Blender tutorials & training

Blender content modeling
Social & Virtual World tutorials
Texture creation tutorials
idTech editing tutorials
Video tutorials
gmax tutorials
RtCW editing & misc. tutorials
Trackmania Nations tutorials

Game art production, models, textures and level design using Blender

Learn how to use Blender 3D for game development. Pick up essential skills for properly optimised models, efficient level design and texture making. In-depth, extensive and unique explanations of methods and principles you won't find anywhere else, seriously! Not just on using Blender 3D, but also the 'hidden' and less talked about core subjects associated with content and game development, all of if freely available to those looking for it.

Blender modeling tutorials ^

Draw All Edges object property

Sometimes being able to see the structure of a mesh in it's entirety is advantageous when working. Using the "Draw All Edges" property this is possible on a per-selection basis.
Learn Blender: make a simple character

Extensive tutorial explaining how to make a simple low-poly character in Blender 3D from start to finish, including simple rigging and animation. (incl. *.blend sample files).
Simple Edge Bevel in Blender 2.63

Selection based edge Bevel is back in Blender 2.63 (or later). This short video runs through using the edge Bevel tool and settings on selected edges. (inc sample).
Using displace to make Simple terrain

Using the same heightmap but the latest version of Blender, this video runs through the process of displacing a mesh to make a simple terrain.
Make a simple terrain in Blender 2.49

Making a simple terrain in Blender 2.49 using a heightmap alongside the Displace modifier. Includes tip for better results. Text version available with sample file.
Render like SketchUp in Blender

Short video tutorial showing how to render Objects in a scene like SketchUp in Blender using Ambient Occlusion and other Lamp settings (inc. sample).
Render Objects as wireframes

Short video tutorial showing how to render Scenes or Objects in Blender as 'Wireframes' or 'Outlined' images (not to be confused with 'Wire' viewport shading (inc. sample).
Terrain & baking Ambient Occlusion

Updated for the latest version of Blender. Few things have changed but more can be learnt about the process of baking ambient occlusion for terrain.

Learn Blender: make a simple map

Tutorial on using Blender to make .map based levels (Quake format). Seven chapters cover scene and set-up basics, through to advanced information on optimisation (source file included).

Blender & activating Add-Ons

Short tutorial on activating Blenders Add-Ons, optional tools and features that can be used for content creation, in this instance the Unreal PSK/PSA import/export tools.

Blender & two-sided materials

Tutorial on the correct way to set up double or two-sided faces and meshes so they use different materials on either side. Mainly for Blender 2.5, this technique also works in any 'real time' environment.

Blender Metric & Imperial units

Tutorial on Blenders units of measurement systems and their caveats when modelling 'real world' objects.

Blender view, grid & camera properties

Tutorial explains some of the changes to the new version of Blender and where some important features have been moved that game developers often use for asset creation.

Blender & collision hulls for game models

Understanding collision hulls is an essential bit of knowledge 3D artists need have when making custom 3D modeled assets for game modding or development. Learn more about the process with this tutorial.

Learn Blender 2.49: making a chair

An extensive six part tutorial on making a simple wooden chair to learn the basics of how to use Blender 3D (2.49 or below) for modeling content.

Importing Google SketchUp files directly into Blender 3D without converting

This tutorial discusses how to import files from Googles free 3D modeling application, Google SketchUp, into Blender 3D to allow further editing as part of the overall content creation process.

Export/Import Google Building Maker models into Blender

Another tool from Google that potentially make asset creation relatively straight forward whilst being based entirely on real world locations and buildings.

An alternative use for Blender 3D 'Sculpt' Tool - aging models

You don't always have to 'sculpt' with Blender 3D's sculpt tool, it's also a quite handy and a quick way to edit a mesh to make it 'wonky' and 'aged'.

UT3 editing, Blender 3D and smoothing (smoothgroups)

Making custom models for UT3 or UDK present issues, one of which is getting smoothing to work to properly. The following tutorial explains a couple of ways to getting smooth groups to work on Blender models.

Blender 3D, Python and setting up the Python Path variable in Windows

Although most scripts in Blender, installed or 3rd party, don't always need the Python API installed, some of the more complex ones do often reporting the classic "Python Path" error. This tutorials shows you how to set that up under Windows OS (XP, Vista, Win7).

Rendering custom Skyboxes using Blender 3D (+ sample files)

Trying to make a custom sky-box but can't quite get there? Use Blender 3D and the available skybox sample file to quickly render out your own custom skyboxes with very little hassle, ready for use in games.

