Manual/Duplication

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User Manual: Contents | Guidelines | Blender Version 2.43

Duplicate

Description

This will create a visually identical copy of the selected object(s). The copy is created at the same position as the original object and you are automatically placed in Grab mode. Reference (Duplicate Example) for the discussions below.

This is a new object and it "shares" all the Material(s), Texture(s), and IPO(s) from the original object; this is sometimes called a shallow link because the object's mesh information and transform properties are separate copies.

Examples

Duplicate Example

The cone labeled "C" is a Duplicate of cone "A". Here are some properties to notice:

• The vertex at "P1" has been moved but the same vertex on cone "A" is unchanged. This means the mesh data are copies not links.
• Cone "C"'s color is red because cone "A"'s color is red. This means the material properties are linked not copied.
• If you rotate cone "C" cone "A" remains unchanged. This means the transform properties are copies not links.

If you want separate copies you need to manually create them, one for each corresponding property. You can make separate materials for each, as described in the Materials Chapter.

Linked Duplicates

Description

You also have the choice of creating a Linked Duplicate rather than a Duplicate; this is called a deep link. This will create a new object with all of its data linked to the original object. If you modify one of the linked objects in EditMode, all linked copies are modified. Transform properties still remain copies not links so you still can rotate, scale, and move freely without affecting the other copy. Reference (Duplicate Example) for the discussions below.

Examples

The cone labeled "D" is a Linked Duplicate of cone "B" using Alt D. Here are some properties to notice:

• The vertex at "P2" has moved and the same vertex on cone "B" has moved as well. This means the mesh data are links not copies.
• Cone "D"'s color is green because cone "B"'s color is green. This means the material properties are also linked and not copied.
• If you rotate cone "D" cone "B" remains unchanged. This means the transform properties are copies not links.

A common table has a top and four legs. Model one leg, and then make linked duplicates three times for each of the remaining legs. If you later make a change to the mesh, all the legs will still match. Linked duplicates also apply to a set of drinking glasses, wheels on a car; anywhere there is repetition or symmetry.

Procedural Duplication

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There are currently four ways in Blender to procedurally duplicate objects. These options are located in the Objects context (F7) buttons, panel Anim Settings. [to do] - Image of panel with all four buttons

DupliVerts

This creates an instance of all children of this Object on each vertex (for Mesh-Objects only).

DupliFaces

This creates instances of all children of this Object on each face (for Mesh-Objects only).

DupliGroup

This creates an instance of the group with the transformation of the Object. Group duplicators can be animation using Actions, or can get a Proxy [to do] - link to proxy page of the manual.

DupliFrames

For animated Objects, this creates an instance on every frame.

Hints

If you want Transform properties to be linked see the section on Parent Grouping.