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Intro to 3D Modeling: The Complete Guide

By Gabriel Mathews

We spent last week learning about the basics of 3D modeling using an application called Rhino 3D. Here's the complete guide that will teach you everything you need to know to get started.

Below you'll be able to access each lesson by clicking on its name or image. If you'd like to have all the lessons available for reference in a downloadable (and printable) PDF, you can grab one here.

Lesson 1: Getting to Know Your Software


Do you have a product idea you want to create, or even send to a 3D printer like Ponoko the Makerbot? Do you love concept design, character art, or just visualizing your ideas in 3D space? In this Lifehacker Nightschool Series we're going to take a look at how you can do all of that by learning the basics of 3D modeling.

Lesson 2: Using the Interface and Toolbars


Now that you've been introduced to 3D modeling using an app called Rhino 3D, we're going to dive into the interface and toolbars so you can get to know your new environment.

Lesson 3: Viewports and Construction Planes


Halfway point! Let's keep truckin' and learn about the viewports and construction planes. These two elements help us further understand what we are looking at and help us understand the units we are working in and how they affect our geometry.

Lesson 4: Object Selection and Transposition


If you've been following along so far, you have an understanding of the software we are using, including the interface, toolbars, viewports, and construction planes. Now we need to understand how to grab an object and then move it around.

Lesson 5: Bringing It All Together


You've made it to the end of the series and are now well on your way to being able to model up just about anything. Today we're looking at how to bring everything you learned together and additional resources you can use to learn more.

Again, don't forget to grab these lessons in PDF format if you want some reference while watching the videos.

These lessons were created by Gabriel Mathews of PolyPlane. You can follow him on Twitter @PolyPlane and on Facebook.