Exercises

TECHNIQUE

📖2 min read

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Introduction

Four drills build Blender proficiency for visual investigation: basic object manipulation, creating a simple scene, camera setup, and measurement practice. Each drill states its objective, then its steps.

Exercise 1: Basic Object Manipulation

Objective

Practice the fundamental transformation operations.

Steps

1. Start fresh: Delete the default cube (X → confirm)
2. Add a sphere: Shift + A → Mesh → UV Sphere
3. Move it: Press G, then Z, then type 2 → Enter (moves 2 units up)
4. Rotate it: Press R, then X, then type 45 → Enter (rotates 45° around X)
5. Scale it: Press S, then type 1.5 → Enter (scales to 150%)

Exercise 2: Creating a Simple Scene

Objective

Build a basic scene with multiple objects.

Steps

1. Add a plane: Shift + A → Mesh → Plane
2. Scale it: S → 10 → Enter (makes it larger)
3. Add a cube: Shift + A → Mesh → Cube
4. Move cube up: G → Z → 1 → Enter
5. Add a light: Shift + A → Light → Point
6. Move light: G → Z → 5 → Enter

Exercise 3: Camera Setup

Objective

Learn to position and align the camera.

Steps

1. Select the camera (click on it in 3D view or Outliner)
2. Press Numpad 0 to view through the camera
3. Position camera: G then move as needed
4. Point at center: Select camera → Add Constraint → Track To → Target: (select your main object)

Exercise 4: Measurement Practice

Objective

Work with accurate measurements for forensic work.

Steps

1. Enable measurements: Edit → Preferences → Interface → Display → Edge Length
2. Tab into Edit Mode
3. Select edges and observe dimensions in the top-left
4. Practice creating objects with specific dimensions

Tips for Forensic Work

• Always work with real-world units (meters, centimeters)
• Use scene scale settings: Properties → Scene → Units
• Enable measurement overlays
• Document your camera settings
• Save incremental versions of your work

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Forgetting to save regularly
• Working without reference dimensions
• Not organizing objects in the Outliner
• Ignoring the active object vs selected objects
• Applying transformations in Object Mode vs Edit Mode

Summary

• Practice these exercises until they become second nature. Speed and precision come with repetition.
• Save incremental versions of your work.
• Work with reference dimensions from the start.
• Keep objects organised in the Outliner.
• Check the active object before you apply a transform, and check whether you are in Object Mode or Edit Mode.

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Resources

• Blender Basics index: the working subset of Blender
• Object Mode: the mode you work in most