Geometry Nodes in Blender 4: Create Complex 3D Models from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the core concepts used in geometry nodes; data types, boolean math for selection, fields and attributes etc.
Discover how to manipulate geometry, meshes and curves directly in the geometry node editor while learning about the most vital nodes and workflows.
Create a modifer that can be used to populate any mesh with a low-poly forest, complete with trees, rocks, bushes and grass.
Data types used in blender, how to identify and use them, and how fields and attributes are used in geometry nodes

Manipulate geometry, primitive meshes and curves directly in geometry nodes in a non-destructive workflow.
Basic concepts and more advanced workflows for populating scenes with instances of simple or more complex geometr
Use curves to create your own objects that can be used in your scenes.
Fundamentals of geometry nodes in blender.

Learn the core concepts used in geometry nodes; data types, boolean math for selection, fields and attributes etc.
Discover how to manipulate geometry, meshes and curves directly in the geometry node editor while learning about the most vital nodes and workflows.
Create a modifer that can be used to populate any mesh with a low-poly forest, complete with trees, rocks, bushes and grass.
Data types used in blender, how to identify and use them, and how fields and attributes are used in geometry nodes
Manipulate geometry, primitive meshes and curves directly in geometry nodes in a non-destructive workflow.
Basic concepts and more advanced workflows for populating scenes with instances of simple or more complex geometr
Use curves to create your own objects that can be used in your scenes.
Fundamentals of geometry nodes in blender.

Syllabus

Introduction & Setup

In this video (objectives)…

Introduction Video

In this video (objectives)…

How to download and install Blender

In this video (objectives)…

What changes to make to the default Blender settings to optimise for using Geometry Nodes.

In this video (objectives)…

We introduce the ways that you can get help, support and contribute to the community.

Geometry Node Basics

In this video (objectives)…

Introduction to the Node Basics section.

In this video (objectives)…

What is the spreadsheet editor window and what is it used for.

In this video (objectives)…

How Blender handles data, and what types of data will we be using in Geometry Nodes and why. Link to Blender manual on Attributes https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/4.0/modeling/geometry_nodes/attributes_reference.html

In this video (objectives)…

Learn which color of sockets represents float values and integers and whether they are interchangeable.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn which colors of socket represent Booleans, vectors, and color. And take a brief look at Boolean math.

In this video (objectives)…

What are fields and attributes? In this video you’ll find out.

Instancing Geometry

In this video (objectives)…

Section Introduction

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to add primitive objects to the geometry nodes editor.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to add materials to geometry in the node editor. Learn to turn on smooth shading for your geometry.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to distribute points on geometry as a preliminary step before instancing geometry on those points.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to instance geometry, objects or collections onto points. At the end you will tackle your first big challenge of the course, creating a simple city block.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create a simple city block using A Grid, a Cube node, a Set Position node, an Instance on Points node, a Randon Value node, the Math node and the Combine XYZ node.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to instance individual objects from a collection randomly onto points for maximum variation.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to control the density of instances geometry based on distance from other points.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to add further variations to your instances based on distance from other geometry or points.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to combine multiple distance fields to control the density or scale of instances further.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to append some low poly assets into your scene and begin replacing our proxy objects with final assets.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to replace more of the proxy geometry with low poly assets, using distance fields to control density and scale.

In this video (objectives)…

In this video I’ll show you my process for tidying up a node tree, including using colored frames and labels.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to add displacement to the base mesh using a noise texture, and add a shader and camera to get ready for the final render

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to replace the base mesh with a real plane to allow weight painting on the mesh.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to add switch nodes into the node trees to add checkboxes in the modifier panel to turn on/off the trees, boulders, pebbles and grass.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to set up some simple lighting so we can preview our render with better lighting.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to manually paint vertex weights to place instances wherever you like, but retain randomness in local placement.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to finalise the color palette of the scene and add some random variation to the hue, saturation and value of each instance for increased randomness.

In this video (objectives)…

In this video, I will adjust the node tree to try and achieve the composition and overall look that I want.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to render out a high-quality test image before the final render.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to tweak your settings based on the test render and produce a better result, use some simple compositing to blend two renders.

Using Curves

In this video (objectives)…

Section Intro

In this video (objectives)…

An overview of using Bezier Splines in Blender 4.0 within the viewport and Edit Mode.

In this video (objectives)…

An overview of using Bezier Splines in Geometry Node, pointing out their advantages and disadvantages.

