Build a clock with Blender and Python
Tick Tock
With a little help from Blender you can create your own 3D models – including animations. This article shows you how to assemble a partially automated virtual watch model with Blender and Python.
The free Blender program package for modeling, texturing, animation, and video and image editing can be found in the package repositories of most Linux distributions, and there is also a distribution-independent Snap package. Typing the snap install blender
command at the command line installs the graphics suite. If you need more in the way of installation options, you can download the application directly from the Blender Foundation website [1]. While you are there, you can also access the extensive documentation, tutorials, and examples and grab the versions for Windows, macOS, and others. On top of this, because the Blender Foundation provides the source code, the program can even be adapted to run on less common operating systems. Of course, in this case you will have to compile Blender yourself.
On Linux, either open Blender in a terminal or use the Open in Terminal shortcut in the window manager of your choice. If neither succeeds, first launch Blender and then try to discover the path of the Blender installation in the Python Interactive Console by typing bpy.app.binary_path
. Then enter this as the start parameter for the call in the terminal. This ensures that error messages and output from the Python command print("Hello world")
, for example, also reach their target (i.e., the terminal window). This is especially important if you don't just want to use the Blender Python Console in Blender's Scripting workspace and individual commands, but also want to call Python programs you saved previously.
Desktop
Blender's user interface is divided into workspaces. Each of them hosts a different collection of editors and windows that appear at specific positions on the screen. The program lists the available workspaces on the right below the menu bar. They include Layout, Modeling, Sculpting, UV Editing, and Animation. Almost all workspaces contain the 3D viewport window and other windows.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.