FRESH START!
This thread is for those with little to no knowledge of 3D modelling or sculpting.
🐣 FRESH START!
This thread is for those with little to no knowledge of 3D modelling or sculpting.
The goal is to get you confortable navigating the interface of popular 3D software, and give you enough tools to create simple projects!
Resources directed primarily for character creation in 3D.
Pick resources that fit your learning style, instead of brute forcing learning in a way you don't enjoy - that's why I tried including multiple options in each topic for you to pick from!
Before you start, some 3D concepts (software agnostic!) that will be helpful to be familiarized with.
Don't get too stressed about memorizing everything, we will go through all of them in other resouces ahead. But things will become easier if you go in with these concepts already understood.
3D Concepts and Terminology
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- 📺 YOUTUBE
- 💻 BLOG POSTS
- 📚 BOOKS
INTRODUCTION
These are some basic concepts and terminology that are going to be helpful to know before starting to use 3D software. Not a deep dive for now, just useful to know that they exist.
3D Space
- Composed of 3 axis (X,Y and Z axis)
- Vertices will be located by coordinates on the 3D space (X,Y and Z)
- Connected vertices will make a 3D model
Polygons / Mesh
- 3D meshes are composed of 2D polygons: faces, edges and vertices
- Faces can be tris (3 sides), quads (4 sides), and N-gons (5 or more sides)
- N-gons can cause issues when animating, subdividing or shading
Loops
- Group of edges or faces going around the model (not necessarily in a perfect circle)
- Well positioned loops can be useful for supporting areas of importance on your model, for better deformation, etc.
- A loop cut is slicing a mesh across, adding a new loop around it
Topology
- Organization of faces, edges and vertices across the model
- "Good" and "optimal" topology will depend on what's the model being used for
Curves
- Lines connected between two control points with curvature handles
- Same concept as curves in vector-based software (ex.: Illustrator)
Subdivision Surface
- Subdivide: divide faces into 4 smaller parts, for higher resolution geometry
- Subdivision Surface: optionally, also interpolates between edges of your model, creating a smoother, rounder surface
- Usually comes in the form of non-destructive modifiers, meaning you can still have access to and edit the original geometry
- For good results with Subdivision, you'll need a clean topology
- In modern 3D film animation, animators will often work on a "low-poly" character, and then "smooth them out" with Subdivision
Normals
- The mathematical direction a face or vertex is facing
- Tells the software which side is the "inside" and "outside", and how light should reflect on the model
- Really important for shading, optimization, physics simulation, etc.
- A common issue you might come across is a face with inverted normals, meaning the face is facing the wrong way in 3D, messing up the calculation of things such as lighting.
Pivot / Origin Points
- Every 3D model has an origin point which indicates where the model is located in the 3D Space
- Transform operations such as Move, Scale and Rotate will be applied to the pivot point as numerical values (ex.: a Scale Transform of 2 would mean the model is now twice its size)
- Operations such as mirroring objects will rely on the origin point as reference
Modelling vs Sculpting
- Modelling: creating models by manipulating individual polygons, with a higher focus on topology and edge loops. Usually contains lower poly counts, more suitable for animation
- Sculpting: creating models by using brushes to push and pull large chunks of vertices, similar to clay sculpting. More suitable for organic and denser models. Shares a lot of similarities with digital painting workflows.
- A lot of the times you'll need to convert your high-poly sculptures into low-poly models before you can use it for things such as animation and UV texturing. This process is called retopology
UVs
- A common method of texturing models involves taking all the faces of your 3D model and flattening them into a 2D image. This process is called UV Unwrapping.
Manifold and non-manifold geometry
- Manifold geometry: watertight meshes, meaning all edges are connected to only 2 faces, and there's a clear distinction between "outside" and "inside" the model. Meaning no "floating" edges, holes in the geometry, or multiple separate areas that could be considered "inside"
- Non-manifold geometry: mesh either has a edge connected to 3 or more faces, holes, or 2 faces occupying the same spot
- Non-manifold geometry can cause issues with 3D-printing, shading, remeshing or animation
📺 YOUTUBE
"Digitalist has a wonderful series on basic 3D concepts (with great animation) that should cover everything you need to know!"
