Turn Images into 3D Models | Blender Beginner Tutorial

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to transform a 2D image texture into a 3D model using Blender. The aim is to create a building model that includes realistic depth and reflective glass windows.

Step 1: Setting Up Blender

Open Blender & Textures.com: Launch Blender and navigate to the website textures.com. Create a free account on the site to access a variety of image textures.
Find Your Image: Search for an image texture of a building on textures.com. For this tutorial, we'll look for an image in the “18th Century European” section. Once you find a suitable image, download the medium version for 2 credits.
Enable Add-ons: Back in Blender, make sure the "Import Images as Planes" add-on is enabled. You can do this by going to Edit -> Preferences -> Add-ons and searching for “images as planes.” Ensure that it is checked.

Step 2: Importing and Scaling the Image

Import the Image: Delete the default cube and import the downloaded image by navigating to Add -> Image -> Images as Planes. Locate your image file and import it.
Scale the Image: The imported image may appear small. To adjust this, press S and drag your mouse to scale it to the desired size. Switch to material view to see the image clearly.

Step 3: Editing the Image

Edit the Image: Switch into Edit Mode and go to the front view (press NumPad 1 for front view). Use the Knife tool (press K) to carefully cut out the building portion of the image. If you make a mistake, press Ctrl + Z to undo.
Delete Extraneous Faces: Select any faces that are not part of the building and delete them (press X and select “faces”).

Step 4: Adding Depth

Extrude the Building: With your building outline created, return to Edit Mode, press A to select all vertices, and press E to extrude the building upwards to give it depth.
Adjust Transparency: Navigate to the Material Properties tab and change the Alpha Blend mode to "Alpha Hashed" for better rendering.

Step 5: Creating Reflective Glass

Glass Material: Select your building, scroll up in the Material Properties, and create a new material named "Glass."
Cut Out Windows: Go back into Edit Mode, use the Knife tool (press K) again to cut out the window areas of the building. Select the faces of the windows.
Assign Glass Material: In the Material Properties, ensure the glass material is selected and press "Assign" to make the selected faces reflect the glass material.

Step 6: Editing Glass Properties

Open Shader Editor: Create a new workspace and switch to the Shader Editor. Select your glass material.
Node Setup: Delete the default Principled BSDF shader by pressing X, then add a Glass BSDF shader and connect it to the Surface input of the Material Output.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

Adjust Window Depth: With the glass material selected, press E and drag the windows slightly inward to create a more realistic look.
Add Depth to Features: Use the Knife tool again to cut out features like window ledges or a door, and extrude them to give more dimension.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we've successfully converted a 2D image texture into a 3D model in Blender, incorporating realistic depth and reflective glass to enhance the visual quality of the model. Feel free to experiment with these techniques and use them in your own projects!

Keyword

Blender, 3D Model, Image Texture, Textures.com, Glass Material, Shader Editor, Extrude, Knife Tool.

FAQ

Q: What is Blender?
A: Blender is a powerful open-source 3D modeling software used for creating animations, models, simulations, and more.

Q: Where can I find image textures?
A: You can find various image textures on websites like textures.com, where users can download textures for free with an account.

Q: How can I add depth to my 3D model?
A: By entering Edit Mode and using the extrude function (press E), you can create depth by extending selected faces.

Q: What is the function of the Glass BSDF shader?
A: The Glass BSDF shader is used to create realistic glass materials in Blender, allowing for reflections and transparency.

Q: How do I undo a mistake in Blender?
A: You can easily undo mistakes by pressing Ctrl + Z to revert your last action.