How to Separate Parts of a 3D Model in Blender?

To separate parts of a 3D model in Blender, you typically go into Edit Mode and use specific tools or commands depending on how you want to define the separation.

Separating allows you to turn disconnected or selected portions of a single mesh object into new, independent mesh objects.

Common Methods to Separate Parts

Separation processes always begin by entering Edit Mode (Tab key) on the object you wish to modify. Once in Edit Mode, you can select the geometry you want to separate. As mentioned in the reference, after entering Edit Mode, actions like holding Shift + Alt can be used for specific selection tasks (e.g., loop or ring selection when clicking), which is often the first step before separating.

Here are the primary methods:

1. Separate by Selection

This is the most common method.

• Process:
  1. Enter Edit Mode (Tab).
  2. Select the specific vertices, edges, or faces you want to separate using Blender's selection tools. (Tip: Keys like Shift + Alt + Click can help select loops or rings quickly if applicable to the area you want to separate).
  3. Once the desired geometry is selected, press the P key.
  4. A menu will appear. Choose "Selection".
• Result: The selected geometry will be removed from the original object and become a new, separate object in your scene.

2. Separate by Loose Parts

This method is useful if your model already contains multiple disconnected chunks of geometry within a single object.

• Process:
  1. Enter Edit Mode (Tab).
  2. Press the P key.
  3. Choose "By Loose Parts".
• Result: Every disconnected cluster of vertices/edges/faces within the original object will be turned into its own independent object.

3. Using the Bisect Tool

The Bisect tool allows you to cut through a mesh along a defined line or plane and can be configured to separate the mesh at that cut. This is hinted at by the reference mentioning the Bisect tool title.

• Process:
  1. Enter Edit Mode (Tab).
  2. You can access the Bisect tool via the Knife Tools menu in the sidebar (T key to toggle) or via the Mesh menu (Mesh > Bisect).
  3. Click and drag a line across your mesh where you want to make the cut.
  4. After drawing the line, options for the Bisect tool appear in the lower-left corner of the 3D Viewport (or press F9).
  5. Check the "Separate" option in these settings.
• Result: The mesh will be split into two parts along the bisect line, and these two parts can optionally become separate objects if the "Separate" option is enabled.

Choosing the right method depends on how the parts you want to separate are currently connected and how you intend to define the split.