Blender, the powerful open-source 3D creation suite, offers a plethora of tools and techniques for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. One aspect that can sometimes frustrate users is selecting geometry that is obscured or hidden behind other elements in the 3D view. This article aims to guide you through various methods for selecting points, vertices, or edges behind other geometry, ensuring you can work efficiently and accurately in your 3D projects.
Understanding Viewport Navigation
Before diving into selection techniques, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of navigating the viewport. Blender allows for various views, including perspective and orthographic modes. Utilizing these modes can sometimes make it easier to see and select objects or points that are hidden behind others.
Switching Views
- Orthographic View: Press
Numpad 5to toggle between perspective and orthographic views. In orthographic view, objects do not have depth perception, making it easier to align selections. - Front, Side, and Top Views: Use
Numpad 1,Numpad 3, andNumpad 7respectively to get different views of your geometry. This can help in making hidden vertices visible.
Selection Techniques
1. X-Ray Mode
One of the most effective ways to select hidden vertices is by enabling X-Ray mode:
- Activate X-Ray Mode: Press
Alt + Zor click the X-Ray icon (two overlapping squares) located in the top right of the 3D Viewport.
In X-Ray mode, all geometry is semi-transparent, allowing you to see and select vertices, edges, or faces behind other geometries.
2. Wireframe View
Switching to Wireframe view can make hidden geometry more accessible:
- Enable Wireframe View: Press
Zand then select "Wireframe" from the pie menu, or go to the viewport shading options and select "Wireframe".
In this mode, you can see the outlines of all geometry, making it easier to select points that are otherwise obscured.
3. Using the Select Through Option
Blender includes an option that allows selection through geometry:
- Select Through: In the top left corner of the 3D Viewport, you can find the “Options” menu (displayed as a small arrow). Within this menu, check the option for “Select Through.” This will enable you to select vertices behind other geometry without having to toggle views.
4. Box Select
If you have a lot of geometry to work with, you might find Box Select useful:
- Activate Box Select: Press
Bto activate Box Select, and then click and drag to create a selection box. This can select multiple vertices behind other objects if you have X-Ray or Wireframe mode enabled.
5. Lasso Select
For more freeform selections, Lasso Select is a handy tool:
- Activate Lasso Select: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Left Mouse Buttonand draw around the points you wish to select. Like Box Select, combining this with X-Ray or Wireframe mode helps to reveal and select hidden points.
6. Selecting Hidden Geometry with Shortcuts
If you're familiar with your keyboard shortcuts, you can speed up your workflow:
- Select All Hidden Vertices: Press
Ato select all, and if you have hidden vertices, they will be included in your selection if X-Ray or Wireframe mode is on. - Hide/Unhide Vertices: Use
Hto hide selected geometry andAlt + Hto reveal hidden geometry, allowing you to manipulate those points as needed.
Conclusion
Selecting points behind geometry in Blender can initially seem challenging, but with the right techniques, you can enhance your modeling workflow significantly. Whether you choose to use X-Ray mode, Wireframe view, or selection tools like Box Select and Lasso Select, understanding and mastering these features will enable you to work more efficiently in 3D space.
As you continue to explore and use Blender, keep experimenting with these selection methods, and remember that practice is key to becoming proficient in any software. Happy blending!