Maximum Draw Type & Material Modes

Objects in Blender can be rendered in a scene to use one of various 'shading' types, allowing a 'mix-n-match' approach to the display of meshes which can be especially useful under GLSL conditions.

Learn Blender: make a simple sword

Second in the Blender Basics series. A six part tutorial on making a simple low poly sword model to learn the basics of using Blender and general content development (source file included).

Blender & baking Ambient Occlusion

Tutorial discussing both the basic and more advanced aspects of texture baking Ambient Occlusion maps in Blender, includes UVW map & texture relationship and more.

Exporting ASE from Blender

Learn the ins and out of exporting ASE models from Blender, the proper way to prepare meshes and the problems that can happen and their fixes.

Blender Edge Length & Face Normals

Learn about edge "Numerics" & face "Normals" sub-systems which belong to more complete suite of tools used to measure and orientate mesh elements relative to the grid and each other.

Blender & basic alpha transparency

Explaining how to set up and get transparent (alpha masked) textures and materials to work correctly in a scene so it's visible in 'edit' mode as models are working on in the 3D view of Blender 2.5.

Learn Blender: make a simple chair

An extensive six part tutorial on using an example of making a simple chair to learn the basics of using Blender.

Blender 3D - useful shortcut keys

A list of shortcut keys that are useful when modeling meshes and objects for games and interactive 3D.

Baking & using ambient occlusion maps

Ambient occlusion is a useful way to add depth to textures applied to map and world objects, something that's simple to do using the default render bake settings in Blender 2.49.

Import 3DVia Shape models & meshes into Blender 3D, with or without textures

This tutorial explains the simple process of getting a 3DVia Shape model out of the application and imported into Blender 3D in the least amount of steps, with or without textures and UVW maps.

Exporting models from Blender 3D to *.o3d using Googles converter

This tutorial runs through the process of converting models into Open 3D *.o3d files using Googles o3dconvert.exe sample conversion program.

Renderbump and baking normal maps from a high poly models using Blender 3D

Most modern games use normal maps and luckily for Blender users the program has a native ability to render bake them from high resolution meshes.

Resizing textures on Blender models used for game content

A common mistake that easily corrected one you know how, the correct way to resize textures applied to modeled content used in games.

Social & Virtual World tutorials ^

Make IMVU furniture with Blender 2.49

If you're new being a Content Creator or looking to make your own meshes, the following will teach how the basics of making furniture items for IMVU using Blender 2.49a.

Getting Started with Blender for IMVU

Essential guide for getting started with Blender and using it to make products for IMVU. Essentials links, information and resources needed to become a Content Creator.

Making furniture items for Frenzoo with Blender 3D, export and conversion

Although the process of making products and items for Frenzoo is relatively straightforward, you need to be mindful of how a model should be properly prepared, exported and converted. Includes sample file available for download.

How to make animated pets for IMVU with Blender 3D (incl. example file)

Part 1 of a two part tutorial on creating an animated pet for use in IMVU made with Blender 3D. Part 1 covers making the pet in Blender 3D and what needs to be considered when doing so before then going on to discuss more 'advanced' subjects that need to be considered.

How to make IMVU furniture rooms using Blender 3D (incl. example file)

This tutorial explains the steps required to make, prepare and export a model mesh to Cal3D, constructing the results in IMVU's Previewer tool for upload to IMVU as a scene or room.

Making opacity maps for IMVU products (IMVU specific tutorial on transparency)

How do you create transparency for your products and items in IMvu? Easy, use opacity maps. Their setup and use can be a little confusing so this tutorial highlights the things you need to know in order to get them to work properly.

Making a product bundle for IMVU for multiple individual products or items

Quite confusing the first time you try to "Make a Bundle" as it's it involves a number of steps that need to be done in order for a bundle product to be successfully created.

Make, export & convert rooms and scenes from Blender 3D to Frenzoo

Tutorial going over how to make rooms and scenes for Frenzoo. Including correctly preparing the meshes and objects to export and converting for upload to the Frenzoo shop. Includes sample file available for download.

Converting IMVU products for use in Frenzoo

IMVU products built with Blender 3D can be easily converted and used inside Frenzoo, it just requires a little bit of clean-up and prep work.

Exporting models from Blender for use in Frenzoo - converting .dae files to .efa

Making content for Frenzoo using anything other than 3DS max requires a couple of extra steps when producing content for Frenzoo, this tutorial will show how that's done.

Making furniture items and static objects for IMVU using Blender 3D

Making furniture items for IMVU using Blender 3D

A 'quick & dirty' tutorial taking you through the essential steps needed to export a contents of a scene or series of objects from Blender 3D to IMVU, put together in the 'Previewer' tool. A template/sample file is available for download to accompany this tutorial.

