Your guide to blueprints, reference photos, and the

alignment of them in blender.In this guide we shall be using the mi-8 helicopter as an example for our blueprints.

Contents:

Chapter 1 - Finding good blueprints

Chapter 2 - Finding good reference Photos

Chapter 3 - Aligning blueprints

Chapter 1:Finding your blueprints

When you are looking for blueprints, there are different considerations to take into account, including:

Size:When downloading blueprints - as a general rule (for non-vector drawings) aim to have them at least 2000x2000 pixels.

Less will mean difficulties when looking at fine detail, and more can slow down old computers and even on more complicated models is not necessary.

Price:you can pay as much as you want, but I have never paid more than 20 for even the most comprehensive vector drawing.

Detail:This is a biggie. If you even remotely uncertain the blueprint you are using does not contain enough detail dont use it. If you do you will regret it later on. See below for two blueprints pulled off google images:

The first image came up as the first result, the second took about five minutes of searching. The point of what I am saying here is DO NOT ever use a low-detail blueprint. It is always better to spend that extra time searching and come up with something worthwhile.

Source:If can possibly help it, do not just search in google images Blueprint of ///////// either do a web search to turn up actual pages or visit a blueprint site. My favourite is www . the - blueprints . com . This site offers both free and paid (vector) drawings.

Once you find a site you like, stick with it and use it for all your blueprints - that way you only give your credit card to one site.

To vector or not to vector?

If you have been living in a cave the last few years, vector drawings are drawings that can be zoomed in on for ever without losing detail.

It is rare you will find a nice, free, detailed vector drawing. If you think your project is going to be a big one, AND you have at least moderate experience with blender, then it is certainly worth giving it a go.

If you are unsure where to get them start out with www . the - blueprints . com - I can vouch for it.

Chapter 2:Finding your reference photos:

Online:This should be a no-brainer, but unlike when searching for blueprints, it is FINE to use google images etc. for reference photos. They are normally of good quality, and can be used fine in blender.

DIY reference photos:

There is nothing better than modelling an object from your own reference photo, plus you can take pictures of what you want and also with a bit of searching there is a good chance the object you want to model exists close to you.*

Try checking:

Dealerships (cars) Museums (Air, Military, Natural History, etc etc.) Local firing ranges (Guns) Airports (common planes) Farms (general equipment) Industrial estates (Heavy equipment / Hangar buildings)

Dropping an email to ask if you can have a private viewing will never do any harm.

Im talking within reason here - dont get angry with me because you dont have a local batmobile dealership...

Chapter 3Aligning blueprints

Preparing for alignment:

Standard drawing: (non-vector - see two pages along for vector)

1. Add three Background images In the right of your viewport:

2. Set them to top, right, and front.

3. Open your blueprint image in each box (presuming you have a single image with three perspectives.)

4. Check they have appeared in the viewport.

Vector Drawings:1. Import drawings

Go file -> import -> Scalable vector drawing (.svg)

2. Duplicate + prepare drawingsMake sure your vector drawing is lying flat on the viewport, and then duplicate + rotate it by 90 deg. to create the side perspective.

Repeat for the front perspective.

N.B.From here-on-in the tutorial will reference to standard drawings, in this case when the standard drawing position in changed or scaled, do the same by grabbing or scaling the vector drawing in the 3d viewport.

Starting Alignment:1. Create an alignment rig.

This is done by going into top view and adding a SINGLE vertex at the furthest most forward point.

This vertex is then extruded to the furthest most backward point.

2. Align the side view

Enter Right view (Numpad 3)Your two vertices should appear as a line going along the viewport

Alter the position and scale of the right background image until the line corresponds to the furthest points forward and backward of that image

Well done - your side view is now aligned

3. Align the front view. (A little harder)

Delete your old alignment rig and go back to top view.

Add a new alignment rig, but this time use the furthest points LEFT AND RIGHT, see:

Enter front view and line up the left and right points as you did for the side view BY MOVING THE IMAGE ONLY ON THE X AXIS.

Halfway there - by now you should be getting the hang of this.

Delete the old rig you used again and enter RIGHT view.

Make a new rig, this time using the furthest points UP and DOWN..

Enter front view and align the up and down points BY MOVING THE IMAGE ONLY ON THE Y AXIS.

Well done - All your blueprints are now aligned and you are ready to start modelling! Good luck.

Size:Price:Detail:Source:To vector or not to vector?Online:DIY reference photos:Preparing for alignment:Standard drawing: (non-vector - see two pages along for vector)1. Add three Background images In the right of your viewport:2. Set them to top, right, and front.3. Open your blueprint image in each box (presuming you have a single image with three perspectives.)4. Check they have appeared in the viewport.

Vector Drawings:1. Import drawings2. Duplicate + prepare drawingsN.B.

Starting Alignment:1. Create an alignment rig.2. Align the side view

Well done - your side view is now aligned3. Align the front view. (A little harder)

Well done - All your blueprints are now aligned and you are ready to start modelling! Good luck.