Select Loops

Select Edge Loops

Reference

Mode:

Edit Mode (Vertex or Edge select mode)

Menu:

Select ‣ Select Loops ‣ Edge Loops

Shortcut:

Alt-LMB or Shift-Alt-LMB

Selecting an edge with Alt-LMB will also select the edges that are connected to it in a (topologically) straight line. Use Shift-Alt-LMB to add to the previous selection instead of replacing it.

The resulting chain of edges is called an edge loop in Blender terminology because it typically forms a closed loop around the mesh. However, as shown below, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Selecting edge loops. The clicked edge is highlighted in green.

Hint

Selecting edge loops by clicking edges is also possible in the Vertex selection mode.

Note

When Emulate 3 Button Mouse is enabled, the Alt-LMB shortcut won’t work because it serves as a replacement for MMB. To select edge loops in this case, double-click with LMB instead.

All Boundaries

Running the edge loop selection on a boundary edge twice will select the whole boundary.

First and second edge loop selection.

See also Select Boundary Loop.

Select Face Loops

Reference

Mode:

Edit Mode (Face select mode)

Shortcut:

Alt-LMB or Shift-Alt-LMB

In Face selection mode, clicking an edge with Alt-LMB will select the row of faces that’s perpendicular to that edge. Use Shift-Alt-LMB to add to the previous selection instead of replacing it.

The resulting row of faces is called a face loop in Blender terminology because it typically forms a closed loop around the mesh. However, as shown below, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Selecting face loops. The clicked edge is highlighted in green.

In Vertex selection mode, the same can be achieved using Select Edge Rings.

Note

When Emulate 3 Button Mouse is enabled, the Alt-LMB shortcut won’t work because it serves as a replacement for MMB. To select face loops in this case, double-click the edge with LMB instead.

Select Edge Rings

Reference

Mode:

Edit Mode (Edge select mode)

Menu:

Select ‣ Select Loops ‣ Edge Rings

Shortcut:

Ctrl-Alt-LMB or Shift-Ctrl-Alt-LMB

Selecting an edge with Ctrl-Alt-LMB will also select the parallel edges that lie in the face row perpendicular to the edge. Use Shift-Ctrl-Alt-LMB to add to the previous selection instead of replacing it.

The resulting set of edges is called an edge ring in Blender terminology because it typically forms a closed ring around the mesh. However, as shown below, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Selecting edge rings in Edge mode. The clicked edge is highlighted in green.

This shortcut also works in Vertex selection mode, but results in a face loop selection instead:

Selecting edge rings in Vertex mode.

Hint

To convert an edge ring selection to a face loop, either switch to Vertex mode or switch to Face mode while holding Ctrl (see Expand/Contract Selection).

Select Loop Inner-Region

Reference

Mode:

Edit Mode (Edge select mode)

Menu:

Select ‣ Select Loops ‣ Select Loop Inner-Region

Selects all faces that are inside the selected, closed loop of edges. While it’s possible to use this operator in the Vertex and Face selection modes, results may be unexpected.

Note that if the selected edges do not form a closed loop, all connected faces will be selected.

Options

Select Bigger

Select the faces outside the edge loop instead of those inside it.

Examples

Single edge loop to region.

Multiple edge loops.

Holes are also supported.

Select Boundary Loop

Reference

Mode:

Edit Mode

Menu:

Select ‣ Select Loops ‣ Select Boundary Loop

Replaces the current face selection by an edge selection going around the border of each face “island.” This is essentially the opposite of Select Loop Inner-Region.

This operator can be run in any selection mode. When run in Face mode, it will automatically switch to Edge mode.

Before and after running Select Boundary Loop.