Watch This Before you Get Started with Blender (7 Tips)

There are a number of things that often cause self-taught Blender users to struggle when first getting started. In this Blender tutorial, you’ll learn 7 critical concepts that will start you down a better path to learning blender. Here's what we cover:
Intro (00:00)
1. Start with a Map (00:42)
2. Simplify the User Interface (02:12)
3. Use the Right Mouse (04:07)
4. Practice Navigating the Right Way (05:08)
5. Use Keyboard Shortcuts (07:32)
6. Experiment with Creating and Editing Geometry (9:01)
7. Create (Bad) 3D Models Without Help (14:08)
Notes for this video → link.blenderacademy.com/ysc
Want help creating a learning map?
Go here ( link.blenderacademy.com/ask-bgv ), send us a message, and we’ll help you create a customized map.
What next?
If you’re serious about learning blender and can't afford to waste time or pick up bad habits, you should check out our Video Course Library. We’ve created a comprehensive video course that incorporates all the lessons we’ve learned from teaching in-person over the years.
You can head over to our website and try it for free: www.blenderacademy.com
And if you're not ready to take one of our courses right now, make sure to check out this video: • Welcome to Blender Aca...
Thanks for watching! Make sure to 👍 and subscribe.
____________________________
ABOUT BLENDER ACADEMY
Blender Academy is the place where professionals go when they’re serious about learning Blender (www.blenderacademy.com).
#blender #blendertutorial

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

*DID YOU LEARN SOMETHING NEW IN THIS VIDEO?* 😀 Do us a quick favor, and tell us which tip you found helpful in the comments, or just let us know you liked this video by giving it a 👍 And, if there's anything you’d like to see us cover in a future video, leave a comment and let us know!

[@afigith7700]

thanks 😇

[@HostileRespite]

I'm not new to computers but definitely new to 3d modeling. OMG the learning curve is steep! There are plenty of trainer videos out on youtube but they're either really hard to understand because of thick accents or they attempt to cram in 60 functions in a 40 second video. I found this easy to keep up with and wish it was the first video I watched. You can bet I'll be watching any others you have!

[@ArleysResco]

Ditto on the above comment, love the whole cues over the video, thank you!

[@remix19681]

I can't say that I learned something new / or maybe yes🤭/ because I've known Blender for a long time, but you presented it in a perfect way.

[@aliensoup2420]

Tip 1.5. Read the freaking Manual. Most people hate reading manuals, but you'll be amazed how much you can discover and understand by going directly to the source. You won't remember everything, but reading the manual gets you oriented and familiar with the interface and controls, making it easier to navigate the interface. On my first jobs I took the printed manuals home and read them cover to cover like a novel. I amazed experienced users showing them hidden functions. Invariably they would ask me, "how did you know that?" , and the answer was always the same - "I read the manual".

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Great recommendation! Thanks for sharing!

[@franciscopina2899]

RTFM, a mantra for life 👍🏻

[@AllAboutCGI]

yep you making a great point 👍

[@kevinbillington9773]

Some people learn better by watching, Why does this guy sound like Ian Hubert!

[@threemr01]

I’m a RTFM guy myself, but let’s be honest: Blender’s is only ok as a quick reference if you already know what you’re doing; it’s not a manual to learn from scratch. In fact, often you’ll find it only rephrases the name of the tool in a verbose way, rather than telling you what that is or what it really does: “Schmancy-fancy tool: enter the amount of power for X, Y, or Z axes, with which you want to apply schmancy-fancy function to the object”… yeah, 🙄, thanks. That applies to both the GUI and the Python API.

[@In_Rem]

been on a blender binder 4 four dayz n0w, I have tried following eight other presenters. i have picked up more in 16 minutes here than the other presenters 15 0r 20 hours combine. subbed

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Wow - that's awesome to hear! Welcome to the Blender Academy family and we look forward to helping however we can as you continue your learning journey!

[@remix19681]

I know for Blender more than 10 years. I've loved Blender since the first days it started to develop. It's always been hard to learn. You are a real refresher. Brilliant work. Congratulations. ❤

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@wernervannuffel2608]

This is a welldone guiding self-experimentation video BEFORE starting really even a "complete beginners tutorial" to get used to the most basical 3D Modelling aspects. And for getting a very soon first awareness knowledge platform of things you discovered yourself ((important for memory and motivation) without getting frustrated because of not really knowing real beginning STARTING POINT BASICS. I started myself today with my Blender Journey and I discovered this video on my road. FIRST THINGS FIRST.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Really happy to hear you liked the video!

