Modelling in Blender

Edit-mode toolkit

• Extrude (E), Inset (I), Loop cut (Ctrl+R), Bevel (Ctrl+B), Knife (K).
• Proportional editing (O): move vertices with smooth falloff.
• Snapping (magnet icon): snap to vertices, edges, increments.
• Merge (M) vertices; Fill (F); Bridge Edge Loops.

The modifier stack

Modifiers run top to bottom. A typical hard-surface stack:

Mirror (X)  →  Boolean (cutters)  →  Bevel (angle limit)  →  Weighted Normal

For smooth organic shapes:

Mirror  →  Subdivision Surface (level 2)

Use supporting edge loops (or crease) to keep corners sharp under subdivision.

Booleans done well

• Use simple cutter objects, set them to display as wire and hide them from renders.
• Keep booleans live while designing; apply when final.
• Clean up afterwards if the result will be subdivided or animated.

Precise modelling

Type exact values while transforming (G X 25 moves 25 units on X). Use the sidebar for exact dimensions. For mechanical parts with many precise measurements, consider CAD alongside Blender.

A hard-surface workflow

1. Block out the main forms with primitives at correct scale.
2. Add booleans for cuts and holes.
3. Add bevels to catch light on edges.
4. Check shading; fix artefacts with Weighted Normal or by adjusting topology.
5. Add small details last.

Exercise

Model a wireless speaker: a rounded box with a mirror modifier, boolean-cut grille holes using an array of cylinders, bevelled edges and a weighted-normal finish. Keep all modifiers live, then make a copy with them applied.

Check yourself

• In what order does Blender evaluate modifiers?
• How do you keep corners sharp under Subdivision Surface?
• Why keep booleans live while designing?