I have downloaded a number of assets and kit bashes but I'm lost as to how to import them into Blender 4.3. Then once I have them in Blender, how to I find them to use? I have looked through various videos on YouTube but they don't give a clear picture as to how to accomplish this task by a new user to Blender.
This is tricky, because we need more information. If the assets are a file format other then Blend then you will need to File or F4->Import->select the file format of the asset and then point to the asset. In some case you will have to change some of the setting depending on the software that created the file. If it's a Blend file then you can append or link. Append creates a new copy of the asset in your blend file. Link...well links to the blend file. So if you move the asset file it your new blend file won't be able to find it. To do either File or F4->Append or Link->Navigate to the blend file and double click it. then you will have folder for the different element. Like objects or collections(Which may contain several objects.)
Then there are blend files that are setup to use the asset manager. This is just a mater of coping the blend file into a designated asset folder and blender will do the rest. to access those assets just switch the asset browser editor. Then drag and drop the asset into either 3D viewport or outliner. For materials you need to drag them onto an object that can use material. To find out or set an asset folder Edit or F4 ->Preferences(Note: as of 4.0 you can also just do Ctrl+comma) then click file paths. On the asset panel you will see the default asset I believe it's called User Library. Once you click on it you will see the path to the folder for it. You can change it and/or add a new folder. it's up to you.
If you want to make objects, materials, actions, collections, World Material, Node tree, and as of 4.3 Brushes into asset to be use in the asset browser you just need to open the blend or Import your assets into a blend file and then right click on the asset in the outliner and click mark as asset. materials may be easier to go to material tab and right click on the material name and click mark as asset. You can also do this on object name in the object tab or action name in the action editor. Most people go thru the outliner.
Hi Dwayne, Your right it does sound a bit tricky. I am using 4.3 and before I purchase or download anything I make sure it has a Blender file so I don't have to go through any conversion issues. Not sure if I understand it all correctly but I will try to follow you lead on these suggestions. You wouldn't happen to know of a video lesson on CG Cookie or a good YouTube video that explains all this?
Thanks
dstp
Chapter 4 of cubicity course covers that: https://cgcookie.com/lessons/overview-of-asset-libraries-linking
I also like Grant Abitt's video: note it is an older version so the layout is a little different in 4.0. https://youtu.be/01jcDvHpOmY?si=tPyW2LNkCx9l__dD
This one uses 4.2 and is pretty good. https://youtu.be/MU5iYACTeXo?si=K47AqJIvs5hq5eYM