Image as background.

Support Basics & Interface
1

I feel stupid… I forgot how to display a picture as background for reference modeling… I must have alsheimer (spelling?) or something :frowning: . So can anyone tell me how to display a picture as background in the 3dWindow (not while rendering)?
Thanx for the help (I hope),
WeWa

2

Here’s the short version:

  • In the 3D Window, hit Shift-F7
  • Click BackGroundPic and load the desired picture
  • Return to the 3D Window (Shift-F5)
  • Make sure the face button is depressed
  • Switch to an orthonormal view ([Shift-]Numpad-{F1|F3|F7})
  • Made amazing model!

Hope this helps.

3

Is there a way I can have a different pic for each view? I have a bunch of reference pics for a dropship and I would like to be able to use to top view pic for the top view, front view for the front view and so on and so on. Would make modelling much easier.

4

Some people will mix all views on a single image but I find it confusing personnally. You can uvmap each view on a different plane and use the textured representation to view it (alt+z). That still is the best way and it won’t bug down your computer as a background image does.

5

Thanks. I’ll give it a whirl and see what happens:)

6

That works like a charm. Thanks, it’s a big help!

7

there’s an easier way then UV mapping, and it puts less burden on the graphic card. First, you need to know that Blender supports animated backgrounds, but in a quite different way as a background pic. It needs to be a valid Texture object. So all you have to do is create a new animated texture (you just have to number you pics, load one, set the frame option correctly). The, you load it in the same window as a normal background image, but you must use the buttons in the lower half to load it.

Then, you could just switch between frames to change the sketch angle.

Martin

8

Stop making this harder than it has to be.

  1. Open Blender

  2. Split your drawing window in two
    A. Shift F-7 in one window and load one image
    B. Shift F-7 In the second window and load the other image

  3. Shift F5 Both Drawing Windows

  4. In one window hit Number Pad 3 Key (Use this for your side view)

  5. In the other window hit Number Pad 1 Key (Use this for the front)

The only thing to watch out for is that this method requires that the images be made to line up properly to begin with.

I’m running Blender 2.23 I don’t know if this method works for older versions.

9

Well, when modelling high detailed mesh, having the viewport split in two can be a downside, that’s why I suggested using an animated background. But your method is better though, if you have screen to spare (like a dual monitor comp for example).

Martin