[@thcarneiro]

Tip number 7 was definitively useful to me. I have been through the other 6, and I am getting frustrated getting bad models. But this is what I needed to learn: bad models are part of the process. Thanks!

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Really happy to hear that tip was helpful!

[@MoMarinePrepper]

Thank you, and thank you for putting all of these together. I’m (finally) going to learn Blender and thankful for having a great source as otherwise can quickly get lost in the quicksand of numerous+ “how-to” videos. Thanks again and looking forward to going through all of your videos!

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're very welcome!

[@gatofuji7410]

One tip, which is fundamental for me: have an idea of what you want to create; draw it on paper or at least in your mind. Just learning commands and shortcuts and even just making tutorials of objects or scenes you DON'T want to do makes it more difficult.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Great advice - thank you for sharing!

[@elizabethhamilton1166]

Great intro! I've been using Blender for a long time and I will always be thankful that I was encouraged to learn basic keyboard shortcuts!

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Thanks for the kind words! And glad to hear that you agree that using keyboard shortcuts right away is helpful for a beginner!

[@richardglady3009]

That was the most amazing video I have seen about Blender. Most videos are created by people who know what they are doing and are done blazingly fast (and incomprehensible to newbies). Thank you. Your info about the mouse needed for Blender saved me the cost of a new, proper mouse.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're very welcome! We too noticed that there weren't many videos that put themselves in the shoes of a new Blender user - so we're hoping we can fill that void!

[@McTroyd]

Thanks for this! I was just starting to get good at Blender a long time ago (like, shortly after the release of version 2.3, IIRC). The UI in version 3.41 (current as I write this) is _radically_ different from what I remember back then. Glad they've made some of the basic stuff easier though. 👍

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're very welcome!

[@michaelndo6523]

I really appreciate your work, you just saved another life from moral break down.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Really happy to hear you found our videos to be helpful!

[@daleanderson1727]

REALLY GOOD advice. Thank you. I've been using Blender for a while and I think the coaching that you give in this video is extremely useful.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Awesome - glad to hear that an experienced user like you found our video to be helpful for new users!

[@hnarment]

That 8 page pdf of Blender shortcuts provided in the download.... amazing!!! Thank you!

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome!

[@untiltill9549]

Very useful and comprehensive. Plus the quality is amazing. Great video !

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Really happy to hear you liked the video!

[@DEADLINETV]

This was a great video with great advice! And making starting to learn Blender a lot lighter. Thanks!

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome! Glad to hear this video was helpful!

[@HAHA-ix9vx]

Brooo this is the perfect video. I was confused about vertices, faces and edges. Thank u. Now i learnt how to edit themmmmmmm

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome! Glad you liked the video!

[@lucasblaise]

The exceptional production quality of this video sets you high above the rest. Well done.

[@ArleysResco]

Can’t agree more. Excellently explained

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Wow, thanks for the kind words!

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Glad you liked the video!

[@tvorimeahrameslovenskehryv1821]

Thank you for recommendation. Great.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome!

[@user-fd6oh2qo5m]

I would love it if you can include architecture and interior modelling. There aren't many tutorials out there, been looking for it. This will also boost your channel as many architects like me want to learn how to use it.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Thank you for the suggestion! We will definitely add it to our list for future video topics.

[@tahafarooq7865]

Definitely the BEST teacher

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Wow - thanks for the kind words!

[@latenightaction7283]

Im really new to blender and I’m glad I found your videos.. you’ve been very helpful in my new journey in blender. I have a end goal of creating 3D cartoon characters. Hopefully I can bring my vision to life.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Really happy to have you here learning with us!

[@endscreen1shorts478]

Amazing ,thank you

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome!

[@kevinhamill1225]

Excellent video. I will be taking your course. Thanks again!

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome - glad you liked the video! And happy to hear you're planning to take our full course on our website!

[@javedjalal9572]

Great tutorial as always. Following you from Skp tutorial.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Awesome, thank you! Excited to have you with the Blender Academy family as well!

[@prabalthedragon]

boosted my morale for learning blender. thanks

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome! That's great to hear!