Blender to Frenzoo export and dae to efa conversion errors

A 'list' of common errors and problems associated with exporting meshes from Blender 3D to Collada and conversion to Frenzoo's efa format from dae

IMVU Blender developer hints and tips

A page dedicated to some of the more common hints and tips for IMvu developing (content creation) when using Blender 3D.

Texturing related tutorials ^

What to look out for and how to make normal maps from photographs

Following on from the previous tutorials about creating normal maps, this tutorials covers some of the things you'll need to know and watch out for when using photographs to create normal maps.

Making an (alpha) mask of a trees leaves from a photograph

Creating a leaf mass for use as a tree sprite can be fiddly and time consuming, there are a few steps that can be used to create a mask from a source photograph quite quickly.

Normal maps, texture space, orientation and UVW maps

Not all games treat Normal Maps the same way, especially when texture rotation is involved. As a result problems can occur when using them on models using tiled textures that have normal maps.

How not to make normal maps from images, photos or 2D artwork

Although normal maps (or 'local maps' to give them their proper Doom 3 name) ideally should be generated by rendering an incredibly high resolution three dimensional object into 2D.

Making DDS textures 'Compressonator'

One of the more puzzling aspects of creating content for Doom 3 powered games (Doom 3, Quake 4 et-al) is DDS; what they are, what they do and more importantly, how to create them. This tutorial will walk through the process of creating DDS textures.

Making better textures by understanding the 'power of two' rule

Making better textures for games, 'power of two' and proper image dimensions

A lot of problems encountered when making textures for games are directly related to not knowing about a couple of basics. This tutorial discusses one of these, the 'power of two' rule.

DirectX DirectDraw Surface DDS images - "unknown file format"

A common misconception about DDS textures and the "unknown file format" error; they are 'proper' DDS, but 'special' which is why Windows has problems with seeing them.

Understanding Oblivion's parallax maps with an 'artists' eye

A tutorial to help 'artists' (texture artists, modellers, etc.) new to parallax mapping understand how it works and the differences between parallax and normal maps.

Make normal maps from 2D image artwork (not photos)

This tutorial explains in further detail the process of creating a heightTemplate for passing through one of the normal map creation tools, mentioned in the previous tutorial (though not the specifics of 'how to use' the tools).

Making the Map Center texture set

I though it might be interesting to add this info to the site. It was originally posted on the Map Center forums as part of the rock texture challenge by way of giving a brief outline/explanation.

idTech editing tutorials ^

Making maps & Blender (model2map)

Make maps in Blender 3D as models and export them out as *.map files that can be opened directly in to map editors like Radiant.

Texture Blending (terrain)

Covers the principles of texture blending in idtech 4 powered games. Model set-up, vertex painting and in-game materials to get texture blending working properly on models.

Export ASE models from Blender

Tutorial explaining how to get custom made ASE models into D3Radiant or QuakeEdit, the steps needed to prepare the mesh and then export and load into Doom3Edit.

Outdoor lighting Doom 3 parallel lights

Lighting outdoor scenes when making maps for Doom 3 requires a different approach to normal indoor levels. Find out how to use 'parallel' lights to effect natural looking light in outdoor scenes.

Making Doom 3 patch mesh terrain pt.1

You need a basic understanding of how to manipulate patch mesh to fully grasp the concepts outlined in this tutorial. If you don't know 'how to.. patch mesh' then click here an read that tutorial.

Modeling a map with Blender 3D

This is a over view of the methods and principles used to create the sample map shown below, kat1024. The processes and techniques involved can be used for modeling any map for Quake 3 or Doom 3 powered games.

Make models from BSP brushes or maps

An extensive tutorial showing Radiant based level designers what they need to know and understand when converting maps or brushwork into ASE models using Q3map2 compile options.

Advanced curves tutorial

Make sure you can see, or get access to the top, side, front and 3D camera views. You'll need these views to edit the patches properly on all sides and see what you're doing.

Setting up GTKRadiant for custom content, mods or games

GTK Radiant 1.4 custom content & games

Most common errors with GTK Radiant are a result of corrupt user and preference data. This tutorial explains how to avoid and fix these errors.

'DoNotEnter' clip brush - use of

Most of the pics below are 'exceptions to the rule' on using DoNotEnter clip brushes as it's usage (the rules) usually applies to structures with flat walls and floors.

What is smoothgroup & mesh smoothing

There are 3 model formats idtech 4 can use. *.ase, *.lwo and *.MD5. All these formats use smooth groups in one of two ways, this tutorial shows how to do that.

