Blender is computer software that is used to work with 3D graphics. The software includes an extensive set of tools for creating 3D modeling, animation, rendering, video processing.
Blender has a game engine that allows users to create 3D games with realistic and detailed effects.
The software uses Python programming language to create tools and prototypes, game logic system and task automation.
Advanced Blender features are implemented through mixing extensions created by software developers or developed by users.
Main Features:
1. Various working possibilities with 3D graphics
2. Support for a large number of file formats
3. Edit video
4. Creating 3D games
5. Ability to connect additions
Blender is available for a wide variety of operating systems, including FreeBSD, IRIX, GNU/Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Solaris, SkyOS, and MorphOS.
Blender has a variety of similar functions like purpose and complexity like other 3D programs such as Softimage | XSI, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, Lightwave and Maya.
These features include advanced simulation tools such as rigid body, fluid, cloth and soft body dynamics, powerful character animation tools, Python-based nodes, and scripts.
Initially, the program was developed as an in-house application by the Dutch animation studio NeoGeo and Not a Number Technologies.
Blender is currently an open-source program developed by the Blender Foundation.
Blender has a relatively small size at installation and runs on a few popular platforms. Although often distributed without documentation or complicated exemplary scenes, the program abounds in functionalities that are characteristic of top modeling software.
It supports a variety of primitive geometric shapes, including polygonal structures, fast subdivision surface modeling, Bezier curves, and NURBS curves, metaballs, polygon sculptures, and vector Typeface fonts and it has versatile internal rendering capabilities and integration with YafRay open source raytracer.
Blender still has the reputation of a hard-to-learn program and almost every function has a short keyboard shortcut, and the number of features offered by Blender results in a few shortcuts assigned to the same key.
Since its launch as an open source, efforts have been made to add comprehensive contextual menus as well as to make the use of more logical and orderly tools, as well as to further visualize the interface by introducing colorful themes, windows transparent floats, a new and improved object tree overview, and other small improvements.
The Blender interface has several unique concepts:
1. Editing modes
The two primary methods are Object mode and Edit mode, alternating with the Tab key. Object mode is used to manipulate individual objects in general, and Edit mode is used to manipulate the proper defining data of the object.
2. Use shortcuts
In the program, keyboard commands are very often used. Until versions 2.x and especially 2.3x versions, this was actually the only way to issue commands, which was mostly responsible for creating a reputation for difficult learning. New releases have much more comprehensive menus.
3. Managing the workspace
The Blender interface is made up of one or more screens, which can be individually divided into sections and subsections that can be any type of viewports and window types allowed by Blender.
Each element specific to the various types of windows can be controlled with the same tools that manipulate viewing in the 3D portal resulting, for example, the somewhat unusual ability to zoom in to the button section just as zooming in the 3D portal.
The interface layout and settings are entirely controllable by users, making it possible to set the interface for specific tasks such as video editing or UV mapping and texture assignment, hiding other functions that are not necessary for that task.
Since becoming open source, Blender has been steadily improving and has had substantial rewriting of the initial code base. This has made it easier to add new features.