Blender Tutorial: Precision Modeling

This Blender video demonstrates Precision Modeling tips. Blender version 2.79b was used for this tutorial. This video shows techniques that may be helpful to beginners and intermediate users.

Blender website

[szymonklimiuk]

One of the most helpful tutorials even 3 years after releasing it

[calvindebeverly]

Blender Measurements
1. To turn on visual measurements: N menu > Mesh Display > Normals > Edge Info > check the Length box.
2. To set dimension sizes created by resizing an object in Object Mode so that these changes are reflected on the object viewed in Edit Mode:
a. Enter precision values via the keyboard to change the dimensions of your object in Object Mode i.e.: S-key (to enter size mode) > 1.5 (NumPad) > ENTER
b. Object Mode > CTRL-A > Apply > Scale
3. To inset a mesh evenly toward the center of an object and maintain even perpendicular dimensions of the inset on all sides: Select a face > I-Key > input numeric value > ENTER > ensure that Offset Even is checked in the T Menu pop-up window. (To have the changed applied to the diagonal inset as in the case of an inset end of a cylinder, un-check the Offset Even option.
4. To Extrude and Size a face evenly inward: Select a face > I-Key > input numeric value > ENTER > ensure that Offset Even is checked in the T Menu pop-up window > E-Key > input numeric value > Enter. (Note you do not Extrude and then Size but use the Inset and then Extrude for precision)
5. To Extrude and Size a face evenly outward Method 1:
a. Select a face.
b. E-key > input numeric value > ENTER. (This sets the value of the extrusion.)
c. Select only the ring of faces around this extrusion.
d. On the T-Menu > Mesh Tools > Add > Extrude Drop-Down > Select "Region (Vertex Normals) > input numeric value (positive or negative depending on the direction of the normals) > ENTER > insure that Offset Even is checked in the T Menu pop-up window.
e. Remove any unwanted mesh by: Select Face > X-Key > Dissolve Verticies.
6. To Extrude and Size a face evenly outward Method 2:
a. Select a face.
b. E-key > input numeric value > ENTER. (This sets the value of the extrusion. Note I found double extrusion as suggested in the tutorial is not needed. Do it if you must.)
c. Select only the ring of faces around this extrusion.
d. T-Menu > Transform > Shrink/Fatten > input numeric value > ENTER > insure that Offset Even is checked in the T Menu pop-up window.
7. To move an inset edge to a specific distance from a face edge:
a. Create an inset on a face as given in item 4 above.
b. Ensure that the Snap Element is set to edge mode (Four buttons to the right of the Face Select button on the control bar)
c. Select the edge you wish to relocate > G-key > Select the direction of travel X-Key, Y-Key or Z-Key > Hold down the CTRL-key > move to the outside edge of the face > Click Left Mouse Button to confirm.
d. With the edge to be modified still selected > G-key > Select the direction of travel X-Key, Y-Key or Z-Key > input numeric value > ENTER.
8. The process in item 7 above can be used for locating the position of an edge loop relative to the edge of a given face.
9. To align a given edge to the height, width or depth of another edge:
a. Ensure that the Snap Element is set to edge mode (Four buttons to the right of the Face Select button on the control bar)
b. Select the edge you wish to relocate > G-Key > Select the direction of travel X-Key, Y-Key or Z-Key > Hold down the CTRL-Key > Click on the reference edge (The one you want the first edge to align with).

[scotthamilton]

As an intermediate user this was incredibly useful information that was presented in a simple and concise manner. I use Blender just for fun and occassionally find myself frustrated on how to accomplish something. This helped a lot. I really enjoy your videos. Great job.

[mak]

I’m so glad I found this!!!

The lack of precision made me semi-apprehensive of blender... now I just need to find more tutorials like this so I can make stuff as per dimensions (like I’m used to with archicad)

THANK YOU SO MUCH! 😎👌🏼

[chuctanundaspiderbone]

This is exactly the kind of information I'm lacking. Once again, you've illuminated a Blender mystery and made it into a tool we can use. Thanks so much.

[VickMSG]

Thanks for this amazing video, the precision always is a headache for me and thanks for sharing your tips

[tuffaluffagus]

As someone who is only accustomed to modelling in AutoCAD using actual units of measurement, this video was a beautiful introduction, allowing me to use my existing experience to help me learn modelling in Blender in a relatable way. Thank you!

[cyberstudent]

Thankyou so much. Without your tutorials Blender would be useless for us.

[nickmiller]

I know this video is a little older but when ever I see a video by you I always click it. You're such a great teacher and have helped me in so many ways. I followed the crashing planets tutorial back years ago when I was giving Blender a shot and you made it awesome and I've been using it ever since.

[FedericoTrentonGame]

Thanks for this video man! I've been using Blender for almost 2 years and never knew some of those tips!

[gayusschwulius]

The YouTube algorithm seems to be able to read my mind. I was just modelling a gun that requires very precise parts to fit together and this video pops up. Great.

[umairsafdar]

As a blender beginner, I am blessed to have found this video! thank you so much!!

[bakerboys]

Your tutorials are fantastic. I have learned so much from them!

[fivesix]

Thank you so much, once again. The way you explain and state every instruction calmly and thoroughly is SO helpful and it's unlikely to be confused when following you tutorials. I pray that you have a HUGE increase in subscribers, views, likes and success in life. Thank you so much! <3

[ChristianTreber]

Thank you for taking the time! This was extremely helpful and is exactly what a beginner needs to get the basic operations done. Boy, was I getting frustrated before!

[arkanthor_art]

This is a great video! I've used a lot of different 3D software, (some were CAD) and going into Blender I was very frustrated with the lack of precision, and how some tools didn't seem to work the way I expect them to. Between this and your other videos, I am finally starting to 'get' Blender. You explain this stuff very well.

[lyssadiatribe]

the best vid ever on beginning to understand for exact modelling. Thanks so much.

[nxght]

this is extremely cool and very useful. your tutorials are insanely appreciated. not a lot of people are as helpful as you've been. thank you for taking your time to make tutorials.

[bernym]

The final part, snapping to an edge is similar to a concept in sketchup (which I'm familiar with) and looks very useful. A very well explained tutorial. Thanks.

[Erwiinstein]

Wow. This is great content. Really useful, and concise.
Probably some things are a little different on Blender 2.8 or newer, but still great and useful. Thank you.