The Complete Guide to Blender Graphics

Modifiers

12

12.1 Introduction to Modifiers

12.2 Modifier Stacks

12.3 Modifiers for Generating

12.4 Modifiers for Deforming

12.5 Modifiers for Simulating

12.1 Introduction to Modifiers

A modier in Blender is the application of a process or algorithm upon an object. In other

words, once you have created an object in the scene you can apply a neat set of data that

will change the shape or way the objects behave. e modiers are designed to take some of

the hard work out of shaping an object. Be warned, though, that applying some of Blender’s

modiers is not straightforward and has to be performed in conjunction with other pro-

cesses. Without some instruction on how to apply the modiers, a lot of trial and error can

be involved. To save you all that trouble, the following chapter on modiers is oered as a

guide. You will still have to experiment and record your ndings to become procient in

the application of modiers.

Modiers are found in the properties window – “Object Modiers” button (Figure 12.1).

e “Object Modiers” button is only displayed when an object to which a modier can be

applied is in the 3D window. Some objects cannot have modiers applied. Note that if there

are objects in the 3D window to which modiers may be applied (not necessarily selected),

clicking the “Add Modier” button and selecting a modier will apply a modier to the

last object that was selected. is occurs even though that object is not selected at the time.

Figure 12.1

Properties window

“Object Modifiers” button

192 12. Modiers

Start with the default Blender scene with the default cube

object. Select the cube, go to the properties window – “Object

Modiers” button, and click on “Add Modier” to display the

modier drop down selection menu (Figure 12.2). Adjust the

values to produce the desired eect then apply the modier.

Applying the modier permanently sets the action.

12.2 Modifier Stacks

Before explaining the individual modiers, I should note that in some cases it is appropriate

to apply more than one modier to an object. When this is done the modiers are placed in

a stack in order of priority. e priority can be changed by moving a modier up or down in

the stack. Also note that although modiers are generally applied in object mode, some may

be used in edit mode. Figure 12.3 shows an array modier and a bevel modier applied.

e following pages will give a basic insight into how some of the modiers are em-

ployed. e full listing of modiers available are shown in the modier selection drop down

menu in Figure 12.4. e circled modiers will also be covered in later chapters related to

armatures (Chapter 15), particle systems (Chapter 13), and uid simulation (Chapter 17).

Figure 12.2

Displayed modifiers panel

Drop down

selection menu

Note: New modifiers are

continually being added to the

program and the drop down

menu changes accordingly.

19312.3. Modi ers for Generating

12.3 Modifiers for Generating

12.3.1 Array Modifiers

 e array modi er creates an array of copies of the base object, with each copy o set in

a number of possible ways. Figure 12.5 shows a UV sphere object with an array modi er

applied to it with “Count: 3” (the base object plus two copies equals an array of 3) and x

and y o sets (“X: 1.500” and “Y: 1.000”).  ere are three types of o set functions available:

relative, constant, and object. Note that Figure 12.5 is using the relative o set function.

With “Count: 2” and an o set along the x-axis of “X: 1,” the di erence between relative and

constant is shown in Figure 12.6.  e object o set function is shown in Figure 12.7 and is

combined with a second array modi er.

Click to enable the modifier settings to be applied in edit mode.

Click to move the modifier up in the stack.

Click to move the modifier down in the stack.

Figure 12.3

Figure 12.4

Array Modifier

Learning

Unit 6