In this video (objectives)…

An overview of some of the other curve primitives you can use within geometry nodes.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create a filleted column, cogs and gears using two simple curve operation nodes.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to use the Mesh to Curve, Set Curve Radius, Curve Tilt and Spline Parameter nodes to create interesting and complex geometry using curves in Geometry Nodes.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to add more points to curves by using the Resample Curve node.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to shape curves by manipulating their points using Set Position, Float Curve, and other useful nodes

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create a blade of grass using concepts from this section including manipulating curves, resampling, and reshaping.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create a simple, procedural grass shader, with build-int randomness.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create multiple, random variations of the grass blade to add more variety to a simple grass system or grass clump asset.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create multiple grass clumps, with random variations that can be used to add further variety to a grass system.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create a simple grass system using the assets you have already created.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to add controls to the Grass System that can be changed directly in the Modifier Panel for quick variations to grass.

Tree Generator

In this video (objectives)…

A short discussion of the problem we will try to solve, including any requirements that the solution should meet.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to use the Sample Curve and Points nodes to create the trunk and primary branches for our tree generator

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to use the Stored Named Attribute node to transfer information from the trunk to control the thickness of the primary branches.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to use the stored attribute ‘Fac’ to change the scale of branches using a Map Range node or Float curve node, changing the tree's overall shape. Also, adding some random upward rotation to the branches.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to duplicate the Primary Branches set-up and then solve the issues it causes within the Branching node group and to the random rotation.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to solve to issues with the thickness of our secondary branches, then test this solution by creating a tertiary branches.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to adjust the various settings for the primary, secondary and tertiary branches to get a better result befor moving on.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create a node group to add distortion to the straight, 2 point branches and trunk.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to use the Distortion node group to vary the amount and scale of distortion on each set of branches and the trunk

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to fix the issues with secondary and tertiary branches. Adjust the falloff of radius for these branches and futher adjust the overall thickness.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create a leaf and distribute it on the secondary and tertiary branches of the tree.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create a simple twig that can have leaves distributed to it.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to distibute leaves only on the points of the twigs where we want them.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to create some simple shaders fo the trunk, branches and leaves.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to add distortion to the the bottom of the trunk to give the indication of a root system

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to turn the entire node tree into a single node group that can be used in other node trees, saved as an asset, and used in other scenes.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to test the node group then mark it as an asset to be used in other Blender Projects.

In this video (objectives)…

Learn to make the tree generator usable directly in the modifier panel and mark it as an asset.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on Geometry Nodes, which allows users to create complex 3D models procedurally, offering a non-destructive workflow that enhances flexibility and efficiency in 3D modeling projects

Requires Blender 4.0 (or later), so learners should ensure their software is up-to-date to fully benefit from the course's content and avoid compatibility issues

Explores the creation of modifiers, operators, and mesh editing tools, which expands the user's toolkit and enables the customization of Blender's capabilities for specific project needs

Covers instancing geometry, including distributing points and randomizing object placement, which are essential techniques for creating detailed and varied scenes efficiently

Teaches how to create a low-poly forest modifier, complete with trees, rocks, bushes, and grass, providing practical experience in environmental modeling and asset creation

Includes a section on using curves to create objects like blades of grass, fencing, and stylized trees, which are valuable skills for creating organic and intricate designs

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Geometry Nodes in Blender 4: Create Complex 3D Models with these activities:

Review Blender's Interface and Basic Operations

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with Blender's interface and basic operations to ensure a smooth learning experience with Geometry Nodes.

Show steps

Watch introductory videos on Blender's UI and navigation.
Practice basic object manipulation (translate, rotate, scale).
Experiment with different viewport shading options.

Read 'The Complete Blender Creator: A Comprehensive Guide to Learning Blender'

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of Blender's fundamentals to better grasp the concepts taught in the Geometry Nodes course.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters covering basic modeling, materials, and rendering.
Follow along with the book's exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Refer back to the book when encountering unfamiliar Blender features.

Experiment with Primitive Objects in Geometry Nodes

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of Geometry Nodes by creating and manipulating primitive objects.

Show steps

Add various primitive objects (Cube, Sphere, Cylinder) to a Geometry Nodes tree.
Use nodes like 'Transform', 'Set Material', and 'Subdivision Surface' to modify the primitives.
Try combining different primitives using boolean operations.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Document Your Geometry Nodes Experiments

Show steps

Solidify your knowledge by documenting your experiments with Geometry Nodes, explaining the purpose and function of each node.

Browse courses on Geometry Nodes

Show steps

Create a new Blender file and experiment with a specific Geometry Nodes setup.
Take screenshots of your node tree and the resulting geometry.
Write a short description of each node's function and how it contributes to the overall effect.
Organize your documentation in a clear and concise manner.

