The Duplicate and Duplicate Special commands let you create multiple copies of the selected objects, with optional transformations applied to each copy.
You can also make lightweight references to existing objects, known as instances. Instances are linked to the original object, so changing to the original automatically updates all its instances.
To make a simple duplicate of the selected objects
- Do one of the following
- Press Ctrl + D.
- Select .
- Shift + drag any transformation manipulator while in Object mode (also known as smart duplicating).
To duplicate the selected objects with the options you specify
- Select
Edit > Duplicate Special >
to open the
Duplicate Special Options panel.
- Set the Geometry Type to Copy.
- Set the options for the number of copies and the transformations to apply to each copy.
To duplicate the selected objects and reapply the last transform
- Select .
For example, if you move an object 2 units up, then select , a duplicate object is created and moved 2 units up again.
To create lightweight instances of the selected objects
- Select
Edit > Duplicate Special >
.
- Set the Geometry Type to Instance.
- Set the options for the number of copies and the transformations to apply to each copy.
Note:
- If the pivot point of an object is changed from its default value, duplicating multiple copies of that object results in additional transforms to the channels of the duplicated transform node. However, the resulting position, orientation and the pivots of the duplicated objects will be correct. To avoid these extra transforms, the Duplicate Special command should be invoked with No of copies set to 1. The hotkey g can then be used as many times as needed.
- does not work on isoparms. Instead, use .
- You can also change from Copy to Instance in the Smart Duplicate Settings of any transform tool. However, this will not affect the same setting in the Duplicate Special Options.