Three little newbie questions

Support Basics & Interface
1

I’m just getting into it but already starting to love this app!
I guess the answers to the following questions might be obvious but please don’t blame me for stumbling a bit in the beginning… :wink:

  1. How can I create new vertices (for later connecting them to a mesh)? By now I only found out how to duplicate them from existing ones.

  2. How can I rotate my view round the object I’m working on instead of the scenes center?

  3. Is there a way to automatically mirror a mesh at some axis (I’m trying to model a symmetric object, so that would be very useful)

Greets,
Sven

2

Hello,

My suggestion is to first perform some tutorials. I can suggest the http://mediawiki.blender.org/index.php/BSoD/Introduction_to_Character_Animation tutorial. You can really learn a lot about all the basics from this one.

Success and regards,
Helen

3
  1. How can I create new vertices (for later connecting them to a mesh)? By now I only found out how to duplicate them from existing ones.

Ctrl-LMB in edit mode will add new vertices. If a vertex is already selected, it will extrude from that vertex.

  1. How can I rotate my view round the object I’m working on instead of the scenes center?

Numpad-/ (slash) key to get in and out of Local view, or Shift-S and snap the cursor to the select object, then press C key.

  1. Is there a way to automatically mirror a mesh at some axis (I’m trying to model a symmetric object, so that would be very useful)

F9->Modifiers->Mirror to add a mirror modifier.

Blender Basics is my choice for an excellent, free guide for new Blender users. Saved my life and remaining hair when I was learning Blender.

4

Thanks a lot, CD32!! And sorry for my impatience, Helen… :wink:
I already went through some of the tutorials but it will take some time to remember all the functions when needed. I promise to keep on learning…
BTW, another function I yet didn’t find documented is one to switch off the drawing of an objects back-face. Seeing the whole mesh irritates me a bit when modeling, though I can live with it.

5

In the header of the 3D window, in Edit mode, secon last icon on the right, tooltip says “Limit Selection to Visible”.

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6

to NOT see the backside in 3D view, you have to hide it. Hide it by selecting the vertices that make it up, and pressing H. poof, they go away. out of sight, out of mind. See the wiki on 3D view controls to find out how to make them magically reappear.