enclosed by edges.

2.3 Creating Basic Shapes

In Blender, you can start modelling by creating basic shapes like cubes, spheres, cones, and cylinders. Here's how you can create a cube:

1. Open Blender and click on Add -> Mesh -> Cube.

2.4 Modifying Shapes

You can modify the shape of a mesh using different techniques like moving, scaling, and rotating.

To move a shape, select it and press G on your keyboard.

To scale a shape, select it and press S.

To rotate a shape, select it and press R.

3. Code Examples

Blender uses Python as a scripting language, which allows for automation and customization. Here's how you can create and modify a cube using Python in Blender:

import bpy

# Create a cube
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add()

# Get the cube
cube = bpy.context.object

# Move the cube
cube.location = (1, 2, 3)

# Scale the cube
cube.scale = (2, 2, 2)

# Rotate the cube
cube.rotation_euler = (0, 0, 1)

In the above code:

• We first import the bpy module which contains the functions and classes for Blender's functionality.
• We create a cube using bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add().
• We get the cube using bpy.context.object.
• We move, scale, and rotate the cube by changing the location, scale, and rotation_euler properties of the cube.

4. Summary

In this tutorial, we learned about different 3D modelling tools and techniques. We created and modified a cube in Blender using both the GUI and Python. These are just the basics and there's a lot more to learn in 3D modelling.

5. Practice Exercises

1. Exercise 1: Create a sphere and move it to a different location.
2. Exercise 2: Create a cone and scale it.
3. Exercise 3: Create a cylinder and rotate it.

Solutions:

1. Solution to Exercise 1:

```python
import bpy

# Create a sphere
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_uv_sphere_add()

# Get the sphere
sphere = bpy.context.object

# Move the sphere
sphere.location = (5, 5, 5)
```

1. Solution to Exercise 2:

```python
import bpy

# Create a cone
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cone_add()

# Get the cone
cone = bpy.context.object

# Scale the cone
cone.scale = (3, 3, 3)
```

1. Solution to Exercise 3:

```python
import bpy

# Create a cylinder
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cylinder_add()

# Get the cylinder
cylinder = bpy.context.object

# Rotate the cylinder
cylinder.rotation_euler = (0, 0, 2)
```

For further practice, try to create more complex shapes and apply different transformations to them.