Every 3D Concept Explained (Basics)
Digitalist
Every 3D Modelling Concept, Explained
Digitalist
Every 3D Material Concept Explained, in 3D
Digitalist
💻 BLOG POSTS
3D Basic Concepts
UPBGE
3D Basic Concepts — UPBGE Manual
If you haven’t used any 3D application before, the terms modeling, animation, and rendering might be foreign to you. So before you go off to create the spectacular game that you always wanted to make, let’s have a quick refresher on the basics of computer graphics. You don’t have to endure the boring section below if you are already know what RGB stands for and the difference between Cartesian and Gaussian.
Start 3D: An introduction to key 3D concepts
Adobe
Start 3D: An introduction to key 3D concepts
If you’re a designer looking to expand your skillset, Adobe’s series of introductory videos sets out the main things you need to know before starting to explore 3D for yourself.
The absolute fundamentals of 3D modeling: Building blocks & main types of modeling
CGTrader
The absolute fundamentals of 3D modeling: Building blocks & main types of modeling | Blog
3D modeling is a fascinating and versatile field that allows you to create everything from simple objects to complex scenes with lifelike detail. But just like any other skill, it requires patience, practice, and a solid foundation of knowledge.
10 Basic Concepts To Understand Maya & The 3D Environment
M5 Design Studio
10 Basic Concepts To Understand Maya & The 3D Environment | Maya 101 | Learn Maya 3d | Polygonal Modeling vs NURBS Modeling
Learn Maya 3d: basic Maya 101 concepts that will help you better understand the 3D environment. Polygonal Modeling vs NURBS Modeling, NURBS Subdivisions, Polygon Subdivisions, UV Coordinate Space, Nodes, construction history
A Beginners Guide to 3D
The Rookies
A Beginners Guide to 3D | The Rookies Blog
If you're a beginner in 3D, you're perhaps just starting to realise how big of a world you're stepping into. So here's a beginners guide to 3D.
📚 BOOKS
[digital] Modeling (2011)
William Vaughan
Blender
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- 👨🎓 STANDALONE COURSES
- 📺 YOUTUBE COURSES
- 📺 YOUTUBE
- 💻 BLOG POSTS
- 📚 BOOKS
- 📄 DOCUMENTATION / USER MANUAL
- 🌀 MISC
INTRODUCTION
In Blender, at this stage, you should learn:
- Navigate the software and have a basic understanding of the interface
- Control the viewport camera. Frame all objects and frame selected objects
- Create geometry (SHIFT+A). Transform geometry (Move, Rotate, Scale). Lock transformation to XYZ axis. Trackball rotate (R twice)
- Outliner
- Use the 3D Cursor (SHIFT + Right Click)
- Switch to Edit Mode (TAB). Vertex, Edge & Face transform
- Select Edge Loops
- Basic modeling tools (Loop Cut, Extrude, Inset, Bevel, Knife)
- Snapping (to Faces, Edges & Vertices)
- Simple modifiers (Subdivision Surface, Mirror, Array, Bevel, Solidify)
- Apply simple textures through the Shader Editor (Base Color, Roughness, Metallic)
- Shade Smooth
- Import models
- Pose rigged models from the internet (Pose Mode)
- Memorize the basic shortcuts
Also these are some common beginner pitfalls you might encounter during this learning process. I made sure to include some resources to solve these as well!
- Issues related to not applying transforms (shortcut CTRL+A)
- Flipped normals (shortcut SHIFT+N)
- Duplicated vertices & non-manifold meshes (shortcut M > By Distance)
- View clipping when zooming close to the model (Clip Start)
- Issues related to the object's origin point (ex.: Mirror not working as expected)
- Modifier stack order
With this knowledge, you'll have a decent understanding of 3D modeling in Blender, and even be able to create simple scenes!
