Lesson 2: Move, rotate, scale

About 12 minutes · Blender 5.2.1 LTS · Mac Mini + Magic Mouse

The three keys

What to remember: select an object, press G, R, or S, move the mouse, click to confirm. Press Esc to cancel.

Tool Select one cube by clicking it.
Key Press G, then Z. Move the mouse up and click. The cube rises straight up.
Check The cube moved only up. It did not slide sideways.
Key Press Cmd + Z to undo.
Key Press R, then Z, and move the mouse. The cube turns around the vertical axis.
Key Press S, then X, and move the mouse. The cube stretches only along X.
Menu Two places to type exact numbers. (a) In the Properties panel on the right, click the orange square Object icon. The Transform section shows Location X/Y/Z, Rotation X/Y/Z, and Scale X/Y/Z. Double-click a box, type a number, and press Enter. (b) Or press N with the mouse over the 3D Viewport to open the side panel with the same numbers. Your 5.2.1 screen shows option (a) already open for the cube.

Why this matters: Blender measures in units. The N panel shows the numbers. If something looks off, check the numbers instead of guessing.

A wide base, a body, and a small head block. It is not a bison yet. It is a shape that teaches the three tools.

Finished product: three blocks, stacked and centered. Measurements don't need to match exactly.

Tool Select your cube. Press S, X, and move the mouse until the cube is about twice as wide. Click to confirm.
Key Press S, Z, and move the mouse until it is flat. This is the base.
Key Press Shift + D, click to place a copy. Press S to shrink it. This is the body.
Key Press Shift + D again. Shrink it a little more. This is the head.
Key Press G, Z to lift the body and head into place on top of the base.
Key Use G with X or Y to line the pieces up. Save with Cmd + S.