Dimensions and Scale
by Tim Robinette · in Artist Corner · 08/25/2012 (1:29 pm) · 4 replies
I'm a bit confused by the size of objects in Blender
If I create a mesh plane, and change its physical dimensions in the properties pane, it will change the size, but if I try to scale the object, it show a completely separate set of measurements.
For example, if I'm working with imperial units and I'll turn on edge lengths, it will say the default size is, say, 6' x 6'. I change this to 10' x 11'. Now if I were to scale this object, it will still say in Edit Mode that the lengths of the edges are 6', despite actually increasing the dimensions to 10'.
I just trying to wrap my head around Blender, and don't understand what is going on here.
If I create a mesh plane, and change its physical dimensions in the properties pane, it will change the size, but if I try to scale the object, it show a completely separate set of measurements.
For example, if I'm working with imperial units and I'll turn on edge lengths, it will say the default size is, say, 6' x 6'. I change this to 10' x 11'. Now if I were to scale this object, it will still say in Edit Mode that the lengths of the edges are 6', despite actually increasing the dimensions to 10'.
I just trying to wrap my head around Blender, and don't understand what is going on here.
#2
08/25/2012 (6:47 pm)
I had. And couldn't really find any specific answer. I even posted over there the same question, but this place is much more responsive. I appreciate that. 
#3
08/25/2012 (8:51 pm)
Blender is totally alien to me. I say, if you managed to even find the scale settings then you're far more advanced than me already. When I create objects and export to .dae (for use in Torque) I change the scale during the import process. Then again, I usually do things in an unorthodox fashion. Sorry I can't be of more help with this Tim. 
#4
Now if you scale while inside of edit mode, blender will keep a 1:1 ratio at the object level , and generally this is what you want. Also when your object has a 1:1 ratio you should see your edge lengths update in edit mode correctly.
08/28/2012 (8:05 pm)
Alright I will try and explain this. You can scale an object 2 different ways in blender. In object mode you can straightup scale an object. Or you could enter edit mode and scale. The difference here is that if you scale while in object mode blender will not update edit mode until you apply your scale in object mode. If you ever scale or rotate an object while in Object mode then generally you want to apply these new settings (of course there could be a reason you might not want to..), if you do not then down the road during animation or even tryin to set UV's Blender will make you mad.Now if you scale while inside of edit mode, blender will keep a 1:1 ratio at the object level , and generally this is what you want. Also when your object has a 1:1 ratio you should see your edge lengths update in edit mode correctly.
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