Quick way to make a rectangle of exact dimensions

Support Basics & Interface
1

I want to 3D-print a name sign. I need to make a rectangle that’s 28mm by 5.5mm.

I know a few clunky ways to do this by eye, but what’s the most efficient way? My goal is to be sure that a given shape is exactly the measurements I need.

Entering the numbers in the N panel doesn’t help because, when I change the X size, the other dimensions change, too. Clicking the locks by the “Scale” fields doesn’t affect this; it behaves the same.

I’m missing some “duh!” obvious thing here, right?

2

See image.

screen2.jpg1584×832 199 KB

3

Create an image in Gimp or Photoshop that is there exact size you need then import it into Blender using the Image To Plane AddOn.

4

Rich, that’s helpful to see. What your image shows is exactly how I tried to resize the object. I made some new cubes and planes, and they’ll resize properly. I can change the X dimension without affecting the Y or Z. These 2 clues suggest to me that I’m doing it right.

I don’t know why it was happening, but some of my objects wouldn’t let me change a single dimension without it changing the others. When I change the X dimension, for example, the other dimensions change, too. The object maintained its proportions.

I couldn’t find a way to make that stop. If there’s a toggle or setting that forces an object to maintain its proportions of width, height & depth, I couldn’t find it.

Thanks, Rich and Atom.

5

You have Delta Transforms Scales different than 1.

6

Oooh, now I see that. Of course you’re right.

I don’t know how the “delta transform” fields get their numbers. I don’t know why they’re different, because I didn’t intend to change them.

Thanks for this hint. Now I know where to look if this happens to me again.