👨🎓 STANDALONE COURSES
⭐ FREE
Blender Fundamentals 4.5 LTS
Blender Studio [Blender 4.5.1]
"Blender Studio's own training course, will cover everything you will need for your 3D journey."
Blender Fundamentals 4.5 LTS - Blender Studio
Start learning Blender at your own pace with this complete fundamental course.
PAID ($69)
Blender Launch Pad 2
CG Boost [Blender 4.2.0]
Blender Launch Pad 2 | CG Boost
Build a strong 3D foundation and create Blender projects with confidence.
FREE
BLENDER BASICS: An Introduction to Blender 3D 4.5 LTS
CGCookie [Blender 4.5.0]
BLENDER BASICS: An Introduction to Blender 3D 4.5 LTS
Need to learn Blender? Stream the Blender Basics for free on CG Cookie to learn everything you need to know to get started with this 3D Modeling and Animation Software. Now updated for version 4.5 LTS!
FREE
Blender for Beginners
CGBoost [Blender 2.80.75]
Blender for Beginners | CG Boost
Start with our free Blender beginner training.
📺 YOUTUBE COURSES
Blender for Complete Beginners Tutorial Series
Ryan King Art [Blender 4.0.2]
Learn Blender 5
Grant Abbitt [Blender 5.0.0]
📺 YOUTUBE
Blender Quick Start Guide for Absolute Beginners (Tutorial)
Ryan King Art [Blender 4.3.2]
5 Blender Mistakes You're Probably Making
JL Mussi [Blender 5.0.1]
"Covers issues related to bevels, loop cuts, shading, and modifiers."
Blender Basics: 4 Common Problems Explained
Plockis [Blender 4.5.0]
5 Common Mistakes in Blender and How to Fix Them!
MK Graphics [Blender 4.3.2]
Fixing flipped normals in blender!😫
binbun3D
Why Apply Transform in Blender? #Blender #b3d tutorial
madeinprosto
💻 BLOG POSTS
⭐ Blender Shortcuts
Hollis Brown
Blender Shortcuts
A selection of useful default shortcuts in Blender
Denoise: Blender Beginner Mistakes We All Make
CG Cookie
Denoise: Blender Beginner Mistakes We All Make
Discover essential Blender beginner tips to navigate common challenges. We've all made mistakes when starting out, but with the right guidance, you can master Blender more efficiently.
How to Fix Normals in Blender
3DModels
How to Fix Normals in Blender
Article "How to Fix Normals in Blender" by 3DModels team. Blog about our experience in computer graphics and 3D modeling. Welcome!
📚 BOOKS
"Blender has some ANCIENT books, so I tried including material made after 2019 (Blender 2.8) when the UI was reworked to something closer to today's."
Beginner's Guide to Creating Characters in Blender (2021)
3dtotal Publishing
Blender Secrets E-Book
Blender Secrets
📄 DOCUMENTATION / USER MANUAL
Blender 5.2 LTS Manual
Window System
3D Viewport
Introduction
Object Modes
Navigating
3D Cursor
Controls
Objects
Selecting
Editing
Shading
Show/Hide
Delete
Modeling
Structure
Primitives
Tools
Selecting
Editing
- Move, Rotate, Scale
- Loop Cut
- Knife Topology Tool
- Bevel
- Inset Faces
- Extrude Faces
- Extrude Faces Along Normals
- Extrude Individual Faces
- Inset Faces
- Bevel
- Extrude Edges
- New Edge/Face from Vertices
- Space Edge Loops Evenly
- Merge
- Editing Normals
- Shade Smooth
- Merge By Distance
Modifiers
🌀 MISC
Blender 5.2 Shortcut PDF
CGBoost
Blender 5.2 Shortcut PDF + CG Boost Updates
Zbrush
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- 👨🎓 STANDALONE COURSES
- 📺 YOUTUBE COURSES
- 📺 YOUTUBE
- 💻 BLOG POSTS
- 📚 BOOKS
- 📄 DOCUMENTATION / USER MANUAL
- 🌀 MISC
INTRODUCTION
In Zbrush, at this stage, you should learn:
- Navigate the software and start sculpting on your mesh (Tool)
- Control the viewport camera
- Essential brushes (Move, Standard, Claybuildup, DamStandard, TrimDynamic, Inflate, Pinch, SnakeHook, Smooth)
- Create, merge & duplicate subtools
- Difference between Tools and Subtools
- Activate Symmetry (shortcut X)
- Basic masking
- Gizmo 3D (Move, Scale , Rotate)
- Mirror subtools ("Mirror And Weld" tool)
- Dynamesh & Subdivision
- Polypaint & Materials
- Ortographic vs Perspective View
- Autosaving (shortcut 9)
- Wireframe, X-Ray view
- Difference between saving Tool and Project
With this knowledge, you'll already be able to create great character sculptures!
