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Introduction to Blender
Blender is a free open source 3D content creation suite, available for all major operating systems under the GNU General Public License. It is a solution for 3D modelling, sculpting, multi-layer UV mapping, procedural and bitmap texture creation and manipulation, creating complex shading networks through a node based interface, deforming geometry through an editable modifier stack, simple to complex armature/skeleton deformation with constraints and tracking options including the ability to animate between IK and FK, a full games development platform with a unique user friendly interface that alleviates the need to learn a programing language but can be extended through python, 2D and 3D animation that can be represented as blind data (in a dope sheet type of interface) or as interpolation curves, the ability to use non-destructive animation, support for multiple rendering interfaces including Renderman through free plugins such as MOSIAC, a node-based compositor and a non-linear video sequencer amongst many other features.
Installation Instructions
The easiest way to install Blender in ubuntu is through Synaptic. Click System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager. Search for Blender, mark it for installation and click Apply.
Additional Installation Instructions
Alternatively in terminal type
- sudo apt-get install blender
Latest Releases
In order to obtain the latest stable version of Blender, as the version in ubuntu software repositories may not be the latest version. go to http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/ and click on the appropriate version that suites your operating system.
Developers Builds
Developers and testers can obtain the latest builds of Blender from http://www.graphicall.org/builds/
Blender Documentation
Blender documentation, videos, tutorials and examples can be found at the following locations.
http://www.blender.org/ - The official Blender website.
http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Main_Page - Blender wiki user manual and extensive documentation.
See Also
http://www.blendernation.com - A community maintained forum, with the latest news relating to Blender.
http://blenderartists.org/forum/ - The best way to get answers to any questions you may have relating to blender.
http://www.blender.org/features-gallery/ - Examples of work created with Blender.