Blender Scripting with Python

Learn to automate tasks, develop custom extensions, and procedurally generate meshes in Blender. This book will show you how to streamline virtually every stage of the 3D modeling pipeline for your next game or animation project. Start with a hands-on introduction to the Blender Python API and dive right into basics like loading/running scripts and turning hand-modelling steps into Python by capturing them in the Info Editor. Then experiment with Blender menu options, typing them into the Python console and watch things move in the viewport. You’ll also dissect with Blender-shipped add-ons and take advantage of built-in templates to quickly create new scripts. With a firm grasp of scripting basics, you'll start to develop your own add-ons for editing and generating models. Then add more advanced mesh edits like extrude and loop cut-and-slides to your script, and essentials for shaping mesh elements like merge, bevel, and so on. Putting it altogether, you’ll create an extension to procedurally generate stylized fire hydrants with parametric controls. In addition to mesh editing, you’ll learn to develop production-quality extensions covering various stages of a 3D pipeline, such as retopology, UV mapping, texture painting, and more. Discover along the way how to implement just about any input widgets for your extension. Then package, distribute, and market your extensions through different channels, and produce impressive time-lapsed demos to showcase your procedural content generation (PCG) algorithms. Whether you are new to the Blender Python API or looking to take your add-ons to the next level, this book will support you in your journey in generating 3D content and automating your Blender workflow.