👨🎓 STANDALONE COURSES
PAID ($79)
Introduction to Zbrush
FlippedNormals [Zbrush 2020]
Introduction to ZBrush
Introduction to ZBrush In this 7.5 hours long series, you'll learn everything you need to know in order to get started with ZBrush 2020! Learning ZBrush can be incredibly frustrating and after having taught ZBrush to students for years - both in class and online - we've done our very best at making the best Introductio
PAID ($55)
Zbrush for Ipad - 3D Sculpting Simplified
Abe Leal
Zbrush for Ipad - 3D Sculpting Simplified
Start your Digital Sculpting Journey with this Course and learn all of the necessary tools inside of Zbrush for Ipad while creating amazing sculptures.
FREE
Pixologics ZBrush 2019 The Basics FREE COURSE
David Newton
Pixologics ZBrush 2019 The Basics FREE COURSE
Learn the very basics of ZBrush so you can confidently follow courses
📺 YOUTUBE COURSES
⭐ Intro to Zbrush Series
Michael Pavlovich [Zbrush 2021.1.1]
"One of the best resources I've found for learning Zbrush fundamentals, and it just happens to be free on Youtube!"
Getting Started with ZBrush
Maxon ZBrush [Zbrush 2022]
Learn Zbrush in 2026
AL Howell [Zbrush 2025]
📺 YOUTUBE
Your First Day in ZBrush
School of Motion [Zbrush 2022]
Getting Started with Sculpting - ZBrush for Beginners Tutorial
FlippedNormals [Zbrush 4R8 P2]
Zbrush Beginner Tutorial | Learn Zbrush in 40 min!
Nexttut [Zbrush 2022.0.7]
Learn ZBrush - The Complete Beginner Tutorial
ProductionCrate
ZBrush Beginner Tutorial - (Very Beginner) Perhaps the Beginner of all time
Chloe Worthy
Subdivisions VS Dynamesh in ZBrush
FlippedNormals [Zbrush 2020]
Saving in Zbrush - Zproject, Ztool, Zdocument Explained
hart [Zbrush 2022.0.5]
💻 BLOG POSTS
Understanding ZBrush's "Logic": My Secret to Learning Faster
Pablander Academy
Understanding ZBrush's "Logic": My Secret to Learning Faster | Pablander Academy
This tutorial breaks down the mental and technical framework I use every time I sculpt. It’s not about memorising features. It’s about building a repeatable workflow that removes hesitation and keeps you moving forward… you can then add extra bits of knowledge as you go ;)
ZClassroom
ZBrush - The all-in-one-digital sculpting solution
ZBrush is a ditigal sculpting application loved by professional and independent artists the world over.
Relevant ZClassroom classes
Avoid classes with higher difficulty ratings (yellow or red)!
- Zbrush UI
- Dynamesh
- Getting Started with Maxon ZBrush
- How to Start in ZBrush
- ZBrush Introduction
- Sculpting with Michael Pavlovich
- Folders
- Gizmo 3D
📚BOOKS
"Zbrush interface has changed so little in the last 20 years that you can kinda get always with using old books for learning Zbrush!"
