Best Blender Tricks You Should Know as a Beginner

So, you just downloaded Blender and opened it up for the first time, huh? The screen looks like a spaceship dashboard, and you’re low-key panicking. Chill, fam—we’ve all been there. Blender is like that tough video game boss: looks scary at first, but once you learn a few cheat codes (aka tips), you’re unstoppable.

Here are 5 killer Blender tips and tricks that’ll have you levelling up faster than a speedrun. 

1. Master the Shortcuts—Because Clicking is for Noobs

If you’re still right-clicking every menu, you’re moving in slow-mo. Blender is literally built on keyboard shortcuts, and learning them will make you look like a pro gamer.

• G = Grab/Move (think “G” for “Go” places.)

• S = Scale (bigger or smaller, easy peasy)

• R = Rotate (spin that cube like a fidget spinner)

• Tab = Switch between Edit & Object Mode (trust me, you’ll use this like 500 times a session.)

  
  

Pro Trick: Hit Shift + A to add new objects in a flash. It’s like spawning items in Minecraft—instant power-up.

2. Use the Loop Cut (CTRL + R)—The Real Glow-Up Button

Your default cube looks kind of basic? No worries. Loop cuts are like giving it a haircut that totally changes the vibe.

• Press CTRL + R and hover over your object. You’ll see a purple line pop up (that’s the cut).

• Click to lock it in, then slide it around for precision.

This is how you turn blocky “meh” models into smooth, detailed ones. Think of it as contouring, but for 3D models. 

3. The Power of Subdivision—Smooth Operator

Ever made a model and thought, “Why does it look like it came out of Roblox?” That’s where subdivision comes in.

• Select your object, head to the Modifier panel, and add Subdivision Surface.

• Boom—instant smoothness. Your model just went from pixelated meme to high-res anime hero.

Quick Hack: Hit Shade Smooth under object settings to make your stuff look buttery smooth without extra effort.

4. Embrace the Camera View (Numpad 0)—Director Mode On

If you’re modelling without checking the camera view, you’re basically shooting TikToks without previewing them first. Camera view = your final render.

• Hit Numpad 0 to jump into the camera view.

• Use Shift + ~ (tilde) to fly around like it’s Fortnite creative mode and set up the perfect shot.

Pro Vibe: Move the camera like a cinematographer. A good angle can make even a default cube look like an Oscar nominee.

5. Render Preview (Z → Rendered) – See the Glow Before the Show

Waiting till the end to see how your render looks? Nah, that’s old-school. In Blender, you can preview the glow-up instantly.

• Hit Z and pick Rendered view.

• Now you’ll see your lighting, materials, and shading in real time. No more nasty surprises after hours of work.

Extra Sauce: Switch to Eevee for fast renders while practising, then flip to Cycles for Hollywood-level detail.

Wrapping It Up the Blender Tricks

Blender can feel like you’re trying to decode alien tech, but once you lock in these beginner hacks, you’ll be vibing like a 3D wizard. Start small, keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember: every Blender pro was once that confused newbie staring at the default cube.

If you ever dream of turning these skills into something big, keep in mind that even the best design and development agency started from scratch—just like you.

Now go flex your 3D skills and make something sick. Who knows? Your render might just go viral.