How To Subdivide In Blender? (7 Different Methods)

In this article, we’ll guide you on how to subdivide in Blender easily. with just a few methods, If you are a newbie to the Blender software and don’t know how to apply subdivision to a 3D object, here is your answer.

There are seven ways to subdivide any 3D object in Blender, allowing you to make your 3D objects more detailed and smooth. These methods include applying the Subdivision Surface Modifier, using the loop cut tool, or utilizing hotkey shortcuts. These methods are easy to follow.

So I am here with a step-by-step guide on how to subdivide in blender. Once you know how to apply them, you can create more detailed and smooth 3D models.

How To Subdivide Object In Blender?

Blender is a powerful 3D software where you can create 3D models, animations, VFX, and much more than you think. It offers a range of functionalities, one of which is subdivision. Subdivision is a method used to increase the number of geometries in a 3D object, that make your 3D object more detailed and smooth. Now, let’s explore these methods one by one to subdivide any 3D object in Blender.

Method 1:- Apply Subdivision Surface Modifier

One of the best ways to subdivide in Blender is by using Subdivision Surface Modifier on the 3D object. I am currently using Blender 4.0, so the layout of Blender has changed a bit!

How do I add a subsurface modifier in blender?

I apply this modifier to the default 3D cube as an example. After applying the Subdivision Surface Modifier to the object, the shape of the object changes, and it depends on the shape of the 3D object.

• First, Select the 3D Object.
• Go to Add Modifier Icon.
• Now, Add Modifier > Search (Subdivision Surface).
• Finally, Apply the modifier.

In the above picture, you will see two results. In the first one, the setting of the subdivision surface is set to ‘Simple’, and the regular cube shape remains normal. But in the second, the shape of the cube is rounded because of the ‘Catmull-Clark’ option.

Also, as you can see,  the two different settings below the Catmull-Clark and Simple. One for the Levels Viewport and one for the Render. These settings help you control how detailed your 3D model looks. By using these settings you can increase the number of subdivision levels in the 3D Viewport or in the final render.

Method 2:- Subdivide Using Loop Cut In Blender

In this method, you can add lines around your 3D object, which helps to work on each part separately to add details or change its shape. I’ll explain how to do this using the Loop Cut tool.

How do you use the loop cut tool?

To subdivide using a loop cut in Blender, you will need to go to Edit Mode (After Selecting The Object).

• First, Select the 3D Object.
• Go to Edit Mode > Loop Cut Tool.
• Now, use your mouse to Add Lines Around the 3D Object.

This is an easy way to subdivide any 3D object using a loop cut in Blender without using a Subdivision Surface Modifier.

Method 3:- Subdivide Using Shortcuts In Blender

Another simple method to subdivide any object in Blender is to do it via shortcuts!

1. Subdivide Using Ctrl +E In Blender

• First, Select the 3D Object.
• Go to Edit Mode.
• Press Ctrl +E > Subdivide.
• Now, Add Number of Cuts in Your 3D Object.

2. Subdivide Using Hotkey W In Blender

• First, Select the 3D Object.
• Go to Edit Mode.
• Press W > Subdivide.
• Now, Add Number of Cuts in Your 3D Object.

4. Subdivide Using Spacebar In Blender

First, Go to Edit > Preferences. Click on Keymap option to change the default Blender settings. Now, change the Spacebar Action to Search that is located at the top of the box (Check above Picture For clarity).

After change the settings, follow this steps to subdivide any object using Spacebar!

• First, Select the 3D Object.
• Go to Edit Mode.
• Press Spacebar > Search > Subdivide.
• Now, Add Number of Cuts in Your 3D Object.

3. Subdivide Using Ctrl +1,2,3 In Blender

• First, Select the 3D Object.
• Press Ctrl +1,2,3.
• Now, Increase the Level to make the object more detailed.

The above Shortcuts are just a simple guide to Subdivide In Blender, and I hope you liked it. With subdivision techniques, there are many possibilities for designing simple things in different ways.

Can I Undo or Un-subdivide An Object in Blender?

After learning how to subdivide in Blender, you might also want to know how to undo or un-subdivide the process if anything goes wrong with a 3D object! In this section, you can learn how to easily undo or un-subdivide any object in Blender.

There are four ways to undo or un-subdivide any 3D object in Blender! The four basic processes include the following.

1. Use Hotkey For Undo

If you’ve just subdivided an object and haven’t made many changes after that, you can simply use the Undo function. Press Ctrl + Z to undo the last action. This is the simplest and most straightforward method in Blender if the subdivision was recent.

2. Use Modifier For Un-subdivide

If you’ve made several changes after subdividing and can’t use the Undo function, consider using the Decimate Modifier. This tool can reduce the number of faces in your object, which can help to “un-subdivide” it.

• First, Select the Subdivided 3D Object.
• Go to Add Modifier Icon.
• Now, Add Modifier > Search (Decimate).
• Select the Un-Subdivide Option (Check above Picture For clarity).
• Finally, Increase the Iterations.

Increasing the iterations can reduce the face count in your subdivided object, making the subdivided object return to its original shape.

3. Revert Your Saved Project

If you regularly save your project (which is a good practice), you might have a saved project before the subdivision. Revert to that project if you’re unable to undo the subdivision by others Methods.

4. Manual Reduction For Un-subdivide

In some cases, especially if you’ve done a lot of work after subdividing, you might need to manually remove edges and vertices to simplify the 3D Object. This can be time-consuming and requires some skill in mesh editing.

Remember, the method you choose should depend on how much work you’ve done after subdividing and how complex your model is. It’s always good to keep regular saves of your project to avoid losing significant progress.

Wrapping Up

This is how you can easily subdivide or un-subdivide in Blender. Basically, the methods mentioned above help create high-quality models using subdivision techniques. Also, in this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to un-subdivide any 3D object in Blender!

I hope that by reading this guide, you will be able to subdivide or un-subdivide any 3D object in Blender quickly and easily. If you know any other methods to subdivide or un-subdivide, or have questions related to the content, please feel free to comment below.

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