Sculpting in ZBrush Made Simple (2024)
Lukas Kutschera
Introducing ZBrush (2008)
Eric Keller
ZBrush Character Sculpting: Volume 1 (2012)
Rafael Grassetti, Cédric Seaut, Michael Jensen, 3dtotal Publishing
ZBrush Cookbook (2026)
Andrea Salvatori
📄 DOCUMENTATION / USER MANUAL
ZBrush Documentation
Getting Started
- Finding Your Way Around
- Saving Your Work
- The Canvas Document
- ZBrush Projects
- Axis Rotation
- Sculpting a Head
- Your First Creature Creation
Reference Guide
3D Modeling
Sculpting
Tool
🌀 MISC
ZBrush Shortcuts PDF
Maxon
Nomad Sculpt
Courses, videos, blog posts, manuals & books
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- 👨🎓 STANDALONE COURSES
- 📺 YOUTUBE COURSES
- 📺 YOUTUBE
- 💻 BLOG POSTS
- 📄 DOCUMENTATION / USER MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
In Nomad Sculpt, at this stage, you should learn:
- Navigate the software (gestures) and have a basic understanding of the interface
- Control the viewport camera. Lock view
- Adding reference images. Overlay & Opacity
- Symmetry
- Gizmo 3D (Move, Scale, Rotate)
- Essential brushes (Move, Clay, Smooth, Tube)
- Add, merge and duplicate new primitives
- Ortographic vs Perspective View
- Mirror primitives
- Voxel Remeshing (Remesh). Multires (Subdivision, on by default)
- Basic masking
- Adding color
- Outline, Wireframe view
These resources should give you all the info you need and more:
👨🎓 STANDALONE COURSES
PAID ($127)
Nomad Sculpt - The Ultimate Course
SouthernGFX
SouthernGFX Limited
Discover 3D sculpting on your iPad with the most complete beginner program available. Includes:
PAID
Nomad Sculpt: Solid Foundations
Simon Foster
Nomad Sculpt: Solid Foundations
Your complete beginners guide to 3D sculpting and painting with Nomad Sculpt
PAID
Introduction to 3D Modeling with Nomad Sculpt
Dave Reed
Introduction to 3D Modeling with Nomad Sculpt
3D Modeling / Sculpting on Mobile Tablets & Devices
📺 YOUTUBE COURSES
Nomad Sculpt Beginners 2026
SouthernGFX
Nomad Sculpt for Beginners (2024)
Small Robot Studio
📺 YOUTUBE
Nomad Sculpt | Gestures tutorial
SouthernGFX
Nomad Sculpt - Tube Tool
SouthernGFX
💻BLOG POSTS
10 Easy 3D Models to make in Nomad Sculpt for total Beginners
Ioanna Ladopoulou
10 Easy 3D Models to make in Nomad Sculpt for total Beginners
Learning a new program (especially a 3d one) can be intimidating, believe me I know! When I started my 3d journey I was completely lost. Here I gathered the best 3d models to make in Nomad Sculpt if…
📄 DOCUMENTATION / USER MANUAL
Nomad Sculpt 2.9 Manual
🗑️ ARCHIVED / DELETED
Maya
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 👨🎓 STANDALONE COURSES
- 📺 YOUTUBE COURSES
- 📺 YOUTUBE
- 💻 BLOG POSTS
- 📚 BOOKS
- 📄 DOCUMENTATION / USER MANUAL
- 🌀 MISC
INTRODUCTION
In Maya, at this stage, you should learn:
- Navigate the software and have a basic understanding of the interface
- Control the viewport camera. Frame object in view
- Create Projects, save Scenes. Enable Auto Save
- Outliner
- Node Editor, Attribute Editor
- Channel Box, Modeling Toolkit
- Transform geometry (Move, Rotate, Scale)
- Marking menus (Create Polygons, Selection, Modelling). Object & Component Mode.
