Preview rendering can greatly speed up your workflow by allowing you to preview your scene within the viewport, from any angle and at low resolution as opposed to rendering the full scene anytime you check your progress. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. ...
This how-to shows a great muscle combo workout: legs and abs. Men's Health, the preeminent source for fitness videos, breaks it down for you.
There are a million tutorials on the Internet for how to transmit redstone power up and down, but that's because vertical power transfers are both really important and very counterintuitive. This quick and easy guide should help clear it up!
Solar panels are an amazing invention. Catching energy from the Sun before it even enters Earth's food chain, photovoltaics are like an all-natural nuclear power plant. Unfortunately, the constituted parts of a solar panel are rare, valuable, and subject to the coercive forces of market competition.
The only thing better than successfully pulling off a new experiment is doing it with household materials. You get to laugh in conceit as professional scientists everywhere spend all their grant money on the same project you just accomplished with some under-the-sink chemicals! However, there are times when DIY gets dangerous. Some household chemicals are not pure enough to use and some are just pure dangerous. Let's take a look at two problems I have encountered in the course of mad sciencing.
I'm sure most everyone has some kind of fluorescent light source in their home; those long white tubes that emit a bright white light when turned on, or maybe a few of the CFL power-saver bulbs. These bulbs actually require very little "power" (i.e. a high voltage:almost no current ratio) to emit light. In fact, static electricity is enough to make them flicker. Inside these tubes is a gas, and when electricity flows through that gas, it gets "excited" and produces light.
Jeb just announced a great new feature that will be added in the 1.2 update. This map format, titled "Anvil," will open Minecraft to so many more possibilities with the new update to mod compatibility.
A silhouette is an outline of a person or an object, usually dark or having little detail, against a brighter, more well-lit background. For this week's Phone Snap Challenge, we've asked you to capture your own silhouette photo with your cell phone for a chance to win a SuperHeadz Ultra Wide and Slim 35mm Camera.
Our mission for this week's Community Byte was to create a Python program to crack web-based passwords, like the ones you would see on an email or router login. I wanted it to be universal in the sense that it could be easily modified and adapted to another website just by changing a few variables. That was a success! Even though people weren't on time to the coding session, everything went well.
UPDATE: Minecraft 1.9.5 Has Been Leaked! Get it Here. You heard right. This one is hot off the presses! Last night, Notch promised a 1.9 Version 3 Update and here it is!
This article describes the very basics of compiling a program on Linux. It is targeted at the absolute beginner. Sometimes beginners search for programs on the web for their Linux systems, and is faced with the reality that they have to compile the program themselves, either because there exists no binary for their architecture, or the author of the program just doesn't release any binaries at all, but only sources.
Our hacked Kinect series has demonstrated amply how the Kinect is changing the worlds of business, art, medicine and robotics. But where does it go from here? That will be determined by the thousands of dedicated DIYers out there doing work like you've seen here over the last week.
Understandably, the tragedy in Japan has substantially risen the level of worldwide radiation-related hysteria. So much so, as an alternative to stampeding health food stores for iodine tablets, crafty individuals and organizations are hacking together personal radiation detectors. Rather than relying on the government, the creation and modification of handheld Geiger counters provides a self-sufficient solution to today's questions regarding radiation. Profiled below, three admirable organiz...
Fads, Fiascos and Good Stuff in FrontierVille This WeekThis is the first of what should, with luck, be a series of weekly columns.Fads firstIt’s St. Patrick’s Day in FrontierVille and it looks like staying that way for the foreseeable future, which will probably be about ten days. If you’ve ever lived in England you know about jackdaws, but I’ll explain for the rest of you. They’re small black birds who are notoriously fascinated by shiny things, and they love to peck the foil caps off milk b...
Choosing the right axe for you There are many choices and factors when it comes to buying a new electric guitar. Price, style, quality and comfort are major players.
Hey, would you like to be as cool as this: You wish! But you could do the next best thing, and that's capturing your earth shattering game play with the Easycap DC60.
Back in the eighties, I used to hate television commercials, but I eventually got used to them. Had to, in order to enjoy my favorite shows. Then, the increasing number of billboard ads annoyed me in the nineties. They followed me everywhere I went—no escape—persuading me to buy the newest whatever. It seemed like Big Brotherism—like They Live. But, I got used to it. When I finally entered the digital age and became a web addict, I was peeved at the constant sight of online ads everywhere I v...
This clip uses a smoke example to examine source variations and upres (techniques which are useful preparation for the pyrofx tools). Whether you're new to Side Effects Software's popular 3D production program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Upres smoke simulations in Houdini 10 - Part 1 of 2.
