Menu
RenderGuide.com
  • About
RenderGuide.com
Blender Modifiers Tutorial

Blender Modifiers Tutorial

This Blender Modifiers Tutorial explains many modifiers you can find inside the Blender tool. We will cover all kind of techniques and explain them in detail. In the Part Three of our Blender Basics Tutorial we have already talked about the Modifiers and non-destructive modeling overall. In this article we will cover this topic further and learn more about what exactly is destructive and non-destructive modeling, whis is better and how to use modifiers in Blender. 

Blender Non-Destructive Modeling

There are two main ways of modeling. The regular one – is destructive. It is when you make a change and it instantly applies to your object. For example, if I take my default Cube, change to the Edit Mode[Tab] and Move[G] around a few vertices – this change will be applied instantly and my object now looks like this:

Blender destructive modeling

And the only two ways I can turn it as it was before is either by undoing my steps or by manually moving my vertices and the places where they have been before. And if you imagine that you did this change two hours ago and you want to revert it – there is no way you are undoing all your steps to that point. So you only left with manual reconstruction which is clearly not the best way to go. 

blender destructive

Process of aligning vertices

To resolve these problems you can use the other way of modeling – non-destructive one. It differs in a way that we talked about just now. Meaning that if you make a non-destructive change and then after two hours of work want to undo it – there would be absolutely no problems in doing so and it will be done in basically one click.

In Blender non-destructive modeling is presented via Modifiers. To utilize Modifiers you should proceed to the Modifier properties tab of the Properties Editor window

blender add modifier

Blender How to Use Modifiers

To use a modifier you first of all need to select an object that you want the modifier applied to. In my case it would be a simple default Cube. Then in the Modifier Properties you click on the Add Modifier button. And in the drop-down window select the modifier that you would like to apply. 

blender modifiers

I will select an Array modifier, because it is easy to both explain and understand, thus making a perfect example. Besides, we already used it in the Blender Basics Part 3.

Right after you click on the modifier in the drop-down list – it will be added to the object. You should see both how your object changed in the Viewport and that there are settings available in the Modifiers Properties.

blender array modifier

It looks like the Cube has become elongated. In reality Array modifier creates a copy of your original object placed in line. It just turns out that way, so the end of the first Cube is exactly the start of the next one. You can change the “Factor X” setting on the Modifier Properties to see that they are in fact two identical Cubes. 

blender modifier array

If you change to the Edit Mode[Tab] right now – you will notice that you can only see geometry on the first Cube and thus make changes only to it. Though making any change to the first Cube also transfers onto the other one. 

blender modifiers non destructive modeling

This is non-destructive modeling. The other Cube is not an independent object and does not even have its own geometry. It is a copy of the first one and fully dependent on it. 

If we return to the example: after two hours of work if you decide that you want to change something about these two cubes – you can do that by using modifier settings. Or delete the second one at all. 

Besides, absolutely any modifier can be made into the destructive modeling. All you need to do is to Apply Modifier in the settings.

blender apply modifiers

After you do that – your modifier would be applied to the object and all the geometry would be created. In the case of the Array Modifier – the second cube becomes an independent object with its own geometry that can be altered without the first cube at all.

blender modifiers destructive

All this is true for any of the given modifiers. 

Blender Most Used Modifiers List

There are quite a lot of modifiers that are available in Blender, each of them is individual and does something unique. So we are going to introduce you to some of the modifiers. We can’t talk about all of them because there is just too much, so we will try and select the most used and most useful ones. 

This does not mean that there are useless modifiers, but just that some of them are too situational and not widely used, while others do. Starting with the Modify column:

blender modifiers modify

To be honest, all the modifiers out of this column are really situational. They are aimed to help you work with the UV maps, Weights and other specifical things. Though this does not mean that you would use them every time you work with UVs, they are still quite situational. 

