Blender is a graphics software that is used for a variety of 3D imaging purposes, including animated films, visual effects, VR, and digital art. It is easily downloaded and widely compatible with computers and laptops and, perhaps the best thing, it is completely free.
The vast array of tools and operations that Blender offers does make it difficult for beginners to get the hang of. We have put together this handy guide to help any beginner or even the most seasoned Blender user separate objects with ease.
When To Separate Objects In Blender
Blending is most frequently used when you are using Blender to create 3D models. Whilst you are creating models, you may need to separate out the object into its individual constituent parts or treat the objects as a whole.
In terms of practical application, this will happen if you add an unintentional new primitive while in Edit mode.
If you are in Edit mode when a new primitive is added, all of the elements in the new accidental primitive are selected but nothing of the original model will be selected. Now you would use the separation tool to get Blender to treat the accidental primitive as a separate object on its own.
How To Separate Objects In Blender
When you need to use the separation tool, you first need to make sure that you are in Edit mode. This will not work if you are in any other mode so be sure to check settings before you begin.
Press P -> Selection and the new primitive should now be separated from the model and be recognized as a separate object.
This is the ‘shortcut’ route to separation but the same effect can be achieved by going to the 3D View’s header menu, then going to Mesh -> Vertices -> Separate -> Selection.
Now you need to tab back into Object mode and select the new object by right-clicking. The object should be in the same place as the origin of the original object.
Separating by Selection will separate the object into its selected elements, but you can also separate by material or by loose parts.
Separating by material will take fragments based on the materials that have been assigned to different faces and separating by loose parts will create a new object for every disconnected fragment of the original object mesh.
Object Origins
If you want to change the origin of the object to its center, all you need to do is hit keys Shift+Ctrl+Alt+C -> Origin and change to Geometry.
You can also do this by opening Object -> Transform -> Origin and change to Geometry from the 3D View’s main header. This function makes Blender calculate the size of the object and then uses this data to set the object’s origin to its true center.
You could also set Blender to recognize the origin of the object to be wherever the 3D cursor is. To do this, hit Shift+Ctrl+Alt+C -> Origin and change to 3D Cursor. This can also be done via the 3D View’s header by going to Object -> Transform -> Origin and change to 3D Cursor.
You also have the option of moving the object rather than the object’s origin. This can be done by hitting Shift+Ctrl+Alt+C -> Geometry to and change to Origin. This is also achieved via the 3D View header via Object -> Transform -> Geometry and change to Origin.
Opposite Of Separating
If you want to group objects together, the opposite of separating, all you need to do is select the desired objects.
This is done with the Lasso Select tool, the Border select tool in Object mode, or by hitting Shift+right click which will add additional objects to the selection. Remember that the last object added is the ‘active object’ and will be the object that others join.
Once you have selected all of the objects, you need to hit Ctrl+J or go into the 3D View menu and then Object -> Join. Do remember that you can only join objects that are the same type so you can join two mesh objects together, but not a mesh object with a curve object.
If you want to join different types of objects together, you need to use a group function or similar to get the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have To Pay For Blender?
Blender is a completely free software that can be used for any purpose – from commercial work to education. Any work that is created in Blender is the property of the artist and so can be used for any purpose the artist wishes.
Will Blender Work On My Computer?
There are versions of Blender available for Windows, Mac OS X, and for Linux. So yes, in all likelihood you will find a version of Blender that will work with your tech setup.
Be aware that you do need an OpenGL compatible graphics card – simply put, you need a chip in your system that will generate a video signal that will be displayed by the screen – to get the most from Blender.
What Are The Features Of Blender?
Blender is such a popular software partly because it is free and easy to use, but also because of the vast array of functions and tools the software features.
These features include 3D modeling, texturing, rigging and skinning, UV unwrapping, raster graphics editing, fluid and smoke simulation, soft body simulation, particle simulation, sculpting, match moving, animating, motion graphics, video editing, compositing, and rendering.
Is Blender Beginner-Friendly?
Blender offers a number of different tools for a lot of different projects. This is great for getting just the right finish to your project but can make it difficult to navigate for beginners.
That said, the software is easy to get the hang of and many beginners become proficient users in a few weeks. In a couple of months, you will find the complex tools easy to use and be regularly creating high-quality work.
Some find it easier to learn some theory before they start using Blender, while others find it easier to learn on the go. Whatever works for you, rest assured that it is easy to use and quick to pick up so don’t be discouraged!
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