How to Create a Detailed Call-Out in Blender: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Started

Call-outs are essential tools in design work, allowing you to highlight specific areas in a drawing or render. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through creating a professional call-out in Blender. Whether you’re working on infographics, technical drawings, or creative designs, this technique ensures clarity and precision. Let’s dive in!

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Watch the Tutorial on YouTube

Step 1: Setting Up Your Scene

We’ll start with a portico model as an example, but you can use any model. Follow these steps:

1. Render the Image: Press F12 to render your current view. You can choose a close-up or a standard image for this step. Save the rendered image as a PNG or any preferred format.
2. Save the Render: After rendering, go to the Image Editor and save the file. Ensure it’s accessible for later use.

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Step 2: Adding the Call-Out Circle

1. Position the 3D Cursor: Press Shift + Right Mouse Button to position the cursor where you want the call-out circle to appear.
2. Add a Circle: Press Shift + A, go to the Mesh menu, and select Circle.
   • In the options, set the resolution to 128 to ensure smooth edges.
   • Rotate the circle to face the camera by setting the X rotation to 90 degrees.
3. Edit the Circle: Enter Edit Mode by pressing Tab.
   • Switch to Vertex Selection at the top.
   • Press A to select all vertices, then F to create a face.
   • Scale the circle down to your desired size using S.
   • Press I to inset the circle, creating a border. Adjust the size to your preference.

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Step 3: Assigning Materials

1. Create New Materials:
   • Go to the Materials tab and click New. Name this material “call out.”
   • Click the plus icon to add a second material slot. Create another material and name it “border.”
2. Assign the Materials:
   • In Face Select mode, Alt + Select the border faces.
   • Assign these faces to the “border” material by selecting it and clicking Assign.
   • Set the border material color to a neutral grey for contrast.

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Step 4: UV Unwrapping the Call-Out

1. Switch to the UV Editing Tab:
   • Press the Forward Slash key to isolate the circle object.
   • Move to a side view and switch to Orthographic View (press 5 on the numpad).
2. Unwrap the Circle:
   • Press A to select all vertices, then U to bring up the unwrap menu.
   • Select Project from View for a clean and accurate UV map.

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Step 5: Applying the Texture

1. Add an Image Texture:
   • Switch to the Shading Tab and ensure the “call out” material is active.
   • From the Add Menu under Texture, add an Image Texture Node.
   • Connect the color output of the texture node to the base color input of the material.
   • Open the previously saved rendered image.
2. Adjust the UVs:
   • Return to the UV Editing tab and switch to Material Preview (press Z and select it).
   • In the UV Editor, select the imported image from the drop-down.
   • Scale (S) and move the UVs to position the texture within the call-out circle.

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Step 6: Adding a Connecting Line

1. Duplicate the Curve:
   • Select the curve object, press Shift + D, and move it to the desired position.
2. Adjust the Curve:
   • Edit the curve to connect the call-out circle to the area it highlights.
   • Use the control points to fine-tune the curve shape for a clean connection.

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Step 7: Finalizing and Rendering

1. Position the Call-Out: Scale and move the call-out circle to its final position.
2. Render the Scene: Press F12 to render the completed design.
3. Save the Final Output: Save the render to share or use in your projects.

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Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create precise and visually appealing call-outs in Blender. This technique is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of design projects. Experiment with different shapes, textures, and materials to customize your call-outs further. Happy Blending!