Advice for Effective Q&A

Learning Computer Graphics is complex and we consider it a privilege to answer your questions! The better you communicate with us, the more likely you are to succeed in your learning journey. So we want to offer some guidelines to help streamline Q&A on our site. 👇

1️⃣ Add a Timestamp

Most questions refer to something said or demonstrated at a certain point in a video. Providing a timestamp saves so much time instead of leaving us scrolling through the video. Example: "The instructor refers to 'texel density' around 5:30. What does that mean?"

2️⃣ More Context

It's common to see vague and ambiguous questions which are impossible to answer effectively and we simply need more information to be helpful! Please share a comprehensive explanation of what you're trying to do, so we can narrow down effective advice as soon as possible.

3️⃣ Images are worth 1000 words

Images provide the visual context to easily understand an issue. Including screenshots of your Blender work, preferably with the whole UI showing, provides a clearer illustration of what you're trying to work out.

Here's a tutorial for taking screenshots on a PC. Unfortunately, adding images to your question is a little weird at first. This button in the text box header allows you to select and upload an image:

However this button is only available after you post your question initially. A workaround to add an image in the initial text box is simply to copy and paste your image instead.

4️⃣ Videos are worth 1000 images

A video demonstration of your issues leaves little room for misunderstanding or guessing with answers. Simply use OBS, Windows Snipping tool, or one of the many screen recording apps to record a quick demo (with vocal explanation / commentary if you have a mic) and upload to YouTube as unlisted (if you want to keep it semi-private). Then copy and paste the URL into the video option at the top of the text box:

5️⃣ Providing your .blend file is a last resort

Please only post a download link with your .blend file if it's been requested. Making mistakes and solving them yourself is a big part of learning. Expecting another person to completely solve an issue is akin to watching someone else lifting the weights for you at the gym and expecting your muscles to grow. 

Thanks for considering these guidelines before posting questions!