This clip presents a walkthrough of how to go about creating a particle based explosion in Houdini 10. Whether you're new to Side Effects Software's popular 3D production program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look.
In this clip, you'll see how to use the mask modifier, and how it can be used to prevent intersections of meshes (like skin going through clothing items). Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a ...
In this tutorial, you'll see how to model fur in multiple layers within Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look! Create layered 3D fur with the Blender particle system.
Animation curves allow you to easily tweak your animation and give you utmost control. This quick tip introduces you to how to access them and how to use them. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, ta...
Using the trackball technique you may quickly, and easily adjust your camera angle from the camera view. This is a much more efficient method of setting the angle than doing so manually. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including st...
This video tutorial series will show you how to create a magic wand particles effect, the sort of visual effect you might see when a “magic wand” is waved. This will be similar to a “pixie” dust effect, although not so complicated. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at ...
This illuminating how-to demonstrates how to go about modeling a full 3D light bulb within Blender 2.5 Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look! Model a 3D light bulb in Blender 2.5 - Part 1 ...
In this tutorial, you'll how you can create a library of reusable composite nodes in Blender. It takes time to create node setups, and often the work is repetitive, so let’s see what can be done to be more efficient. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For ...
This clip will take you through the process of texturing a 3D pumpkin in Blender 2.5. This tutorial uses a procedural materials and textures. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look! Make a ...
This modeling tutorial describes the process of creating an axe in Blender 2.5. The tutorial demonstrates basic modeling techniques and good use of the Shrinkwrap and Solidify modifiers. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including st...
In this Blender 2.5 video tutorial, you'll see how to begin the process of completely UV unwrapping a low poly, hard-surface building. The tutorial provides tips on how to deal with a large number of replicated objects and unwrapping a multitude of small parts. Part one covers unwrapping part of the side of the building and the fire escape. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout...
This Blender tutorialc overs the creation of a game-friendly model (i.e. low-polygon), texturing, rigging, animating, and bringing it into the game engine with basic forward and back controls, as well as turning left and right, and running. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the ...
In this Blender 2.5 video tutorial, you'll see how to do some fairly intensive sculpting on creating a rock face. This tutorial makes use of a technique very similar to sketching by layering large numbers of stroke over one another to automatically create much of the detail. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this fre...
This quick tip takes a look at probably one of the most important settings to control the smoothness of Blender's UI interaction, the Window Draw Method. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on tweaki...
This Blender user's guide discusses techniques for creating hair and giving them textures and materials. The first is Mesh hair using Bezier Curves, and the second is Particle Hair. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by...
This tutorial walks you through how to set up a procedural night sky with twinkling stars in Autodesk 3ds Max. You will be creating a opacity material with noise maps, and using an phase animated noise behind this to illuminate the stars. To edit the star size and brightness, you should play with the noise size and high/low settings on the individual noise map. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist ...
If you are modeling from a reference file, concept art, or model sheets. Setting the background up with an image can be extremely useful. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look! Set up back...
Rich Harrington explores the new realistic behaviors of light and shadow in After Effects CS4. In this software video, Rich concentrates on creating and positioning light sources and creating shadows. He also moves the camera around to create a small action clip. Start with a basic scene in After Effects CS4 and see how to properly add 3D lights and cameras and adjust them for a great animation. Work with 3D cameras and lights in After Effects CS4.
In this ASP.Net video tutorial, Chris Pels will show how to use the ObjectDataSource as the intermediate layer between data bound user interface elements and a custom data access class for a business object. Uses of the ObjectDataSource in the GUI Design mode and declaratively in the source view of an .aspx page are discussed. In addition, the considerations for design of the data access class and business object for use with the ObjectDataSource are covered. Use the ObjectDataSource for ASP....
The DROID 2 from Motorola came out last August, but it's just now exploding— literally. The 33 News reported yesterday that a Motorola DROID 2 smartphone exploded in the hands of Aron Embry from Cedar Hills, Texas. He was making a phone call outside his home when he heard a POP sound— blood was dripping down his face and the glass was broken around the phone's speaker— his DROID 2 cell phone actually exploded against his ear. He ended up getting 4 stitches and a CAT scan, but thankfully, he d...
This is a short tutorial about the application of shape keys to create control to animate architectural elements. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look! Animate sliding doors with shape keys in Blender 2.5.
In this clip, you'll see how to create custom shaped light sources using simple meshes and adding an Arch&Design shader to it to render the scene with Mental Ray. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using shape lights in your own Max projects, take a look!
