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Basic Object Transformation in Blender

Apr 17, 2025

Lecture Notes: Transforming Objects in Blender

Introduction

  • Focus on transforming objects in Blender, specifically basic manipulations.
  • Active object concept: shows up in the properties editor.
  • Example used: transforming a cube object.

Transform Panel

  • Location, Rotation, Scale properties
    • Change properties by left-clicking and entering values.
    • Example: moving an object along the x-axis by entering a value.
  • Input Fields
    • Can perform math operations within fields.
    • Supports different units (e.g., meters, centimeters, feet) with automatic conversion.
    • Change units in the scene properties.
  • Shortcuts for Inputs
    • Drag to adjust multiple input fields at once.
    • Reset fields to default with backspace.

Interactive Transformation Tools

  • Move Tool
    • Left-click and drag on arrows to move along x, y, z-axes.
    • Move along planes by dragging squares.
  • Rotate Tool
    • Rotate along x, y, z-axes.
    • Hold control for even increments; hold shift for precise movement.
  • Scale Tool
    • Scale objects along x, y, z-axes.
    • Can manipulate using the scale cage for more detailed adjustments.

All-In-One Tool

  • Move, rotate, and scale with a unified gizmo.
  • Gizmos can be enabled in the dropdown for use with any tool.

Resetting Transformations

  • Undo with Control + Z; redo with Shift + Control + Z.
  • Clear transformations through the object menu or use shortcuts:
    • Alt + G for location
    • Alt + R for rotation
    • Alt + S for scale

Keyboard Shortcuts for Transformation

  • Move: G to enter grab mode and move object.
  • Rotate: R to enter rotate mode.
  • Scale: S to enter scale mode.
  • Constrain movement to specific axes using x, y, z keys.
  • Input specific values during transformation for precise adjustments.

Redo Panel

  • Adjust actions through the redo panel.
  • Access the panel with F9.

Summary

  • Practice moving, rotating, and scaling objects using different methods (gizmos, properties editor, hotkeys).
  • Try to move objects along specific axes and adjust in increments.
  • Utilize Control + Z for undoing actions.

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