Right Click Select – Blender 2.80 Fundamentals

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This tutorial is part of the Blender Fundamentals series, produced by Dillon Gu.

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In Blender, the right-click select functionality provides quick access to context-sensitive options for various elements within the software. This guide will give you an in-depth look at the right-click select options available in Blender, along with helpful tips to improve your workflow.

Right Click Select in Blender #

In Blender, the default setting for object selection uses left-clicking. However, older versions of Blender and some users prefer the right-click selection method. This guide will explain how to enable right-click selection in Blender and provide tips on its usage.

Enabling Right Click Select #

To enable right-click selection in Blender, follow these steps:

1. In the top-right corner of the Blender window, click on the “Edit” menu.
2. Choose “Preferences” to open the Blender Preferences window.
3. In the Preferences window, navigate to the “Keymap” tab.
4. Locate the “Select with” option under “Preferences.”
5. Click on the dropdown menu and change the setting from “Left” to “Right.”
6. Close the Preferences window. Blender will now use right-clicking for selection.

Tips for Using Right Click Select #

Here are some tips for users who prefer right-click selection in Blender:

• Transform Manipulator: When using right-click selection, you can still access the transform manipulator by hovering the cursor over the desired axis or handle and left-clicking to initiate the transformation.
• Selecting Multiple Objects: To select multiple objects while using right-click selection, hold down the “Shift” key and right-click on each object you want to select.
• Deselecting Objects: To deselect an object, right-click on an empty area in the 3D Viewport, or press “A” twice to deselect all objects.
• Box Select: The box select tool still uses left-clicking to select objects or components within the selection box, even when right-click selection is enabled.

Enabling right-click selection in Blender can provide a more familiar or comfortable experience for some users, particularly those who have used earlier versions of Blender or other 3D software with right-click selection. By understanding and utilizing the right-click selection method, you can tailor your Blender workspace to your personal preferences and work more efficiently.

Right Click Select Options #

1. Object Mode #

When you right-click an object in Object Mode, you’ll see a context menu with the following options:

• Copy, Paste, and Duplicate: Copy and paste objects within the scene, or duplicate them.
• Delete: Remove the selected object(s) from the scene.
• Parent and Clear Parent: Set a parent-child relationship between objects or remove it.
• Shade Smooth and Shade Flat: Change shading mode for the object(s).
• Set Origin: Modify the object’s origin point.
• Snap: Snap objects to grid, cursor, or other objects.
• Convert to: Convert object types, e.g., mesh to curve, text to mesh.
• Join and Separate: Combine or separate selected objects.

2. Edit Mode #

In Edit Mode, right-clicking on an element (vertex, edge, or face) will bring up a context menu with options specific to that element:

• Extrude: Create new geometry extending from the selected element.
• Bevel: Add a beveled edge to the selected edge or vertex.
• Bridge Edge Loops: Connect two edge loops with a series of faces.
• Subdivide: Add new geometry to the selected element by dividing it into smaller elements.
• Merge and Split: Combine or separate selected elements.
• Knife and Bisect: Cut through the mesh with precise control.
• Loop Cut and Slide: Add a loop cut to the mesh and slide it along an axis.
• Edge Slide and Vertex Slide: Move selected edges or vertices along the adjacent edges.

3. UV Editing Mode #

In the UV Editor, right-clicking a UV island or vertex will open a context menu with the following options:

• Pin and Unpin: Pin or unpin the selected UV vertices.
• Weld: Merge selected UV vertices.
• Stitch: Connect separate UV islands by matching selected vertices.
• Mark and Clear Seams: Define or remove UV seams for mesh unwrapping.
• Align and Straighten: Align or straighten selected UV vertices.

4. Sculpt Mode #

In Sculpt Mode, right-clicking on the mesh will open a context menu with options specific to sculpting:

• Dynamic Topology: Enable or disable dynamic topology sculpting.
• Symmetrize: Mirror the sculpted details across a specified axis.
• Mask and Clear Mask: Apply or remove a masking effect on the mesh.

5. Node Editor #

In the Node Editor, right-clicking a node will bring up a context menu with the following options:

• Add: Add a new node to the node tree.
• Duplicate: Duplicate the selected node(s).
• Delete: Remove the selected node(s).
• Mute and Unmute: Toggle the effect of a node on or off.
• Link and Unlink: Create or remove connections between nodes.

Tips #

1. To customize the right-click context menu, go to Edit > Preferences > Interface > Menus.
2. In the UV Editor, you can select the UV island or vertex with right-click and drag to create a selection box.
3. When right-clicking in the 3D viewport, the context menu will change based on the selected mode and element, so make sure you’re in the correct mode for your desired options.
4. Remember that many right-click options have corresponding hotkeys, which can speed up your workflow. For example, to extrude in Edit Mode, press E instead