Module 2: Basic Modeling Tools
Now it's time to create! This module covers the core of 3D modeling: manipulating the building blocks of your objects to give them custom shapes.
Video Tutorial: Your First Edits in Blender
Watch this tutorial to see the fundamental modeling tools in action. Pay close attention to switching between Object and Edit mode and how vertices, edges, and faces are selected and moved.
Key Concepts & Tools 🛠️
The Building Blocks
Every 3D model (or "mesh") is made of three simple things:
- Vertices: Single points in 3D space.
- Edges: Lines that connect two vertices.
- Faces: Flat surfaces created by connecting three or more edges.
Object vs. Edit Mode
Blender has two main modes. Press the Tab key to switch between them:
- Object Mode: Used to move, rotate, and scale entire objects.
- Edit Mode: Used to modify the actual shape of an object by manipulating its vertices, edges, and faces.
Essential Hotkeys (in Edit Mode)
These four actions are the foundation of modeling:
- Grab/Move (G): Move selected components freely. Press X, Y, or Z after to lock movement to an axis.
- Rotate (R): Rotate selected components.
- Scale (S): Scale selected components up or down.
- Extrude (E): Create new geometry by pulling it out from your selection. This is how you "grow" your model.
Practice: Model a Simple Phone Stand
Your Task!
Let's apply what you've learned. Follow these steps using the default cube to create a basic phone stand.
- Select the default cube and press S, then X, to scale it into a thin, rectangular slab.
- Press Tab to enter Edit Mode.
- Switch to Face Select mode (Press 3 on the number row).
- Select the top face. Press E to extrude it upwards a little bit to create the backrest.
- Now, select the new front-facing face of that backrest.
- Press E again and extrude a small lip forward to create the part that will hold the phone.
- Press Tab to go back to Object Mode. You've made your first custom model!