[@brighttendaimuvirimi1905]

I was terrified to learn Blender but after this, I am now addicted, thank you for the awesome tutorial......here is my sub

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Thanks for the sub! And you're welcome for the tutorial! Happy to hear that you're feeling more confident to learn Blender now.

[@aquaworldsystemsjulio]

You are amazing thanks sir

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Glad you think so!

[@Rmasta-99]

Thanks!

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome!

[@chrisgrafil9462]

Thank you.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome!

[@richardglady3009]

Second comment…why? I have a new computer and 3 button, roller wheel mouse. This video is a lot more enjoyable when you can put the tips to good use, immediately! Thank you, even more.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome!

[@tumusiimeseth123]

Thank you

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome

[@hamed-kavoosi]

thank you

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome!

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

You're welcome!

[@gideonselasinutor]

I wish there was a way of liking a video more than once because I would have given as many likes as the time runs, I liked this video ❤❤

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Really happy to know you liked the video!

[@AhmedElnosany]

this is a brilliant Video.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Glad you liked it!

[@brentttttttt]

i am learning blender since last month and this is a proof that i am one of the first people who discovers your channel while your at 263 subs lmao. u earned another sub here and i cant wait to see more videos that will help me in my blender journey

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

We really appreciate you becoming one of the original members of our Blender Academy family! Excited to help you however we can on your Blender journey!

[@nurtex0045]

Hello I was always looking for something to work from home, and few days ago I stumbled upon instagram reel showing blender animation with car in it. I talked to my friend about this topic and I came to idea to start my learning asap because Im studying on tough college. I want to know is it possible and profitable to learn to make advertisements for drinks for example in blender. And also I wanted to ask how much time approximetley do I need to master all of the functions and create content on my own without following staged tutorials as you mentioned ? Thank you a lot for this guiding video and I wish to buy this course!

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

It's definitely possible to make money from using Blender to create renderings and animations for companies who need that sort of work done (for advertisements or entertainment). Learning Blender well enough to begin practicing on the types of projects you want to work on would likely take anywhere from 3-6 months depending on the amount of time and practice you are able to put into learning. Then somewhere in the range of 6-12 months perhaps you are able to continue learning through trying to tackle your first paid projects. To truly master Blender is likely to take 1 or more years, but the good news is that you can work on paid projects to help push you to mastery.

[@pshethia01]

I want to get into ad agency.. what softwares should i learn? Cinema 4D, maya, blender, unreal, houdini, after effects, toon boom..etc..??

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

It's hard to recommend exactly what to learn without finding out more information about your particular situation. Please send us a message at [e-mail] and we'll be happy to give you some advice.

[@hadherramadhanmohammed3699]

the best instructure ever ... wher can we found your courses sir?

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Wow - thanks for the kind words! We have video courses on our Blender Academy website: www.blenderacademy.com/

[@peterxyz3541]

Master Yoda, I’m beginning my journey with years of false starts. I need to make it happen. I need your guidance. Thanks

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

We're excited to help you finally get over the hump of learning Blender. Stay tuned to this channel as we continue to release videos that will help you on your journey. And if you need more help and guidance faster, be sure to send us a message at [e-mail] and an instructor will be happy to help you out!

[@vrharh]

Are your Blender lessons general purpose or more architecturally oriented? Can we expect content similar to SketchUp? I think that kind of content would be extremely useful. To introduce how to use Blender for architectural projects. For example, Blender has a lot of advantages and useful modeling tools compared to the basic version of SketchUp, but lacks a tool that effectively creates architectural sections. That's the kind of content I'd love to see on your channel.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Good questions! First and foremost, we're focused on helping people who have struggled to learn Blender - and people who are new to learning Blender - by rethinking a better approach for how to go about learning it. So in that regard, you will find more general information for how to learn the tools and features of the program. That being said, people are looking to learn Blender because they have an End Goal in mind. So we absolutely plan to add content that helps people as they are Getting Started applying the fundamentals of Blender to the End Goal they have in mind. As for what types of End Goals (e.g., architecturally oriented topics) we plan to listen to the topics that you (our viewers) are interested in. So we want to thank you for suggesting architectural topics - we'll definitely add that to our list for the types of videos we'll consider in the future.

[@alaaabdullah4333]

can blender create 3D modeling boxes and models for cutting machines in SVG formates?

