Intro to Geometry Nodes using Blender 3.3

Name: Intro to Geometry Nodes using Blender 3.3
Rating: 4.6 (37 reviews)

Instancing and Utility nodes

Created byOtto Lai

Last updated 11/2022

English

What you'll learn

Instance objects using Blender 3.3 Geometry Nodes
Create, edit, and randomize custom attributes
Interpret values using the Map Range node
Rearrange nodes into organized networks
Write a formula using multiple Vector Math nodes

Course content

4 sections • 22 lectures • 1h 31m total length

Intro and Create Parameters3:34
The brief introduction describes the format for the entire class. Paired with every video lecture is a Blender scene file which requires some action. The first few exercises might only require a few clicks to complete, but the latter gradually increase in difficulty. "Create Parameters" shows how to create a custom attribute for your Instanced City.
Random Value Vector2:46
Learn to use a Random Value node and Combine XYZ node to generate variation in your project.
Grid for Points1:49
Students will use the Points input socket on the Instance on Point node to control where Instances appear.
Object Info Node2:31
Practice two ways of using the Object Info node to import objects into your Geometry Nodes Network.
Instance City10:12
This lecture contains step-by-step details on how to Instance a City instead of dropping students into the middle of a project. Here is a general outline to get started:
make a plane "geometry nodes"
Grid primitive
Instance ON Points
Object Info
Rotation Instances & Scale Instances
Random Value
Random Instance COL 4 buildings3:22
Students will be able to use the Instance Index socket to choose a random object from a Collection.
Random Instance COL terracotta warriors7:30
This lecture reviews instancing from a Collection and randomizing rotation and scale.

Density Cactus3:54
Students will learn the importance of Distribute on Points and editing parameters in the N panel.
Align Euler to Vector3:39
Harness the power of Normal data by connecting it to the Align Euler to Vector node.
Cactus Done1:44
This video and Blender file lets students see a finished Geometry Nodes network for needles on a cactus. New topics include: the Set Material node, how to Mute a node or remove it without breaking a connection.
Distribute Points on Faces Cactus10:31
After watching this lecture and working with the Blender file, students should feel comfortable using the Distribute Points on Faces node, and instancing needles on a cactus. The end of the video also features a demo on how to model a low-poly cactus.

Randomize with Noise4:03
Learn to randomize vertex points of a mesh using a Noise texture.
Frames Vector String3:54
Topics covered: Text and Geometry Nodes, Vector node, how to organize nodes with Frames
Vector Math Ruler and Reroute5:53
Use the "Distance" operation on a Vector Math node to create a measuring tool with Geometry Nodes. Students will also continue organizing their node networks using the Reroute node.
Map Range Shading2:58
This lecture introduces the Map Range node in the Shading tab, to show how values can be interpreted on a Color Ramp.
Map Range Scaling cubes leg3:25
Students will practice adjusting the "From" and "To" values of the Map Range node to influence Scale.
Proximity3:03
Students will use Distance with the Map Range node to affect Scale.

Chain Draw Curve Edit mode1:10
This lecture shows how a procedural workflow on curves can be interactive by drawing chains in Edit mode.
Chain Resample Curve1:50
The main topic of this lesson is the difference between "Count" and "Length" on the Resample Curve node.
Curve Tangent1:49
Students will plug the Curve Tangent node into the Align Euler to Vector node, similar to what was done with Normal data on the cactus.
Color Ramp for Instance Scale2:38
Learn to control scale with black and white values of a Color Ramp.
Instance Ball & Chain9:04
This final lesson details all necessary steps to instance a Spiked Ball and Chain on a curve. The end of the video quickly shows how to model the two low-poly assets necessary for the exercise.

Requirements

Only minimal experience with Blender is necessary. Specifically, students should be comfortable navigating through 3D space, adding primitive meshes, and how to extrude faces.
Blender 3.3 or higher

Description

Blender's rise as a multi-purpose 3D application was especially noticable in 2019 with the release of version 2.8. Now several years later, Blender version 3.3 continues to explore and evolve one of the most exciting procedural systems; Geometry Nodes. As of November 2022, Geometry Nodes are a little over a year old, and each release is still considered a prototype. However, the developers consider it to be production-ready, and many users find it stable enough to incorporate into their pipeline.

Traditionally there exists a gap between digital artists and software developers. 3D art is indeed a visual medium, but Geometry Nodes provides a middle ground where one can dabble with code. I have taught this curriculum three times as a synchronous online class and after feedback from kids, teens, and adults, I am very proud of this carefully crafted learning experience. I found it was crucial to not overwhelm students with formulas, but rather create opportunities for seeing relationships between, numbers, code, and beautiful shapes.

CLASS FORMAT

This class contains 22 video lectures and 22 Blender scene files. Most of the Blender files are incomplete projects and students are given instructions on how to finish them. Some of the files only require a few clicks to complete. I find that focusing on specific tasks is more efficient for beginners rather than trying to digest the dozens of steps to complete a project. However, I do have a couple videos which walk students through creating something from scratch, but only after covering fundamental concepts.

PROJECTS

Instancing a City on a Grid
Instancing Needles on a Cactus
Instancing a Spiked Ball and Chain on a Curve
6 more exercises focusing on Utility Nodes like Vector Math and Map Range

Who this course is for:

This class is suitable for Beginner to Advanced Blender users who want to learn Geometry Nodes
Artists who want to a soft introduction to coding and node-based workflows
Teachers who want to teach Blender Geometry Nodes

Intro to Geometry Nodes using Blender 3.3

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Instance a City on a Grid7 lectures • 32min

Instance Needles on a Cactus4 lectures • 20min

Utility Nodes6 lectures • 23min

Instance a Ball and Chain on a Curve5 lectures • 17min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: