Polygon modeling fundamentals

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Enter Edit Mode

   Select an object and press Tab. You can now manipulate vertices (1), edges (2) and faces (3). Press A to select all, Alt + A to deselect.
2. 2

   Extrude geometry

   Select a face and press E to extrude. Move along an axis with X/Y/Z, type a numeric value, then press Enter. Use E + S to extrude and scale (great for window insets). Watch tutorial.
3. 3

   Add loop cuts

   Ctrl + R hovers a preview loop. Scroll to add multiple cuts, click to confirm, then slide and click again to position. Loop cuts give you the extra resolution needed for clean deformation. Watch tutorial.
4. 4

   Bevel edges

   Select edges and press Ctrl + B. Drag for width, scroll to add segments. Bevels create realistic, light-catching corners — almost no real object has perfectly sharp edges. Watch tutorial.
5. 5

   Use modifiers

   Add a Subdivision Surface modifier for smooth high-poly results, or a Mirror modifier to model one side and mirror automatically. Modifiers are non-destructive — toggle them on and off freely. Watch tutorial.

Keyboard shortcuts

Watch the tutorial