To copy properties or attributes from one object to others in Blender, the most common method is by using the Ctrl + C shortcut after selecting multiple objects.
Using the Copy Attributes Menu (Ctrl + C)
This method allows you to quickly transfer various attributes from the last selected object (the active object) to all other selected objects.
- Select Your Objects: Start by selecting the object you want to copy attributes from. This object should be the last one selected, making it the active object (it will typically have a lighter orange outline compared to the others).
- Select Destination Objects: While holding Shift, select one or more other objects that you want to copy the attributes to.
- Copy Attributes: With the source object active and destination objects selected, press Ctrl + C.
- Choose Attributes: A menu will appear, presenting a list of attributes you can copy from the active object to the others.
According to the reference, when you select more than one object and press Ctrl - C, you'll see the following menu:
- Each item on the menu will copy some attributes from the active (last selected object) to all the other selected items.
- For example, Copy Location copies the object location in world coordinates.
Here are some common attributes you can copy using this menu:
- Copy Location: Transfers the active object's position.
- Copy Rotation: Transfers the active object's rotation.
- Copy Scale: Transfers the active object's scale.
- Copy Visual Geometry to Mesh: Applies modifiers and shape keys and turns the result into a new mesh, copying it over.
- Copy Modifiers: Copies all modifiers from the active object.
- Copy Materials: Assigns the active object's materials to the others.
- Copy Animation Data: Transfers F-curves and NLA strips.
- Copy Constraints: Copies object constraints.
- Copy Render Properties: Transfers settings like Cycles visibility, motion blur, etc.
This method is efficient for batch operations where you need to synchronize settings across multiple objects.
Other Ways to Copy/Link Data
While Ctrl+C is key for copying attributes, Blender also offers ways to link or transfer other types of data:
- Linking Data (Ctrl + L): Selecting objects and pressing Ctrl + L brings up a menu to link data like Materials, Object Data (mesh), Modifiers, Animation Data, etc. Linking means the objects share the same data block, so changes to one will affect all linked objects. This is different from copying, where each object gets its own independent copy.
- Copying Specific Settings: Many panels within Blender (like Material properties, Modifier panels) have dedicated buttons or menus (often using drop-downs or arrows) to copy or transfer settings for that specific context. For example, you can use an eyedropper tool in the Material properties panel to pick and apply a material from another object.
Using Ctrl + C is a direct way to copy various attributes from your active object to a selection, streamlining your workflow for repetitive tasks.
