Blender S vs Alt + S : What’s the Difference?
In Blender, both the “S” and “Alt+S” shortcuts are used for scaling, but they function differently depending on the mode, particularly in Object Mode and Edit Mode. Here’s a clearer explanation:
S – Scale
Mode: Works in both Object Mode and Edit Mode
What it does: It Scales the entire object (or selected elements) uniformly in all directions, or along specific axes if selected.
Use Case: Use this shortcut to enlarge or reduce the size of an object, or to stretch it along the X, Y, or Z axis.
Example:
Press S, then Z to scale along the Z-axis.
This is ideal for resizing an object in either global or local space.
Alt + S – Reset Scale (Object Mode)
Mode: Object Mode
What it does: Clears any scaling applied to the object and resets it to its original size.
Use Case: This is useful when you’ve accidentally scaled an object or want to return it to its default dimensions.
Alt + S – Shrink/Fatten (Edit Mode)
Mode: Edit Mode
What it does: Moves vertices along their normals, meaning each point moves inward or outward from the surface.
Use Case: Ideal for thickening shells, inflating or deflating geometry, or adjusting mesh width without distorting the overall shape.
Example:
Select a face loop or mesh in Edit Mode and press Alt+S to “inflate” or “deflate” it.
This is great for modelling items like clothes, and walls, or adding volume to forms.
Tip:
If you’re modelling something like a pipe or skin and want to make it uniformly thicker without altering its shape, using Alt+S in Edit Mode is your best option!
Want to see this in action? Check out our quick video tutorial:
Watch more Tutorials click: Mana 3D Channel.
Don’t forget to check out our YouTube Short Tutorials.
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Article by Padmasri