Reflecting or mirroring an object in Blender can be done using two primary methods: the Mirror Operator for a quick, permanent transformation, or the Mirror Modifier for a non-destructive, dynamic reflection.
Method 1: Using the Mirror Operator (Ctrl + M)
The Mirror Operator is a direct way to flip your selected object(s), mesh elements (vertices, edges, faces), or pose bones across a specified axis.
- Initiate the Mirror Command: Select the object(s) or mesh elements you want to mirror. Press
Ctrl + M(orCmd + Mon macOS). - Select the Axis: After pressing
Ctrl + M, you need to specify the axis along which the reflection should occur.- Press
Xto mirror along the X-axis. - Press
Yto mirror along the Y-axis. - Press
Zto mirror along the Z-axis.
- Press
- Confirm or Adjust:
- Press
Enteror Left Mouse Button (LMB) to confirm the mirror operation. - Press
Escor Right Mouse Button (RMB) to cancel.
- Press
Understanding Transform Orientation
The axis you select (X, Y, or Z) for the Mirror Operator is relative to the current Transform Orientation. By default, this is usually Global.
- Global: Mirrors along the global X, Y, or Z axis of the 3D world.
- Local: Mirrors along the object's own local X, Y, or Z axis.
- Normal: Mirrors along the average normal direction of the selected elements (useful in Edit Mode).
As mentioned in the reference: If your Transform Orientation is set to Normal, pressing: Ctrl - M , followed by X and then X again will mirror the selection along the X axis of the Normal Orientation. This pattern (pressing the axis key twice) often applies when mirroring based on non-Global/Local orientations or sometimes when you want to confirm the orientation explicitly.
Interactive Mirroring
You can alternatively hold the Middle Mouse Button (MMB) after pressing Ctrl + M to interactively mirror the object. By moving the mouse in the general direction of the desired mirror axis (X, Y, or Z), Blender will lock onto that axis, and you can see the mirror preview before clicking to confirm.
Pivot Point
The Mirror Operator performs the reflection across the current Pivot Point. Ensure your Pivot Point is set correctly (e.g., Median Point, 3D Cursor) depending on whether you want to mirror the object relative to its center, another object, or a specific point in space.
Method 2: Using the Mirror Modifier
The Mirror Modifier is a non-destructive way to create a mirrored version of your mesh. It's ideal for modeling symmetrical objects as you only need to work on one half.
- Select the Object: Choose the object you want to make symmetrical.
- Add Modifier: Go to the Modifier Properties tab (the wrench icon) in the Properties Editor. Click Add Modifier and select Mirror from the Generate column.
- Configure the Modifier:
- Axis: Select the axis (X, Y, or Z) along which the object should be mirrored. You can select multiple axes. This is usually relative to the object's local origin.
- Mirror Object (Optional): You can choose another object (like an Empty) as the center point for the mirror. This allows you to mirror relative to another object's position.
- Bisect: Cuts the original mesh along the mirror plane. Use this if your mesh extends across the intended mirror line.
- Flip: Flips the side of the mesh that is kept after bisection.
- Clipping: Prevents vertices from moving across the mirror plane, helping to ensure vertices along the seam merge correctly.
- Apply (Optional): The modifier keeps the mirror effect live. If you want to make the mirror permanent and have a single, fused mesh, click the down arrow on the modifier and select Apply. Note: Apply works only in Object Mode.
| Feature | Mirror Operator (Ctrl+M) | Mirror Modifier |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Destructive transformation | Non-destructive modifier |
| Application | Performed instantly | Applied in stack, can be disabled |
| Use Case | Flipping existing geometry | Creating/editing symmetrical objects |
| Flexibility | Quick one-time action | Editable parameters, Clipping |
| Workflow | Best for final flips | Excellent for modeling symmetry |
Summary
To quickly reflect an object or selected mesh elements: use Ctrl + M followed by the axis (X, Y, or Z), potentially pressing the axis key twice depending on your Transform Orientation, or use MMB for interactive mirroring. To build a symmetrical object non-destructively: use the Mirror Modifier and configure its axis and options.