Doom 3 lighting principles

This tutorial isn't going to cover the specific technical details of using lights with Doom 3, instead it'll cover the general principles and what you need to have in mind as you work.

Export 'LWO' models from Blender

Explains what needs to be done to prepare and export custom LWO models from Blender to idtech 4 games. Includes material set-up, and adding mesh smoothing to exported models.

Doom3 Radiant & custom MOD set-up

This tutorial is going to run through the steps you need to take so you're able to use Doom 3 Radiant ('D3Edit' or 'doom edit') to create content (maps) for custom modifications of the Doom 3 engine.

Megatexture terrain model from brushes

Tutorial explaining how level designers using GTK Radiant can and will be able make brush or patch mesh based terrain as part of the Mega Texture system in idtech powered games.

Making Doom 3 patch mesh terrain pt.2

This tutorial is a follow up on the previous article about what you need to keep in mind when making a terrain in Doom 3 from patch mesh objects. This tutorial continues the 'optimising' theme.

Modelling tutorials for gmax ^

UVW mapping, textures & 'skinning'

2D artwork was used on the meshes which meant using UVW map and and UVW unwrap. As this is a big part of the workload for the scene it's probably a good idea to run through the process.

Exporting models from gmax to .max

If you're thinking of creating 'static' map objects for Doom 3 (doorways, crates etc.) they need to be in one of two formats; *.ase and *.lwo. Animated objects and characters in the Doom 3 use the proprietary MD5 format.

Exporting models from gmax to *.obj using gmax2obj Max script

Using a gmax Max script it's possible to export models out from gmax as *.obj files so they can be imported into other 3D app's for further work.

VIDEO Tutorials ^

Baking Ambient Occlusion for terrain

Using Blender to bake ambient occlusion maps for terrain made from models is a simple way to add depth to textures (for 2.49 or below).

The best way to make spiral stairs

One of the most complex types of constructions to make when level editing. Follow the video and read the accompanying tutorial and make professional quality steps in no time!

Modelling terrain objects video Pt 1-14

This series of Blender 3D video tutorials runs at almost 3hrs worth of footage (no audio). Essential viewing for current Blender Heads looking to do low poly modeling or modders new to modeling wanting to get to grips with some of the techniques of using Blender 3D.

Using Retopoology to re-create a mesh

The Retopo Tool is a quick and clean way to rebuild low poly meshes from higher resolution objects... a valuable and handy skill to know!.

Using Auto IK to rig game characters

Short tutorial (tip) explaining the results of using Blender 3D's 'Automatic IK' system and how it effects the movement of individual bones and bone 'chains'.

RtCW editing & miscellaneous tutorials ^

RtCW and setting up props_flamethrower effect in single player

Set up props_flamethrower effect in SP

Tutorial explains how, using an entity chain, to set up and activate the props_flamethrower effect in single player levels.

Making PAK/PK3/PK4 files

There are a couple of ways to create PK3 or PAK files for games that understand the archived format. The following tutorial explains how to make a pk* files.

RtCW SP end / change map trigger

Right.... what we're talking about here is the walk-able trigger at the end of a level where you seem to be able to walk a couple of paces into before the next level loads.

Tri-souping... a 'solution' to z-fighting

I wrote this as a reply to a forum topic (now long since gone the way of the dodo) on the difference between 'trisouping' and '3 point clipped' brushwork and how that related to z-fighting in game.

Killing AI characters using an entity chain

RtCW SP & using an entity chain to kill AI

Tutorial explaining a simple way to kill AI characters in RtCW single player levels without scripting by using a simply entity chain.

Steam jet effect for RtCW SP/MP - pt.1

This RtCW tutorial covers using the correct target_smoke entities to make a steam jet effect in the single player part of the game.

Steam jet effect for RtCW SP/MP - pt2

Ok, the pic below shows the setting used for the 2 target_smokes', the only difference being one's 'black' the other 'white', the info_notnull targets and 'gravity' set on the lower one.

Q3Map2 common error messages

The following text is a collection of Questions & Answers taken from the Quake3World level editing forums before the big f.u.b.a.r. of late 2004.

Trackmania Nation tutorials ^

Making tracks (track editing) for Trackmania Nations - Forever

Learn the steps you need to know to start creating brand new custom tracks for Trackmania Forever, with the new 'Simple' editing mode it's easy to get up and running quickly.

Trackmania nations editing

Short text and image tutorial explanations to accompany the short video tutorials on how to create some of the lesser known and undocumented basic track shapes seen and used in Trackmania Nations; circle, oval, crosier and double circle... These basic track sections form the basis upon which further track editing can take place.