How to install Blender 2.90 on a Ubuntu 20.04

Introduction to Blender 2.90

Blender is a powerful, open-source 3D creation suite that is widely recognized for its versatility and robust feature set. As a popular tool for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and even video editing, Blender attracts both professionals and hobbyists alike. The release of Blender 2.90 brought significant improvements, including a new geometry nodes system, upgraded render engines, and enhanced animation tools. This article will guide you through the process of installing Blender 2.90 on an Ubuntu 20.04 system, ensuring that you can harness the power of this incredible software.

Understanding System Requirements

Before diving into the installation process, it’s crucial to understand the system requirements for Blender 2.90. This will help you ensure that your hardware can adequately support the software.

Minimum Requirements

• OS: Ubuntu 20.04 or later
• RAM: 4 GB (8 GB RAM recommended)
• Graphics Card: OpenGL 3.3-compatible GPU with 1 GB RAM (2 GB or more recommended)
• Storage: At least 500 MB of free disk space for installation

Recommended Requirements

• OS: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later
• RAM: 16 GB or more
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA or AMD graphics card with 4 GB RAM or higher
• Storage: SSD with at least 1 GB free for optimal performance

Having a compatible machine will prevent many common issues that could arise during the installation or while using the software.

Preparing Your System

Updating Your Packages

Before installing Blender, it’s a good idea to ensure that your system packages are up-to-date. Open your terminal and run the following commands:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This will refresh your package lists and upgrade any outdated packages, which can help prevent compatibility issues with Blender.

Installing Required Dependencies

Blender requires certain packages to operate efficiently. You can install these using the terminal. Run the following command:

bash
sudo apt install libgl1-mesa-glx libxi6 libxrender1 libxrandr2 libglu1-mesa

This command installs essential libraries that Blender needs for graphics rendering.

Downloading Blender 2.90

Official download

Blender 2.90 can be downloaded from the official Blender website. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open a web browser and navigate to Blender.org.
2. In the download section, select the Linux version.
3. After downloading, you will have a compressed .tar.xz file.

Extracting the Downloaded File

Once the download is complete, navigate to the directory where the file was saved. Open your terminal and use the cd command to change directories. For example, if the file was saved in the Downloads folder, type:

bash
cd ~/Downloads

Now, extract the downloaded file with the following command:

bash
tar -xvf blender-2.90-linux-glibc217-x86_64.tar.xz

This command will create a new directory named blender-2.90-linux-glibc217-x86_64 in your Downloads folder.

Installing Blender

Moving Blender to the Desired Location

It’s common to move applications to a more appropriate directory once they are extracted. To do this, you can create a new directory for Blender in the /opt folder:

bash
sudo mv blender-2.90-linux-glibc217-x86_64 /opt/blender-2.90

Creating a Symlink (Optional)

For ease of access, you may want to create a symbolic link so that you can run Blender with the blender command from anywhere. To create a symlink, enter the following command:

bash
sudo ln -s /opt/blender-2.90/blender /usr/local/bin/blender

Now you can start Blender by just typing blender in the terminal.

Launching Blender

To launch Blender, simply open your terminal and type:

bash
blender

You can also navigate to /opt/blender-2.90 and double-click the blender executable if you prefer a graphical approach.

Exploring the Blender Interface

Once Blender is open, take some time to familiarize yourself with the user interface. The main components include:

• 3D Viewport: Where the 3D modeling takes place.
• Outliner: This panel displays all objects in your scene.
• Properties Panel: Allows you to modify settings related to your selected object or scene.
• Timeline: Used for animation and video editing.

Understanding these components will enhance your workflow and productivity when working with Blender.

Tips for Optimizing Your Blender Experience

Using GPU Rendering

For better performance, configure Blender to use your GPU for rendering. You can set this in the Preferences menu:

1. Go to Edit > Preferences.
2. Click on the System tab.
3. Under the Cycles Render Device, select CUDA or OpenCL, depending on your graphics card.

Enabling Add-ons

Blender offers a wide range of add-ons to enhance functionality. To enable them:

1. Go to Edit > Preferences.
2. Click on the Add-ons tab.
3. Search for and enable any add-ons you may need.

Conclusion

Installing Blender 2.90 on Ubuntu 20.04 is a straightforward process that can pave the way for endless creative projects in 3D modeling and animation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to install and optimize your Blender experience. Once you’ve installed the software, don’t hesitate to explore the vast community resources, tutorials, and forums available to dive deeper into the world of Blender.

FAQ

1. Is Blender 2.90 compatible with my Ubuntu 20.04 system?

Yes, Blender 2.90 is designed to work seamlessly with Ubuntu 20.04 and later updates. Just ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for optimal performance.

2. Can I install Blender from the Ubuntu Software Center?

While you can find Blender in the Ubuntu Software Center, it may not always be the latest version. For the latest features, it’s recommended to download it directly from the official Blender website.

3. How can I uninstall Blender from my system?

To uninstall Blender, you can simply remove the folder you created in the /opt directory. Run the following command:

bash
sudo rm -rf /opt/blender-2.90

If you created a symlink, you can remove that too with:

bash
sudo rm /usr/local/bin/blender

4. What are geometry nodes, and how do they work in Blender?

Geometry nodes are a new feature introduced in Blender 2.90 that allow for procedural modeling and manipulation of geometry in a flexible way. They enable users to create complex models and effects without traditional modeling techniques.

5. Where can I find tutorials for Blender?

There are numerous resources available for learning Blender. The official Blender website features a dedicated section for tutorials, and platforms like YouTube and BlenderArtists offer extensive community-driven content to help you get started.