- Create and transform geometry (Move, Rotate, Scale). Lock transformation to XYZ axis. Trackball rotate (R twice)
- Use the 3D Cursor (SHIFT + Right Click)
- Switch to Edit Mode (TAB). Vertex, Edge & Face transform
- Select Edge Loops
- Basic modeling tools (Loop Cut, Extrude, Inset, Bevel, Knife)
- Snapping (to Faces, Edges & Vertices)
- Simple modifiers (Subdivision Surface, Mirror, Array, Bevel, Solidify)
- Apply simple textures through the Shader Editor (Base Color, Roughness, Metallic)
- Shade Smooth
- Import models
- Pose rigged models from the internet (Pose Mode)
- Memorize the basic shortcuts
👨🎓 STANDALONE COURSES
PAID ($129)
Introduction to Maya
FlippedNormals [Autodesk Maya 2020]
Introduction to Maya
Introduction to Maya With over 12 hours of high quality training, you'll learn everything you need to know in order to get started with Maya! We're looking at topics like 3D modeling, retopology, xgen, rigging, shading techniques, lighting and using Arnold for rendering. About your instructorYour instructor, Henning Sa
PAID ($80)
Introduction to Modeling in Maya
FlippedNormals [Autodesk Maya 2022]
Introduction to Modeling in Maya
Tutorials for Artists and Game Developers
📺 YOUTUBE COURSES
Maya 101
Maya Learning Channel
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD8E5717592CF5C26
📺 YOUTUBE
Introduction to Maya - 1 Hour Quick Start Guide
FlippedNormals [Autodesk Maya 2020]
Top 5 3D Modeling Tips for Beginners in Maya
FlippedNormals [Autodesk Maya 2019]
I Can Teach You Maya 2026 in 20 MINUTES! | Beginner Tutorial
Game Dev Academy [Autodesk Maya 2026]
📄 DOCUMENTATION / USER MANUAL
Autodesk Maya 2027 Help
Basics
Which Software Should I Learn?
There's not a simple right and wrong answer, as you'd expect.
Different softwares will serve different needs. And depending on your workflow, a lot of times you'll end up mixing and matching softwares anyways.
Rather, you should know the pros and cons of each software, and learn them based on your goals and needs.
If you're wondering, recently I've been using:
- Zbrush for sculpting
- Marvelous Designer for cloth simulation
- Blender for retopology, UV's, rigging, lighting, render
- Substance Painter for texturing
Also, just to make it clear. Learning 3D software is going to be complicated. There's no easy solution around it, and the software you choose won't make too much of a difference in how long it takes to grasp the fundamentals.
GENERAL
BLENDER
🟢 Free and open source
"This is the biggest "selling" point of Blender, and a decider for many on what software to start learning. Just download the latest version of Blender and see if 3D interests you, no strings attached!
When Adobe was donating funds to the Blender Foundation, I remember seeing people scared about Blender's future. Blender CANNOT be ruined by big companies due to their open source code. They're not gonna buy Blender Corporation and turn it to a subscription based software, the source code is out there on the internet forever."
🟢 Swiss knife of 3D tools
"Covers almost all your creative needs (to varying degrees of competency). It has tools for: modelling, sculpting, texturing, animation, VFX, simulation, rendering, compositing. Nowadays I just use Blender for editing non-3D videos, that's how versatile it is."
🟢 Massive amount of learning resources
"Millions of free & paid learning resources online for everything it has to offer, due to it's massive community"
🟡 Constant updates changing fundamentals of the software
"This is a positive for some and a negative for others. I personally love all the content being added to Blender multiple times a year, but I have seen people being turned off by things constantly changing and older tutorials being rendered useless. It can definitively be overwhelming for people learning the software."
🟡 Jack of all trades...master of none
"Besides maybe modelling (and that's depending on who you ask), all the Blender features I listed above are probably better and more fleshed out on other specialized software. Some areas of Blender are still particularly lacking, like simulation and texturing. Still very convenient to have everything bundled together in one tool, but something to keep in mind."
🔴
MAYA
🟢 Still industry standard
"The debate on "industry-standard" is a little complicated, but it is fair to say that knowing Maya will open a lot of doors to you if you're planning to enter the creative industry."
🟢 Autodesk student license
"Depending on your school, you might have a pretty generous student access to all Autodesk tools, Maya included."