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Yes you can do that in Blender.

[@Palocles]

Last time I was using blender tab wouldn’t switch me between modes. Any idea why?

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Please send your question to [e-mail] and an instructor will try to help.

[@danielwhiting6803]

Can you make a tutorial video on how you made a great tutorial video? 😎

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Ha! Thanks for the kind words!

[@surinduchandrasena6877]

i have a small issue about shortcut keys. in edit mode i tried select edges and faces like you told. by pressing 1,2,3. but i can't do it. i know i can do that by selecting that in the top. but i like to learn how to do that like you. i am from sri lanka. so, sorry about my use of english. i wish you will reply this coment. 🥰

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Please send this question to [e-mail] and an instructor will try to help.

[@ageofgar]

Choose a project you are excited to make and then just learn what you need to realize that project. You'll learn the basics and you'll be excited to learn that way. Also only try to look at tutorials that are not too old, 2 years Max, otherwise you may get frustrated as Blender has changed and the tutorial is no longer correct.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Great advice. I would add one thing: Start with a very simple aspect of your project (or simplify something about your project) as it can be very overwhelming to try to tackle your dream vision straight out of the gate.

[@Losjo4093]

Why am I watching this, I have known blender since 2019 im not a beginner but Nice video

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Ha! Well, we are really happy to hear that you liked the video, especially since you're an experienced Blender user! Hope to have you back watching some of our other videos when we cover some hopefully new content for you.

[@kahverengi]

This is a Blender 101 video for no brainers

[@CryptoFeeders]

plz need a faster course or crash course on Blender

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

We recommend you check out our Complete Intro to Blender course. You can find it in our Video Course Library - learn more and sign-up here: www.blenderacademy.com/

[@mirkosch926]

It's just incredible that apparently lots of people don't use a mouse.. they must be convinced to get one! 🙄 I hope they know what a pen is.. or a fork.. 😂

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Yes, there are lots of folks who have a trackpad on their laptop and don't use a mouse for anything else, so it's good to let them know that an application like Blender will be easier if you use one.

[@movie_monger]

Why are u jumping ?

[@AllAboutCGI]

so all this time I've been wasting my time going around to find out how to manipulate the default cube.

[@murrik]

1:53

[@BATLEY8688]

Would loved to have watched the whole video ‘cos of the good advice, but simply couldn’t cope with the constant whizzy effects. Sorry.

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Sorry to hear the sound effects bothered you - we'll take a look at what we can do about that with future videos.

[@mikec2845]

I'm sure you are fantastic with blender but maybe study video editing next lol the sfx and vfx transitions are jarring and do not fit the energy of the information whatsoever

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

Sorry that the transitions were jarring for you. We'll make note of that for future videos.

[@mikec2845]

@@BlenderAcademydotcom I don't think the sfx are necessary unless you transition between broad subjects or points. And definitely don't use visual transitions during one speech, good ol' jumpcuts are just fine. Otherwise your information seems well put together, it's just the format that I found incredibly jarring

[@VashStarwind]

This video is so cringe, talking to us like we are 4

[@rayonyi2714]

the video is for Beginners, if you were expecting something more professional then look for another video DUDE!!!

[@VashStarwind]

@@rayonyi2714 Its patronizing as hell, talking to us like weve never even used a computer before. "You might wanna use a mouse!" Hes talking to you like your a complete idiot. How could you stick up for that?

[@rayonyi2714]

@@VashStarwind but he's just tryin to HELP,😂😂😂 I mean there's somebody who thought he could use blender with the laptop's touch pad😅😅

[@BlenderAcademydotcom]

We definitely didn't mean to talk to anyone like they weren't intelligent. We've taught thousands of people in-person, and where some things might be incredibly obvious to you, there are lots of working professionals who are very smart in their line of work but computers and technology don't come as intuitively. Often they began working before relying so heavily on computers and software and so things that seem basic to you might feel like a second language to them. Please know that we have the utmost respect for all of our students and audience and we're just trying to make the most accessible training for the range of learning styles and tech savviness out there.

[@rayonyi2714]

@@BlenderAcademydotcom Don't mind him, just continue making awesome blender guides for us (your community) and am looking forward to your next video. I'll always love your tutorials cause they've really come in handy for me esp. when i started using blender this year❤💯💯