# Build with Blocks

## Begin Game Maker 2

## Learn Build Mode Camera & Block Controls

#### :green\_circle: EASY

In this activity, you will explore the controls needed to navigate while building an Experience in Game Maker and the basics of terraforming with blocks by accessing them in the Library.

Once you know how to use the build mode camera and build with blocks, you'll be ready to place and manipulate objects in Activity 3.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/byrAbtuFO14?feature=shared>" %}

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Start" %}

### **Launch Game Maker**

* Open the Experience created in [**Activity 1**](https://docs.sandbox.game/en/creator/game-maker/beginners/play-test) or start a new one.
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Camera" %}

### **Practice Some Build Mode Camera Controls**

<table><thead><tr><th width="199.66666666666666">Controls:</th><th width="214">Keys</th><th>Mouse</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Zoom in/out</td><td>Press <strong><code>W</code></strong> / <strong><code>S</code></strong></td><td><img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FxJJ7sPrQJLxt3g7FYvgz%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3bb5b94f-a1ba-47c1-a1b9-a9b4316f70bc" alt="" data-size="original"> Scroll wheel</td></tr><tr><td>Move camera left/right</td><td>Press <strong><code>A</code></strong> /<strong><code>D</code></strong></td><td>Hold <img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FsReJKtmTvysqm8QImX4J%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5d6f5aa1-3a3d-4b85-afab-def582822208" alt=""> + Move <span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2b05">⬅️</span><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="27a1">➡️</span></td></tr><tr><td>Move camera up/down</td><td>Press <strong><code>Q</code></strong> / <strong><code>E</code></strong></td><td>Hold <img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FzaV2sGLTvoAv0RKlqsPO%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=516c4e0b-4e55-4421-961e-74af47e40438" alt=""> + Move <span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2b06">⬆️</span><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2b07">⬇️</span></td></tr><tr><td>Turn camera left/right</td><td>Press <span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2b05">⬅️</span>/ <span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="27a1">➡️</span> keys</td><td><img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FS3U8kDiAKw9HwSPPxUmB%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=836c9f71-f839-41ba-addd-80333a1cfcd8" alt="" data-size="original"><br>Hold <strong><code>SPACEBAR</code></strong> + Right Button + Move <span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2b05">⬅️</span><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="27a1">➡️</span></td></tr><tr><td>Turn camera up/down</td><td>Press <span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2b06">⬆️</span> / <span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2b07">⬇️</span> keys</td><td><img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FS3U8kDiAKw9HwSPPxUmB%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=836c9f71-f839-41ba-addd-80333a1cfcd8" alt="" data-size="original"><br>Hold <strong><code>SPACEBAR</code></strong> + Right Button + Move <span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2b06">⬆️</span><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2b07">⬇️</span></td></tr><tr><td>Orbit around a point in front of you</td><td>-</td><td><img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2F0aAz2jix8nOp6DrCk9v7%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fc1db83c-5feb-4ee9-9026-aeaee9726c13" alt="" data-size="original"><br>Hold <strong><code>SPACEBAR</code></strong> + Left Button</td></tr><tr><td>Modifier: Sprint a camera control</td><td>Hold <strong><code>SHIFT</code></strong> + use other controls with keys</td><td>Hold <strong><code>SHIFT</code></strong> + use other controls with mouse</td></tr></tbody></table>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Library" %}

### **Find Blocks**

Open the Library (press **`L`**) and add blocks to your quick access bar (above the Library):

* Click the **Blocks** tab at the top of the library to filter options and only show blocks.
* Drag and release a few blocks into slots in quick access bar. Close the library (press **`L`**) and click on any block in the quick access bar or use the corresponding number shown in each slot to select a block to use.
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Basic Techniques" %}

### **Undo/Redo if Needed as you practice the controls below**

* **`CTRL` + `Z`**  to undo
* **`CTRL` + `Y`** to redo

### **Use the Free Brush (default) to practice basic block building controls**

<div><figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn/blobs/XV62iYRzHyx6SVabiaX6/gm%20Place%20Blocks_02.gif" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>PLACE</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn/blobs/mW8exPmLLzz9zt2Da3PT/gm%20Remove%20Blocks_01.gif" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>REMOVE</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn/blobs/BEUXllIi2jzbdsjz4TA6/gm%20Replace%20Blocks_01.gif" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>REPLACE</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<div><figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn/blobs/ew4103BPPvVWbt1lEZL7/gm%20Vertical%20Blocks_01.gif" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>COLUMNS</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FirukZGuqSm8siJPrMuje%2FGM%20place%20block%20layer.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=308076c6-46e7-4c3e-9696-bd50edd87868" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>LAYER</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<mark style="background-color:orange;">**Basic Controls**</mark>

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Place</strong></td><td><img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FzwsUd12Oz3IPZlZR4UYf%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ff603931-a5ec-4500-abb7-a7f75df16ba9" alt=""></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Remove</strong></td><td><img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FThXzwwFf9vAkTGjkDlIw%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=798e96af-810e-41da-b25f-57ecac70687b" alt=""></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Replace</strong></td><td>Hold <strong>left <code>ALT</code></strong> + <img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FzwsUd12Oz3IPZlZR4UYf%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ff603931-a5ec-4500-abb7-a7f75df16ba9" alt=""></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Place Layer</strong> <br><strong>(no modifiers)</strong></td><td>Hold <strong>right</strong> <strong><code>ALT</code></strong> + <img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FzwsUd12Oz3IPZlZR4UYf%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ff603931-a5ec-4500-abb7-a7f75df16ba9" alt=""></td></tr></tbody></table>