🔴 Subscription payments
🔴
🔴
🔴
SCULPTING
BLENDER
🟢 Free
🔴
ZBRUSH
🟢 THE standard for sculpting software
🔴 Subscription payments
🔴 Confusing UI
NOMAD SCULPT
🟢
🔴
ANIMATION
BLENDER
🟢 Free
🔴
MAYA
🟢 Better animation and rigging tools
🔴
TEXTURING
BLENDER
🟢 Free
🔴
SUBSTANCE PAINTER
🟢 Better procedural texturing
🔴 Subscription payments
3DCOAT
🟢 Better hand-painting
🔴
MARMOSET TOOLBAG
🟢 Better texture baking features
🔴
RENDERING
Blender
🟢 Free
🔴
Maya
🟢
🔴
Marmoset Toolbag
🟢
🔴
Unreal Engine
🟢 Powerhouse in the creative industry
🟢 Free
🔴
Reminder that this is all opinion based! For transparency's sake, I've been using Blender and ZBrush for a few years now, and only very recently started learning Maya and other software.
Migrating Modelling Software
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- VIEWPORT NAVIGATION
- SELECT / TRANSFORMS
- MODELLING
- OTHER
- 📺 YOUTUBE
- 👨🎓 STANDALONE COURSES
- 💻 BLOG POSTS
INTRODUCTION
Cheat sheet of shared features with different nomenclatures or shortcuts between Blender and Maya, so it's easier to migrate softwares.
Some features are not going to be 1:1, but rather the closest approximation I could find.
VIEWPORT NAVIGATION
- Blender: Orbit (MIDDLE CLICK)
- Maya: Orbit (ALT + LEFT CLICK)
- Blender: Pan (SHIFT + MIDDLE CLICK)
- Maya: Pan (ALT + MIDDLE CLICK)
- Blender: Zoom (SCROLL WHEEL / CTRL + MIDDLE CLICK)
- Maya: Zoom (SCROLL WHEEL / ALT + RIGHT CLICK)
- Blender: Frame Selected (NUMPAD ,)
- Maya: Frame Selected (F)
- Blender: Frame All (HOME)
- Maya: Frame All (F)
- Blender: Local View (/)
- Maya: Isolate Select (SHIFT+I)
- Blender: Viewpoints (NUMPAD 1, NUMPAD 3, NUMPAD 7 / + HOLD CTRL to invert)
- Maya: Views (HOLD SPACE > HOLD LEFT CLICK)
SELECT / TRANSFORMS
- Blender: Select All
- Maya: Select All (RIGHT CLICK > Select All)
- Blender: -
- Maya: Select Tool (Q)
- Blender: Grab (G)
- Maya: Move Tool (W)
- Blender: Rotate (R)
- Maya: Rotate Tool (E)
- Blender: Scale (S)
- Maya: Scale Tool (R)
"Maya transform shortcuts might seem a bit confusing at first until you realize the 4 letters are lined up together on the QWERTY keyboard."
MODELLING
- Blender: Edit Mode (TAB)
- Maya: Component Mode (HOLD RIGHT CLICK)
- Blender: Vertex / Edge / Face Select Modes (1,2,3 in Edit Mode)
- Maya: Component Mode - Vertex / Edge / Face Select (HOLD RIGHT CLICK)
- Blender: Object Properties Tab
- Maya: Attribute Editor
- Blender: Side Bar Panel (N > Item)
- Maya: Channel Box
- Blender: Add Menu (SHIFT+A)
- Maya: Marking Menu - Polygon Primitives (SHIFT+RIGHT CLICK)
- Blender: Duplicate (SHIFT+D)
- Maya: Duplicate (CTRL+D, SHIFT+DRAG while transforming)
- Blender: Snap (HOLD CTRL while moving / SHIFT+TAB toggle)
- Maya: Snap (HOLD V > move)
- Blender: Edit Pivot (Place 3D Cursor, then Object > Set Origin > Origin to 3D Cursor)
- Maya: Edit Pivot (W > D)
OTHER
- Blender: Operator Search (F3)
- Maya: Search Field (CTRL+F)
Blender:
Maya:
📺 YOUTUBE
⭐ Maya and Blender: How to Effortlessly Switch Between 3D Giants!
