Doc:FAQ/Modelling

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[edit] Other FAQs

On this page will find general questions about modelling in Blender. But there also exist some specific categories that alre linked to below:

1. Curves - You can find information about modeling with curves here. Contains Text as well.
2. Mesh - Subsurfaces, edge loops and things like that.
3. Metaballs - Not meatballs!

[edit] How do I scale a model in only 1 or 2 directions instead of all 3?

You can use X, Y andZ key to scale in that particular axis. If you hit this key once, you can scale on global axis. If you hit it twice, you can scale on axis defined by Transform Orientation Alt SPACE. Normally it is set as local.

If you want to scale on two axis' simultaneously, use Shift <axis not to scale> method. For example if you want to scale on X- and Y-axis, you need to hit Shift Z. If you hit Shift X/Shift Y/Shift Z twice, it scales on axis' defined by Transform Orientation Alt Space.

Read more about this in the Axis Locking section of the Manual.

[edit] How can I switch between ortho and perspective view?

Use NumPad 5

[edit] How can I get to opposite of (side,top,front) view?

Use Ctrl at the same time while pressing NumPad 1, NumPad 3 or NumPad 7.

[edit] What's the difference between a 'Duplicate' and 'Duplicate Linked' copy of an object?

A Duplicate Linked copy shares the properties, that you have defined, with the origin object. You can set properties to be shared at User Preferences\Edit Methods. Also you can create or delete links afterwards by using Object menu found in the header of 3D viewport.

[edit] How should I set up my blueprints?

You can use rotobox script ([1]) to build a rotobox or you can build rotobox by hand using planes in which you uv map the wanted images.

Also you can set images as backgrounds of 3D viewports. See the header of 3D viewport and you can find View -> Background Image there. See the Blueprints news entry at blendernation as well. It has not only a nice list of blueprints, but also some tips int he comments-section.

[edit] What is a rotobox?

Robobox contains the reference blueprints mapped on planes in box like form. Also they may be in cross form sometimes.

[edit] How do I separate objects? Why is everything one object/share the same material?

In EditMode (F9) select the vertices you want to make into a unique object, press P->Selected. You probably tried to add new objects while in EditMode. If you want objects to be unique, make sure to add them in ObjectMode.

[edit] How do I join objects together?

In ObjectMode, make a multiple selection with Shift RMB , then press Ctrl J.