Blender UI

Hello guys :slight_smile:
I’ve used blender for the past 1 year and I love the tool. Only one issue though, the UI.
It took me a lot of time to learn the blender UI and I want to make sure that it doesn’t take as long to new users.
The thing is I learned how to script in python though I have no idea how to access the source files of the UI.
I have seen the video that blender guru (Andrew Price) did about the topic and I really want to start working on it.
I understand that it will take a really long time to achieve the result but I have tons of spare time and the will to do it.
Sooooo, my question is: How do I access the UI source files and blender source files at all.

thanks a bunch
Tal

Sooooo, my question is: How do I access the UI source files and blender source files at all.
See http://www.blender.org/get-involved/developers/

Thanks a bunch :smiley: though I’m not sure if this is the right place: https://www.blender.org/api/blender_python_api_2_76_1/
sorry for my noobiness

I have tried to go there but didn’t quite understand how to access the Python source code

If you look in your blender directory under scripts / startup folder you will get the python scripts that draw the interface.

If you want to do anything like the video you mentioned then you won’t be able to do that with python, you’ll have to go into the blender source code.

You can contact the developers on irc http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Dev:Doc/Contact

Hi, to download the sources, then build Blender, you can follow one of these tutorials: http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Dev:Doc/Building_Blender

Not easy the first time… But as Richard Marklew said you can connect #blendercoders channel on IRC (freenode) to get help.

You have to learn how to use many tools as git, an svn client, your compiler (Visual studio 2013 on Windows, make on linux), eventually cmake (alternatively scons script). And you can choose a separate IDE to code if you want (not necessarly needed). It’s a world to dicover. :slight_smile:

Found it thanks :smiley: and I have started to work on it though it’s the longest, scariest code I have seen x_x

thanks :smiley: do you have good tutorials on using the tools you just mentioned?

Are you on Windows or Linux? You choose to use cmake or scons? I’d recommend to try a simple build without changing default options and modifying code for the moment…

Since the ‘great’ Andrew Price proposal topic came up again, I’ll post once more this video and this podcast, in which Andrew talks about his proposal and recaps it. @sokrates4567, this might save you from wasting time on stuff that wouldn’t be accepted anyway (for good reasons) :wink:

Maybe some users would use it.:confused:
There is plenty of room to improve ui just simple things.
For example

  • no selection tools in 3D view or toolbar.
    -texture preview in cycles.
    at least the shortcuts are well thought.


why arent simple things like this solved.

You don’t need to be limited by the side panels. If you want to put other tools in the panels then do so and submit for inclusion


‘Crappy layout’, not a very useful description to know what you mean. It’s what YOU think is a crappy layout, you don’t speak for everyone. If you want change then you have to make some effort to get involved. Posting a few things on an internet forum is not really getting involved in any meaningful way.

maybe julian can take care of that.