On Mars 3D
⭐ Maya and Blender: Snap, Pivot/Origin, and Transform Constraints
On Mars 3D
⭐ Maya and Blender Series: Modeling Tools
On Mars 3D
Easy Switching to Blender from Other 3D Software
FlippedNormals
Maya basics for Blender users (beginner's tutorial)
Vejtasa_Vojtech_art
Learning Maya as a Blender User - Tips and Strategies
Abe Leal 3D
Learning Blender as a Maya User - Tips and Strategies
Abe Leal 3D
👨🎓 STANDALONE COURSES
PAID ($79)
Switching to Blender For Experienced Artists
FlippedNormals
Switching to Blender for Experienced Artists
Switching to Blender for Experienced Artists In Switching to Blender for Experienced Artists, you'll be able to take the leap and finally switch to Blender! We're getting straight to the point, teaching you exactly what you need to make the switch to Blender. We cover everything from learning the UI and navigation to u
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Switching to Blender for game artists
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Tutorials - Switching to Blender for game artists, USD $14.99. Switching to Blender for game artistsLearn how to quickly get started with using Blender when you already have basic experience in any other 3d modeling...
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⭐ Blender Shortcuts
Hollis Brown
Blender Shortcuts
A selection of useful default shortcuts in Blender
Migrating Sculpting Software
Cheat sheet of shared features with different nomenclatures or shortcuts between Zbrush, Blender and Nomad Sculpt, so it's easier to migrate softwares.
Some features are not going to be 1:1, but rather the closest approximation I could find.
FUNCTIONALITY
- Zbrush: Sculptris Pro (])
- Blender: Dyntopo
- Nomad Sculpt: Dyntopo
- Zbrush: Dynamesh (CTRL+DRAG on the background)
- Blender: Voxel Remesher (CTRL+R)
- Nomad Sculpt: Voxel Remeshing
- Zbrush: Subdivision (CTRL+D)
- Blender: Multires (CTRL+1,2,3...)
"Blender also has Subdivision Modifier, but it doesn't function the same for sculpting"
- Nomad Sculpt: Multires
- Zbrush: Polygroups
- Blender: Face Sets
- Nomad Sculpt: Face Group
- Zbrush: ZSpheres
- Blender: Skin Modifier
- Nomad Sculpt: -
- Zbrush: Layers
- Blender: Shape Keys
- Nomad Sculpt: Layers
- Zbrush: Deformation
- Blender: -
- Nomad Sculpt: Operation
BRUSHES
- Zbrush: Move (B>M>V)
- Blender: Grab (G)
- Nomad Sculpt: Move
- Zbrush: Standard (B>S>T)
- Blender: Draw (V)
- Nomad Sculpt: Brush
- Zbrush: Smooth (HOLD SHIFT)
- Blender: Smooth (S)
- Nomad Sculpt: Smooth
- Zbrush: DamStandard
- Blender: Crease
- Nomad Sculpt: Crease
- Zbrush: Clay
- Blender: Clay
- Nomad Sculpt: Clay
- Zbrush: ClayBuildup (B>C>B)
- Blender: Clay Strips (C)
- Nomad Sculpt: -
- Zbrush: hPolish
- Blender: Flatten
- Nomad Sculpt: Flatten
- Zbrush: TrimDynamic
- Blender: Scrape / Peak
- Nomad Sculpt: Planar
- Zbrush: Pinch (B>P>I)
- Blender: Pinch/Magnify (P)
- Nomad Sculpt: Pinch
- Zbrush: SnakeHook (B>S>H)
- Blender: Snake Hook (K)
- Nomad Sculpt: Drag
- Zbrush: Inflate (B>I>N)
- Blender: Inflate/Deflate (I)
- Nomad Sculpt: Inflate
- Zbrush: Mask (HOLD CTRL)
- Blender: Mask (M)
- Nomad Sculpt: Mask
This thread will be constantly updating.
(Last updated: 19/09/2026)
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