Overview
When working in Blender, you'll frequently switch between two modes: "Object Mode" and "Edit Mode." Understanding the difference between these modes is the first step toward efficient 3D modeling. This article explains each mode's role and when to use them.
What is Object Mode?
Object Mode is for manipulating entire objects within the scene.
What You Can Do
- Select objects
- Move, rotate, scale entire objects
- Add new objects (Shift + A)
- Duplicate and delete objects
- Join and separate objects
- Add and configure modifiers
- Assign materials
Characteristics
- Operations target "whole objects"
- Multiple objects can be selected and manipulated at once
- Cannot directly edit mesh vertices, edges, or faces
What is Edit Mode?
Edit Mode is for directly editing an object's internal structure (mesh).
What You Can Do
- Select vertices, edges, and faces
- Move, rotate, scale individual vertices
- Extrude (E), loop cut (Ctrl + R), and other mesh edits
- Add and delete faces
- Merge vertices
- Edit UV maps
Characteristics
- Operations target "vertices, edges, and faces"
- Can only edit one object at a time
- Cannot change the object's overall position
How to Switch Modes
| Method | Operation |
|---|---|
| Tab key | Toggle between Object Mode and Edit Mode |
| Ctrl + Tab | Display mode selection pie menu |
| Header menu | Select from dropdown in upper left |
Selection Modes (Within Edit Mode)
Edit Mode has three additional selection modes.
| Key | Mode | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Vertex Select | Select individual vertices |
2 | Edge Select | Select edges (lines connecting 2 vertices) |
3 | Face Select | Select faces (polygons) |
Shift + click enables multiple selection modes simultaneously.
Practical Usage
Scenario 1: Creating a Character Model
- Object Mode: Add a cube (Shift + A)
- Edit Mode: Create shape using extrude and loop cuts
- Object Mode: Add Mirror modifier
- Edit Mode: Adjust details
- Object Mode: Set up materials
Scenario 2: Arranging Furniture
- Object Mode: Duplicate chair object (Shift + D)
- Object Mode: Move and rotate each chair into position
- Only enter Edit Mode if a specific chair needs modification
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Moving Objects in Edit Mode
If you select all vertices (A) in Edit Mode and move them, it looks the same but the object's origin becomes offset. Always use Object Mode when you want to move the entire object.
Mistake 2: Can't Select Other Objects
In Edit Mode, you can't select objects other than the one currently being edited. To edit a different object, you must first return to Object Mode.
Mistake 3: Operating Without Checking the Mode
The current mode is displayed in the upper left of the screen. Make it a habit to always check before operating to avoid unintended actions.
Other Modes
Blender has several other modes as well.
| Mode | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sculpt Mode | Sculpt shapes freely like clay |
| Texture Paint Mode | Paint textures directly on objects |
| Weight Paint Mode | Set bone influence areas |
| Pose Mode | Set armature poses |
Summary
| Mode | Target | Main Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Object Mode | Entire objects | Placement, modifiers, materials |
| Edit Mode | Vertices, edges, faces | Mesh shape editing |
- Tab key for quick switching
- Moving entire objects → Object Mode
- Editing shapes → Edit Mode
Simply being aware of this distinction will make your Blender workflow significantly smoother.