Next is the Generate column. This one is probably the most important and has a lot of really useful modifiers.

blender modifiers generate
  • Array. We already looked at this one. It allows you to create a line(array) or curve of the original object’s copies.
  • Bevel. Adds a non-destructive Bevel to the edges of the object to smooth it out and add details. 
blender modifiers bevel
  • Boolean. Powerful modifier that allows you to add holes to the objects by using other objects geometry. 
blender modifiers boolean
  • Decimate. Allows you to simplify selected objects by collapsing its edges and faces. Can be used to delete unwanted geometry.
  • Mirror. Allows you to mirror the object onto the other plane. It is widely used to create symmetry on the object. 
blender modifiers mirror
  • Solidify. Adds depth and thickness to the geometry. Best example is seen on the Plane object.
  • Subdivision Surface. One of the most important modifiers there are. Allows you to easily add more details and geometry to the object. Though can be hard to use at the beginning. Best to use on more advanced objects than Cube, for example the Suzanne monkey.
blender modifiers subdivision surface

The next column is Deform. From what follows, it is about deformation of different types.

blender modifiers deform
  • Curve. Allows you to deform any object following a Curve that you have created.
blender modifiers curve
  • Hook. Deform the object by “hooking” it to another object. Usually an Empty is used for this.
  • Lattice. Set a Lattice object and the modifier will deform your original object in accordance with it. 
  • Simple Deform. Twist, Bend, Taper or Stretch the whole object. 
blender modifiers simple deform
  • Smooth. Smoothes out the edges of the object. Similar to the Bevel modifier, but does not create new geometry. 
  • Wave. Deforms an object in a wave-like shape. 
blender modifiers wave

The last column, Physics, is quite easy to understand. Basically it takes the things that you can do in the Particle Properties and Physics Properties menus and adds them as non-destructive modifiers.

blender modifiers physics

So you can add different physical qualities to the objects. For example, make a Cube made of Cloth and drop it on the Plane that has Collision. So when they collide – the cube will collapse. 

blender modifiers physics

To learn more about Physics in Blender – check out our Blender Physics(Coming Soon) article. 

Conclusion Blender Modifiers Tutorial

Modifiers are a really powerful tool that allows you, as a user, to save a lot of time. And even besides the fact that non-destructive modeling is such a convenient thing – modifiers allow you to do things that are either too difficult to do yourself or even impossible. For example, creating a round hole in a cube is a really difficult task. But Boolean modifier allows you to do that in a few clicks. See also our other Blender Tutorials! 

Receive our latest 3D Tutorials and 3D Model Reviews when they come out.

RenderGuide.com

RenderGuide.com is the place to find the Best 3D Models, learn 3D rendering with our step by step Daz3D Tutorials as well as our detailed Blender Tutorials. Take a look around and we hope you find some great inspiration for your next creative render projects.

Categories

  • 3d Models
  • Blender Tutorials
  • Daz3d Tutorials
  • Popular Posts

Popular Posts

  • how to use daz3dHow to Use Daz3d: Daz Beginner Tutorial [2022]
    This is a tutorial article. ...
  • best office 3d models6 Best Office 3d Models [2022]
    Check out the best office 3d ...
  • what is daz3dWhat is Daz3d: An Introduction to Daz Studio
    This article answers ...
  • house 3d model8 Best House 3d Models [2022]
    Are you seeking the best ...
  • dazd depth of fieldDaz3d Depth of Field: How to Use it
    This article explains ...
  • daz studio animation tutorialDaz Studio Animation Tutorial: Step by Step
    This article is a dedicated ...
  • daz3d iray lighting tutorialDaz3d Iray Lighting Tutorial
    This Daz3d Iray Lighting ...
  • 11 Best Car 3d Models [2022]
    What car 3d model do you want ...
  • daz3d render settingsDaz3d Render Settings: Basics & Tips
    In this article we are going ...
  • Daz dForce: Basics, Tutorials & More
    Daz dForce is an exclusive ...
  • how to install daz studioDaz Install Manager DIM vs DazCentral vs Daz3d Man…
    This article how to install ...
  • what is daz3d used forWhat Is Daz3d Used For?
    What is daz3d used for or may ...

Free 3d Models

Join our Newsletter

Renderguide Newsletter
  • Legal Notice & Affiliate Disclaimer
  • DMCA Notice
  • Privacy Policy
©2022 RenderGuide.com
We use cookies on our website to personalise your experience, to analyse website usage and for ad purposes.
In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link Do not sell my personal information.
Read MoreCookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us advertize, analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non Necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Save & Accept