**Modifiers**

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Line or Rectangle Shape</strong><br><strong>(on any block surface)</strong></td><td>Hold <mark style="background-color:orange;">[basic control]</mark> + drag &#x26; release</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Line of Blocks</strong> <br><strong>(vertical)</strong></td><td>Hold <mark style="background-color:orange;">[basic control]</mark> + <strong><code>SHIFT</code></strong> + drag up &#x26; release</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Rectangle of Blocks</strong><br><strong>(vertical)</strong></td><td>Hold <mark style="background-color:orange;">[basic control]</mark> + drag to base shape + <strong><code>SHIFT</code></strong> + drag up &#x26; release</td></tr></tbody></table>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Test Other Brushes" %}

### **Test Other Block Brushes & Adjust Size**

{% hint style="info" %}
Notice when placing or removing with other brushes, the center of the shape snaps to the surface (blocks may be placed underground).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Brushes other than the **Free** brush will only build a vertical column in the brush shape.
{% endhint %}

* **Diamond** - easy to climb shape
* **Cube** - man-made structures and blocky terrain
* **Sphere** - natural terrain
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

### Follow Up

Now that you know how to build with blocks, you can block out the 3D space for your Experience, create terrain details and paths to guide players.

Learn how to add objects into your world in [**Activity 3**](https://docs.sandbox.game/en/creator/game-maker/beginners/place-assets).

***

## :heavy\_plus\_sign: Relevant Resources

There are a lot of new things to explore with blocks including how they're used to build 3D interactive space and how they are used to create the aesthetics of your game.

<table data-view="cards" data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th data-type="content-ref"></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="../docs/using-blocks">using-blocks</a></td><td>Learn about block properties and uses to create terrains and buildings.</td><td><a href="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2Fj216suvAAmE9N2QLNNjm%2FVE%20block%20variation%20GM%20sample%20opt.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=03354995-b8b7-4c56-bd9f-ddb52b4a7ba7">VE block variation GM sample opt.webp</a></td><td><a href="../docs/using-blocks">using-blocks</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="../../basics/scale">scale</a></td><td>LAND is the basic unit of measurement for Experiences. Learn what 3D interactive content can fit into one or more LANDs.</td><td><a href="https://content.gitbook.com/content/83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn/blobs/Tk9u4aaIstlD3dmT5EgU/file.excalidraw.svg">file.excalidraw.svg</a></td><td><a href="../../basics/scale">scale</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="../creative-guides/experience-design-techniques/3d-spatial-layout/rough-base-map">rough-base-map</a></td><td>Building with blocks is similar to using voxels, so VoxEdit is a perfect tool to sketch a rough mini map before you build an Experience with blocks.</td><td><a href="https://content.gitbook.com/content/83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn/blobs/hPPVZ8K1BW98ctxIYM2Q/file.excalidraw.svg">file.excalidraw.svg</a></td><td><a href="../creative-guides/experience-design-techniques/3d-spatial-layout/rough-base-map">rough-base-map</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="../game-production-guide/blockout">blockout</a></td><td>Once 3D space use is planned, begin the blockout. Focus first on shape with a few base colors and add large assets that shape the world.</td><td><a href="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FokyAikgNtxt0oJg6CbuL%2Fblockout.png?alt=media&#x26;token=dbd653c8-85be-46b6-8324-4708ba87259b">blockout.png</a></td><td><a href="../game-production-guide/blockout">blockout</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="../creative-guides/experience-design-techniques/art-design/blockout-aesthetics">blockout-aesthetics</a></td><td>Apply an attractive color palette with blocks that guides players and avoids distraction from gameplay. Use our recommendations or make your own.</td><td><a href="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2FqTrlfISVhsqat2D8hvbP%2Fice%20biome.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f15c4425-818f-4ac8-80f5-b52249590c0e">ice biome.png</a></td><td><a href="../creative-guides/experience-design-techniques/art-design/blockout-aesthetics">blockout-aesthetics</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

## Forum: Community Ideas & Support

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://forum.sandbox.game/t/begin-game-maker-series-2-build-with-blocks/1790"><strong>Visit the Forum</strong></a></td><td><a href="https://content.gitbook.com/content/83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn/blobs/R2GdZMImITUqYrmiThBY/13%20community%20%20-%20%20blog.png">13 community  -  blog.png</a></td><td><a href="https://forum.sandbox.game/t/begin-game-maker-series-2-build-with-blocks/1790">https://forum.sandbox.game/t/begin-game-maker-series-2-build-with-blocks/1790</a></td></tr><tr><td><p>A forum post has been created for this learning activity! Visit to:</p><ul><li>Ask or answer questions</li><li>Post ideas about the topic</li><li><p>Share what you've learned or created</p><ul><li>from the activity</li><li>from the bonus resources</li></ul></li></ul></td><td></td><td><a href="https://forum.sandbox.game/t/begin-game-maker-series-2-build-with-blocks/1790">https://forum.sandbox.game/t/begin-game-maker-series-2-build-with-blocks/1790</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

## Other "Begin Game Maker" Videos

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="play-test">play-test</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="build-with-blocks">build-with-blocks</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="place-assets">place-assets</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="set-object-actions">set-object-actions</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="trigger-logic">trigger-logic</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="craft-quests">craft-quests</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="set-up-mechanics">set-up-mechanics</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="build-multiplayer-games">build-multiplayer-games</a></td></tr></tbody></table>