Blender 2.8 is (almost) there...

[08:21 Tue,6.August 2019 by Rudi Schmidts]

After Blender 2.79, version 2.8 is now in the public eye. But even if the numerical increase by 0.01 version points doesn&t necessarily suggest it: After four years of work by developers and artists from the Blender community, the most striking version leap in a long time is now just around the corner. The open source 3D animation tool has not only been completely revamped under the hood: almost everything should now function in real time and interactively under a new interface, whether you want to render photorealistic environments or create cartoon animations.

Blender 2.80 features a redesigned user interface that focuses on real-time interaction. Among other things, a new dark theme was created with a modern icon set. The biggest change (and for Blender Hardcore users perhaps also the bitterest pill): The left mouse button now works as you are used to from almost all other programs in the world. In addition, there are so-called "fast favorites menus", which allow quick access to frequently used tools instead of the mouse. This is also known from other 3D packages.

Not only for newcomers there are now templates and workspaces that are directly adapted to special project scenarios: For example texture painting or 3D object modeling. For video editors, motion tracking, editing with the sequencer, grading or compositing are certainly exciting. Basically even complete video projects can be realized in Blender, but the program plays out its real size in close interaction with 3D animation.

Blender 2.8 Editing

Even 2D animation has now become its own workspace. The built-in "Grease Pencil" has become a full-blown 2D drawing and animation system. By integrating 2D tools into a 3D environment, particularly interesting

concept graphics, storyboards and animations can be created.

But the new Blender 2.8 is much more than just the content of slashCAM news. All the new features are best explored directly on the linked Blender 2.8 website.

We personally think that it makes sense for almost every media designer to learn something about Blender. Not only because the program is open source and runs on almost all relevant operating systems. But because it really is a Swiss Army Knife that can be used profitably in almost every workflow, if you know how to use it. And with the fresh user interface, perhaps now is a good time to get a new start in operation.

If you still think Blender is a toy, you might want to watch this video about the new version:

more infos at bei www.blender.org

deutsche Version dieser Seite: Blender 2.8 ist (fast) da…