How to Share Object Data in Blender

Sharing object data in Blender typically involves making multiple objects use the same data block, most commonly the mesh data.

To share object data, such as the mesh, between multiple objects in Blender, you can use the "Link/Transfer Data" menu. This makes the selected objects reference the data of the active object.

Here's the general process:

1. Select the objects that you want to share data. Select the objects that will receive the shared data first.
2. Select the object that has the data you want to share last. This object is the "active object" and its data will be linked to the others.
3. Press Ctrl + L (or go to Object > Link/Transfer Data > Link Objects Data).
4. From the menu that appears, choose the type of data you want to link. The most common is Object Data (which links the mesh data).

Understanding the Link Operation

When you link Object Data, all selected objects will now share the mesh data of the active object. This means:

• They will all look identical in terms of shape.
• Any edits you make to the mesh in Edit Mode on one object will affect all other objects sharing that same mesh data block.
• Transforms (location, rotation, scale) are still independent for each object.

The reference highlights this concept perfectly:

"To it funny is as well when you have a cylinder. And an icosphere. And you select both and Link them then this sphere becomes a cylinder it will adopt."

This demonstrates that by selecting the icosphere, then the cylinder (making the cylinder active), and linking "Object Data," the icosphere discards its original mesh data and starts using the cylinder's mesh data, thus becoming a cylinder in shape.

Benefits of Linking Object Data

• Efficiency: Reduces file size as duplicate mesh data isn't stored for each object.
• Faster Workflow: Easily make identical copies of an object's shape that can all be edited simultaneously.
• Easier Updates: Change the mesh of one object, and all linked instances update automatically.

Other Data Types You Can Link

The Ctrl + L menu allows linking various data blocks, not just mesh data (Object Data). Other options include:

• Object Data (Mesh, Curve, etc.)
• Materials
• Animation Data
• Modifiers
• Collections

Choosing "Object Data" is the method specifically used to make objects share the same shape data as demonstrated in the reference.