Module 3: Modifiers and Materials
In this module, we'll level up your models. You'll learn how to use modifiers to add detail without destroying your original mesh, and how to apply basic materials to give your objects color and surface properties.
Video Tutorial: Intro to Materials & Shading
This video provides a great introduction to the shader editor, explaining how materials work and how you can change basic properties like color and roughness to achieve different looks.
Key Concepts 🎨
Working Smarter with Modifiers
Modifiers are automatic, non-destructive operations that affect an object's geometry. This means you can change them or remove them at any time without losing your original work. Find them in the Modifier Properties tab (the blue wrench icon).
- Bevel Modifier: Automatically smooths out sharp edges, giving your models a more realistic, finished look. Perfect for UI elements.
- Solidify Modifier: Adds depth and thickness to flat planes. Essential for turning 2D shapes into 3D objects.
Adding Color with Materials
Materials define what the surface of your model looks like. You can manage them in the Material Properties tab (the checkered sphere icon).
- Base Color: The main color of your object.
- Metallic: A value from 0 (non-metal) to 1 (fully metallic).
- Roughness: Controls how glossy the surface is. A value of 0 is a perfect mirror, while 1 is completely matte or diffuse.
Practice: Refine Your Phone Stand
Your Task!
Let's apply these new concepts to the phone stand you modeled in Module 2.
- Select your phone stand object. Go to the Modifier Properties tab (blue wrench icon).
- Click Add Modifier and choose Bevel. Notice how the sharp edges are now angled.
- In the Bevel modifier settings, increase the Segments to 3 and slightly decrease the Amount to get a nice, rounded edge.
- Next, go to the Material Properties tab (checkered sphere icon) and click + New to add a material.
- Under the Surface settings, click on the white bar next to Base Color and pick a color you like.
- Experiment by dragging the Roughness slider. See how it goes from shiny plastic (low roughness) to a matte finish (high roughness). Set it to a value you find appealing (~0.4 is a good start).