Create a Procedural Building Generator

Show steps

Apply your Geometry Nodes skills to create a procedural building generator, allowing you to create variations of buildings with different parameters.

Browse courses on Geometry Nodes

Show steps

Define the basic structure of your building (walls, windows, roof).
Use Geometry Nodes to create these elements procedurally.
Add parameters to control the building's height, width, and style.
Implement randomization to create variations in the building's appearance.

Read 'Blender Geometry Nodes by Example'

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of Geometry Nodes through practical examples and step-by-step tutorials.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Work through the examples in the book, paying attention to the node setups.
Experiment with modifying the examples to create your own variations.
Use the book as a reference for specific Geometry Nodes techniques.

Contribute to a Blender Geometry Nodes Project

Show steps

Enhance your skills and contribute to the Blender community by participating in an open-source Geometry Nodes project.

Browse courses on Geometry Nodes

Show steps

Find an open-source Blender project that utilizes Geometry Nodes.
Review the project's documentation and code.
Identify areas where you can contribute (bug fixes, new features, documentation).
Submit your contributions to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Geometry Nodes in Blender 4: Create Complex 3D Models will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Procedural Artist

A procedural artist specializes in generating art assets using algorithms and rules, which differs significantly from manual art creation. The role requires an understanding of both art principles and technical implementation of procedurally generated content. A course on Geometry Nodes is directly relevant, as it teaches the fundamental principles of procedural modeling in Blender. The course helps a procedural artist learn how to create a variety of complex 3D models, modifiers, and operators using node trees. The ability to understand and create node-based workflows, as covered in the course, are crucial skills for anyone looking to do this kind of work. This course will give the learner a foundation to create procedural geometry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Procedural Artist

3D Modeler

A 3D modeler creates three-dimensional assets for various applications such as video games, movies, or product design. This role often requires the proficiency to build both organic and hard-surface models. This course in Geometry Nodes helps a 3D modeler by teaching them procedural modeling techniques that can be used to create models that are difficult to make using traditional methods. The course focuses on non-destructive modeling which allows for easy changes, a critical skill for a 3D modeler, who needs to adapt easily to design iterations. The knowledge gained from this course with respect to manipulating geometry, meshes and curves in the node editor is directly applicable to the work of a 3D modeler.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeler

Technical Artist

A technical artist bridges the gap between art and technology, often working in game development or animation. They are responsible for developing tools and workflows that help artists create high-quality assets efficiently. This course, with its focus on procedural modeling using Geometry Nodes in Blender, directly relates to the skills a technical artist needs. The course teaches how to create complex 3D models non-destructively, which is essential for iterative design and enables the creation of custom tools using node-based systems. The course's emphasis on node trees, data types, attributes, and instancing will help technical artists develop effective workflows. The understanding of the logic behind procedural methods, as taught in the course, is fundamental for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Game Environment Artist

A game environment artist is responsible for creating the 3D spaces where video game action takes place. They need to be able to design and build entire levels, from natural landscapes to urban environments. This course will help a game environment artist learn to create complex models procedurally using Geometry Nodes. The course's project of creating a low-poly forest, as well as the creation of a procedural tree generator, are very relevant for this role. The ability to manipulate geometry, meshes, and curves in the node editor are skills that are directly beneficial. The knowledge gained from this course helps the environment artist build more complex and varied environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Environment Artist

Architectural Visualization Artist

An architectural visualization artist creates photorealistic or stylized renderings and animations of architectural designs. This role needs an understanding of 3D modeling and texturing, as well as knowledge of architectural principles. This course is relevant because it teaches procedural modeling, which allows for the generation of complex architectural elements. The course includes a section on creating a low-poly forest which is beneficial for an architectural visualization artist tasked with creating outdoor scenes. The course's focus on instancing objects and creating node-based workflows are very useful skills. An understanding of these topics, as taught in the course, will help an architectural artist present their designs effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Visualization Artist

Augmented Reality Developer

An augmented reality developer creates interactive digital content that overlays the real world through devices like phones or smart glasses. This role benefits from skills in 3D modeling and programming. This course may help an augmented reality developer because it teaches how to procedurally create 3D models and assets within Blender. The course covers the manipulation of geometry, meshes, and curves, as well as the creation of node-based workflows. The skills gained from this course, especially in generating multiple variations of assets, may be beneficial. An understanding of non-destructive modeling, as taught in the course, is useful for iterative design in AR development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Augmented Reality Developer

