Since 2004, Blender Basics has helped thousands of people learn the basics of the powerful open-source 3D modeling, animation and game design program, Blender. The 1st edition was designed as an in-house tutorial booklet for high school students. Since its release on the Internet as a free e-book in 2004, public interest has fueled the book's development as the software continues to grow. The 4th edition reflected the program's complete overhaul in 2011 to become more user friendly and competitive with other commercial programs on the market. This 5th edition aligns the book to the current interface and command changes and introduces some new activities, features, and academic standards alignment for teachers. This book is 266 pages, designed to cover the basics of most of the program's capabilities, and can be completed in as little as 40-50 hours. more information about the Blender program and downloads came be found at www.blender.org. More information and downloads for the book can be found at www.cdschools.org/blenderbasics.