What a vertex is and why you add them

A vertex is a single point in 3D space. In Blender, vertices are the building blocks of any 3D model — they're the corners and anchor points that define the shape of an object. When you add a vertex, you're creating a new point that you can move, connect to other vertices, or use to build out geometry.

You add vertices when you need to add detail to a model, create new edges, or reshape an existing object. If you have a straightforward cube and want to add a crease or indentation, you'd add vertices along the edge where you want that change to happen. Vertices are the foundation of modeling — without them, you have nothing to build with.

Key Takeaways

  • Enter Edit Mode by pressing Tab, then select the edge or face where you want the new vertex to appear.
  • Use Subdivide (right-click and select Subdivide, or use the Edge menu) to split an edge and add a vertex at its midpoint.
  • Use the Knife tool (press K) to draw a line across a face and create vertices wherever that line crosses edges.
  • Use Loop Cut (Ctrl+R) to add an entire row of vertices across your model in one operation.
  • After adding a vertex, you can move it with the G key (for grab) and then press X, Y, or Z to constrain movement to one axis.

Entering Edit Mode and selecting where to add

Before you can add a vertex, you need to enter Edit Mode. Select your object in the 3D viewport, then press Tab. The object will turn orange and you'll see all its vertices highlighted as small dots. You're now in Edit Mode and can modify the geometry.

Next, select the edge or face where you want to add the vertex. Click on an edge (a line between two vertices) or a face (a flat surface made of vertices and edges). The selected element will turn white or light orange depending on your theme. If you select the wrong thing, press Alt+A to deselect everything, then try again.

Using Subdivide to add a vertex at the midpoint

Subdivide is the simplest way to add a single vertex. Select the edge where you want the new vertex, then right-click in the viewport. A menu will appear — look for "Subdivide" and click it. Blender will place a new vertex exactly in the middle of that edge.

You can also access Subdivide through the menu: with the edge selected, go to Edge menu (at the top of the 3D viewport) and choose Subdivide. If you subdivide multiple edges at once, Blender adds a vertex to each one. The new vertices appear when ready and you can move them right away by pressing G.

Using the Knife tool to add vertices along a custom path

The Knife tool lets you draw a line across a face and create vertices wherever that line crosses an edge. Press K to set up the Knife tool. Your cursor will change to a small knife icon. Click on an edge to start your cut, then click on another edge to finish. Blender creates vertices at both click points and along any edges the line crosses.

You can make multiple cuts in one operation — keep clicking edges to draw more lines. Press Enter when you're done cutting, or right-click to cancel. The Knife tool is useful when you need vertices in specific places that aren't at the midpoint of an edge, or when you need to add geometry across a face in a particular direction.

Using Loop Cut to add a row of vertices across your model

Loop Cut adds an entire line of vertices that runs across your model, which is much faster than adding vertices one at a time. Press Ctrl+R and move your mouse over the edge where you want the loop to appear. A yellow preview line will show where the loop will go. Scroll your mouse wheel to add multiple loops at once if you need them.

Click to confirm the position, then move your mouse to slide the loop along the edge. Click again to place it. Loop Cut is especially useful for adding detail to curved surfaces or for creating evenly-spaced rows of geometry. After you place the loop, the new vertices are selected and ready to move or modify.

Moving and adjusting vertices after you add them

Once you've added a vertex, you can move it by pressing G (for grab). Your vertex will follow your mouse. To move it along only one axis, press G then X (for the X-axis), Y (for the Y-axis), or Z (for the Z-axis). You can also type a number — for example, G then X then 2 will move the vertex 2 units along the X-axis.

If you add a vertex and when ready want to adjust it, you don't have to press G again — many tools leave the vertex selected and ready to move. Press Escape or right-click to cancel a move without saving it. Press Enter or left-click to confirm the new position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between subdivide and loop cut?

Subdivide adds a vertex to one edge at a time, at the midpoint. Loop Cut adds an entire row of vertices across your model in one operation. Use Subdivide for small, precise changes; use Loop Cut when you need to add detail across a larger area.

Can I undo if I add a vertex in the wrong place?

Yes. Press Ctrl+Z to undo the last action. You can undo multiple times to go back several steps. If you undo too far, press Ctrl+Shift+Z to redo.

Do I have to be in Edit Mode to add vertices?

Yes. You must press Tab to enter Edit Mode before you can add, move, or delete vertices. If you try to use these tools in Object Mode (the default), nothing will happen.

What if I add a vertex but can't see it?

The vertex might be hidden behind other geometry, or your view might be zoomed too far out. Press the period key on the numeric keypad to frame the selected vertex in view, or scroll your mouse wheel to zoom in closer.