Virtual Reality Developer

A virtual reality developer creates immersive experiences using VR technology. They require a working knowledge of 3D modeling, game development, and programming. This course may be helpful to a VR developer as it teaches the fundamentals of 3D modeling in Blender, particularly the procedural generation of complex shapes with Geometry Nodes. The course's emphasis on non-destructive modeling and node-based workflows are beneficial for efficient VR content creation. The knowledge gained from the course about manipulating geometry, meshes, and curves may enhance the VR developer's ability to create compelling VR environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Reality Developer

Visual Effects Artist

A visual effects artist creates and manipulates imagery for films, television, and other media. They heavily rely on 3D software and compositing tools to produce effects that are seamlessly integrated into live-action footage. This course may help a visual effects artist by teaching how to create complex 3D models procedurally through the use of geometry nodes, which may save time and effort. The course covers the manipulation of geometry, meshes, and curves which are all relevant for a VFX artist who needs to create 3D scenes and content. The course's focus on creating modifiers and understanding data types and attributes, may also improve their visual effects workflows.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist

Houdini Artist

A Houdini artist uses SideFX Houdini to create visual effects, motion graphics, and 3D assets. Houdini is known for its procedural workflow and node-based interface, making this course potentially beneficial. The course's focus on Geometry Nodes in Blender involves similar concepts and may help a Houdini artist translate workflows and ideas. While Blender and Houdini have different software implementations, the focus on node based workflows, data types and attributes, as taught in the course, are transferable. Those who wish to become Houdini artists can may find this course useful for learning these underlying concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Houdini Artist

Simulation Artist

Simulation artists work in animation, film, and game development, creating visual simulations of natural phenomena like fire, water, and cloth. This role often requires knowledge of specialized software and techniques. This course, while not directly focused on simulations, may be helpful to a simulation artist because it teaches how to manipulate geometry, meshes, and curves procedurally using a node-based editor. The skills learned in this course, focusing on non-destructive modeling and the manipulation of attributes, may be useful. The procedural workflow could be valuable for generating complex scenes for a simulation artist. This course may help them enhance their capabilities in creating complex scenes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Simulation Artist

Motion Graphics Artist

A motion graphics artist creates animated graphics for use in video, film, and web content. This role requires a blend of artistic and technical skills. This course may be useful for a motion graphics artist because it helps them understand how to create complex 3D models procedurally. The course work in manipulating geometry, meshes, and curves can be applied to motion graphics. The course's exploration of node trees and data types might help them build more complex, dynamic graphic elements. Motion graphic artists may find the course beneficial, particularly for generating unique 3D assets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Artist

Product Designer

A product designer conceives and develops new products. Product design requires understanding of physical design as well as aesthetic principles. Product designers can use 3D modeling software to develop prototypes and renderings. This course on Geometry Nodes might be helpful to product designers who want to create complex or organic shapes. The course's approach to procedural modeling is beneficial in this field. The ability to create accurate 3D models from this course is beneficial. Although their day to day may not utilize node based workflows, this exposure may lead to insights and efficiencies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Digital Sculptor

A digital sculptor creates detailed 3D models with a focus on organic forms and intricate details, often used in video games and film. This role requires a deep understanding of anatomy and artistic sculpting principles. While this course focuses more on procedural modeling, it may still be helpful for a digital sculptor. The skills learned from this course in manipulating geometry, meshes and curves in conjunction with the node system may be useful. An understanding of the logic of procedural modeling can enhance the understanding of digital sculpting tools. The course may help digital sculptors broaden their skill set.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Sculptor

3D Printing Specialist

A 3D printing specialist prepares 3D models for printing and operates 3D printers. This role needs skills in 3D modeling software, as well as knowledge of print settings and materials. This course in Geometry Nodes might be helpful to 3D printing specialists who want to create unique and complex models. The course may enhance their ability to create intricate and precise 3D models using procedural techniques. The course's focus on data types and attributes may give the learner insight that is useful when preparing a 3D model for printing. Although this course is not focused on the additive manufacturing process, the ability to create complex 3D models may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Printing Specialist

Software Developer

A software developer designs, develops, and tests software applications. They need a strong foundation in computer science principles and programming languages. While this course focuses on visual modeling, the procedural approach mirrors fundamental programming concepts. The logic of building node trees, manipulating data attributes, and creating reusable algorithms in this course, all may transfer to code based workflows. Software developers could use these skills to understand systems based on data and logic, with a visual application. Some software developers do create content creation tools, making this knowledge valuable for some in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Geometry Nodes in Blender 4

Create Complex 3D Models

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses