New to Blender

#1

I have taught 3d studio, maya, alias and I am still baffled by this software. All I want to know, and I know this sounds crazy, is how to close a window or panel or whatever.

#2

In the top right hand corner of each window is a triangular “icon” that looks a bit like a page curl. Hover the mouse over the top of this icon and you will see the cursor turn into a + sign. Once this happens hold the left mouse button down and move the mouse sideways across the borders of the two adjacent windows. As you do this you will see a directional arrow appear in each of the windows indicating the direction that the window will merge when you release the left mouse button. This is also the method for adding windows. It is a very fast and efficient way of arranging your workspace once you get the feel for it. Remember to Ctrl+U to save your layout for the next time you open Blender. Also if you hold SHIFT down when you drag open a new window using the method described above you create a tear away window that can be moved around independently. You can then drag the tearaway onto another monitor if you have a dual monitor set-up.

#3

I’m Also new to blender and I’m trying to learn it.

If I understand your question there is an area in the bottom of the windows that looks like 3 angled stripes. grab it and drag it over a window and it will combine the two windows. if you do it right there should be an arrow pointing in one direction or the other. you can create new windows the same way. click the stripes and drag out a new window.

I’m not sure if I can add pics or I would.

Also there are two windows that are opened and closed by the “t” and “n” keys. those have a small + sign at the top right of the window you can click to hide and reopen.

My biggest annoyance at the moment is that the default keymap resets when I opend blender back up and open a project I’ve been working on. I want to use the maya hotkeys by default and I open blender set them then save as default but when I open a project it resets to blender hotkeys. It’s annoying for sure but not a total showstopper yet. If I set custom hotkeys it would be.

hope this helps Also for general blender help there is a forum at blenderartists.org. They tend to be really helpful with any questions you have no matter how “crazy”

Edit:
looks like someone answered before I could post…

#4

Just to add to the two replies above.
You can also right click on the border of two windows and select “join area” which may be a little faster

#5

Is the right click on the border still an option? I thought that was removed in 2.5.

#6

still working for me and i’m using 2.58

#7

yea. Just tried it out on 2.58a and it’s still working

#8

http://www.blenderguru.com/blender-2-5-cheat-sheet/
You’re welcome. :smiley:

#9

Is the right click on the border still an option? I thought that was removed in 2.5.

It was, but has, very recently, been put back in.

#10

Glad it was put back in. That was very difficult to understand when I first started and coulnt right click.

#11

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