Move, turn and scale by a typed number

WhereThe top bar: the row of words that begins File, Edit.

DoDownload p0-10-start.blend from Files above and open it. Then choose File > Save As and save it under the name below, in a folder of yours. Open an exercise file and keep the start file safe (P0-07) shows how.

Typemy-move.blend

You should seeThe 3D view shows a box, a bar and a disc. The Outliner, the list at the top right of the window, lists Bar, Box and Disc, and the title bar, the strip above File and Edit, begins my-move.

It worked whenThe title bar begins my-move.

WhereThe 3D view: the box in the middle of it.

DoClick the box once.

You should seeThe box has an orange outline. G, R and S act on what is selected.

It worked whenThe box is outlined and the words at the top left of the 3D view name the Box.

WhereThe 3D view, then the sidebar at its right.

DoWith the pointer over the 3D view, press N, then click the Item tab on the sidebar’s right edge (marked 1).

You should seeLocation: (marked 2) shows the box’s place in millimetres, X 0, Y 0, Z 5. Rotation: and Scale: stand under it.

It worked whenThe sidebar is open on Item, and Location X reads 0 mm.

WhereThe 3D view. Move the pointer off the sidebar and into the dark area.

DoPress G, then X, then 1 and 2 on the number row, then Enter.

You should seeThe box slides along the red X line and stops 12 mm from where it was. Location X in the sidebar now reads 12 mm.

It worked whenLocation X in the sidebar reads 12 mm.

If it goes wrongNothing moves: the pointer is still over the sidebar. Move it over the 3D view and press G again.

If it goes wrongThe box went further than 12 mm: G moves by a distance, it does not go to a place. A box already at 12 mm that you move 12 more ends at 24 mm. Press Ctrl+Z to put it back, then type the distance you want.

WhereThe 3D view: the pointer stays over it.

DoPress R, then Z, then 4 and 5 on the number row, then Enter.

You should seeThe box turns on the spot, like a turntable, an eighth of a full turn. Rotation: Z in the sidebar reads 45°.

It worked whenRotation Z in the sidebar reads 45°.

WhereThe 3D view: the pointer stays over it.

DoPress S, then Z, then 2 on the number row, then Enter.

You should seeThe box grows to twice its height and its width stays. Scale: Z in the sidebar reads 2.000: twice the size it began.

It worked whenScale Z in the sidebar reads 2.000.

WhereThe 3D view: the pointer stays over it.

DoPress G, X and 5, look, then press Esc instead of Enter.

You should seeWhile you type, a line of words at the top of the 3D view shows your number, and the box already shows the move. Nothing is final until Enter. Esc throws the move away: the box goes back, and Location X still reads 12 mm.

It worked whenLocation X in the sidebar still reads 12 mm.

WhereThe 3D view: move the pointer over it.

DoPress Ctrl+S.

You should seeBlender writes your copy at once, with no question, because the file already has a name. An asterisk, *, in the title bar marks changes that are not saved, and it goes now. Save your work and get it back (P0-12) says more about saving.

It worked whenThe title bar begins my-move, and no asterisk stands in it.