
Modifiers
12
12.1 Introduction to Modifiers
12.2 Modifier Stacks
12.3 Modifiers for Generating
12.4 Modifiers for Deforming
12.5 Modifiers for Simulating
12.1 Introduction to Modifiers
A modier in Blender is the application of a process or algorithm upon an object. In other
words, once you have created an object in the scene you can apply a neat set of data that
will change the shape or way the objects behave. e modiers are designed to take some of
the hard work out of shaping an object. Be warned, though, that applying some of Blender’s
modiers is not straightforward and has to be performed in conjunction with other pro-
cesses. Without some instruction on how to apply the modiers, a lot of trial and error can
be involved. To save you all that trouble, the following chapter on modiers is oered as a
guide. You will still have to experiment and record your ndings to become procient in
the application of modiers.
Modiers are found in the properties window – “Object Modiers” button (Figure 12.1).
e “Object Modiers” button is only displayed when an object to which a modier can be
applied is in the 3D window. Some objects cannot have modiers applied. Note that if there
are objects in the 3D window to which modiers may be applied (not necessarily selected),
clicking the “Add Modier” button and selecting a modier will apply a modier to the
last object that was selected. is occurs even though that object is not selected at the time.
Figure 12.1
Properties window
“Object Modifiers” button

192 12. Modiers
Start with the default Blender scene with the default cube
object. Select the cube, go to the properties window – “Object
Modiers” button, and click on “Add Modier” to display the
modier drop down selection menu (Figure 12.2). Adjust the
values to produce the desired eect then apply the modier.
Applying the modier permanently sets the action.
12.2 Modifier Stacks
Before explaining the individual modiers, I should note that in some cases it is appropriate
to apply more than one modier to an object. When this is done the modiers are placed in
a stack in order of priority. e priority can be changed by moving a modier up or down in
the stack. Also note that although modiers are generally applied in object mode, some may
be used in edit mode. Figure 12.3 shows an array modier and a bevel modier applied.
e following pages will give a basic insight into how some of the modiers are em-
ployed. e full listing of modiers available are shown in the modier selection drop down
menu in Figure 12.4. e circled modiers will also be covered in later chapters related to
armatures (Chapter 15), particle systems (Chapter 13), and uid simulation (Chapter 17).
Figure 12.2
Displayed modifiers panel
Drop down
selection menu
Note: New modifiers are
continually being added to the
program and the drop down
menu changes accordingly.

19312.3. Modi ers for Generating
12.3 Modifiers for Generating
12.3.1 Array Modifiers
e array modi er creates an array of copies of the base object, with each copy o set in
a number of possible ways. Figure 12.5 shows a UV sphere object with an array modi er
applied to it with “Count: 3” (the base object plus two copies equals an array of 3) and x
and y o sets (“X: 1.500” and “Y: 1.000”). ere are three types of o set functions available:
relative, constant, and object. Note that Figure 12.5 is using the relative o set function.
With “Count: 2” and an o set along the x-axis of “X: 1,” the di erence between relative and
constant is shown in Figure 12.6. e object o set function is shown in Figure 12.7 and is
combined with a second array modi er.
Click to enable the modifier settings to be applied in edit mode.
Click to move the modifier up in the stack.
Click to move the modifier down in the stack.
Figure 12.3
Figure 12.4
Array Modifier
Learning
Unit 6
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