Quick Start for Architects
1. Download & Install
Get Blender from blender.org (Windows 64-bit recommended)
2. Interface Basics
Right-click to select (different from Rhino/SketchUp). Left-click confirms actions.
3. First Steps
Press Shift+A to add objects (like in SketchUp's toolbar)
Key Differences from CAD Software
Selection & Navigation
- Right-click selects (vs left-click in CAD)
- Middle mouse button orbits view
- Shift+Middle drag pans
Modeling Approach
- Mesh-based (not NURBS like Rhino)
- Edit Mode (Tab) for vertex/edge/face editing
- Precise modeling with snapping tools
Workflow Tips
- Learn keyboard shortcuts (critical for speed)
- Use collections (like Rhino layers)
- Auto-save is off by default - enable it!
Essential Shortcuts for Architects
Navigation
- MMB (Middle Mouse Button) - Orbit
- Shift+MMB - Pan
- Ctrl+MMB - Zoom
- NumPad 5 - Toggle Perspective/Ortho
Modeling
- Tab - Toggle Edit Mode
- G - Grab/Move
- R - Rotate
- S - Scale
- E - Extrude
Selection
- A - Select/Deselect All
- B - Box Select
- C - Circle Select
- L - Select Linked
Views
- NumPad 1 - Front View
- NumPad 3 - Side View
- NumPad 7 - Top View
- NumPad 0 - Camera View
Architectural Features in Blender
Precision Modeling
Blender offers CAD-like precision for architectural work:
- Enable Snapping (magnet icon) for vertex/edge/face snapping
- Use N panel for numeric input (like Rhino command line)
- Add-ons like "MeasureIt" for dimensions
Materials & Textures
Superior rendering capabilities compared to CAD software:
- Procedural materials for realistic surfaces
- UV unwrapping for custom texture mapping
- Real-time viewport rendering with Eevee
Essential Add-ons
Extend Blender's architectural capabilities:
- Archimesh: Quick walls, windows, doors
- Landscape: Terrain generation
- MeasureIt: Dimension tools
- CAD Importer: For DWG/DXF files
Recommended Workflow
- Import CAD plans (DWG/DXF) as reference
- Model base structure with precise measurements
- Add architectural elements (doors, windows)
- Apply materials and textures
- Set up lighting and cameras
- Render stills or animations
