To create a new vertex in Blender, you primarily use a specific mouse and keyboard combination while in Edit Mode.
The most direct way to add a single, isolated vertex is by using the following method:
The Core Method: Ctrl + Click
As per Blender's documentation on creating vertices, a vertex can be added with a Ctrl-LMB click when no other vertices are selected.
Here's a breakdown of this simple yet powerful action:
- Prerequisite: You must be in Edit Mode for a mesh object. You cannot create vertices directly in Object Mode.
- Action: Hold down the
Ctrl
key on your keyboard. - Action: While holding
Ctrl
, click the Left Mouse Button (LMB) in the 3D Viewport at the location where you want the new vertex to appear. - Condition: This method works only when no other vertices, edges, or faces are currently selected. If other components are selected, Ctrl-LMB will perform other operations (like selecting linked geometry).
This action instantly places a single vertex at the clicked 3D cursor location within your selected mesh object.
Practical Steps
Creating a new vertex is straightforward once you are in Edit Mode:
- Select the mesh object you want to add the vertex to in the 3D Viewport (in Object Mode).
- Switch to Edit Mode (press
Tab
). - Ensure Vertex Select Mode is active (press
1
on the number row above QWERTY). - Make sure nothing is selected (press
A
twice quickly to deselect all if needed). - Hold down the
Ctrl
key. - Ctrl-LMB click anywhere in the 3D Viewport to create a new vertex at that spot.
This new vertex will appear as a small dot. Since it's not connected to anything, it's often used as a starting point for further modeling by extruding (E
) or creating edges/faces using the F key (if other vertices are available).
Summary Table
Action | Keyboard/Mouse Shortcut | Mode | Condition | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
Create a single new vertex | Ctrl + LMB Click | Edit Mode | No other vertices selected | A new vertex is placed |
Understanding this basic technique allows you to begin modeling from scratch or add isolated points to an existing mesh structure in Blender.