Modifiers: Mirror, Subdivision & Solidify

A modifier changes how your object looks or is generated, usually without immediately changing the editable base mesh. Find the Modifier Properties tab in the Properties editor on the right side of Blender. Its symbol is a wrench.

1. Click the cube in Object Mode. Look for the Properties editor on the right.
2. Choose the wrench icon to open Modifier Properties.
3. Click Add Modifier and choose an option. Mirror, Subdivision Surface and Solidify are found in the Generate category.
4. Modifiers appear as a stack. You can change settings, hide a modifier in the viewport, or rearrange its order.

These are simplified teaching illustrations. Your live mesh and modifier settings may look a little different.

Mirror is wonderful for matching lantern posts, wings, furniture, and anything symmetrical. It reflects the mesh across the object's origin, usually along the local X axis to begin with.

1. Start with the default cube. In Object Mode, press F2 and rename it Lantern Posts.
2. Press Tab to enter Edit Mode, then press A to select all the cube's geometry.
3. Make a tall, thin post by entering S X .12 Enter, then S Y .12 Enter, then S Z 1.1 Enter.
4. Still in Edit Mode, move the post to the right: G X 1.4 Enter. The geometry moves, but the object origin stays at the center.
5. Press Tab for Object Mode. Open the wrench tab → Add Modifier → Generate → Mirror. Keep X checked. A matching post appears on the other side of the origin.
6. In Edit Mode, try moving the right post a little. The matching post updates instantly! Press Ctrl + Z if you want to restore its original position.

Useful settings: Merge joins vertices that meet at the mirror plane; Clipping helps prevent vertices from crossing it while editing. Our two posts do not touch at the middle, so neither setting is necessary for this exercise.

Subdivision Surface adds calculated geometry and can smooth a blocky shape. With the usual Catmull–Clark setting, a cube becomes rounded; with Simple, Blender adds divisions without that smoothing.

1. Press Tab if needed to return to Object Mode. Press Shift + A → Mesh → Cube to create another cube. Rename it Lantern Crystal with F2.
2. Press Tab, A, then S .4 Enter to make the mesh smaller. For a slightly gem-like angle, try R Z 45 Enter. Press Tab again.
3. In Modifier Properties, click Add Modifier → Generate → Subdivision Surface. Set the Viewport level to 2 and keep Catmull–Clark.
4. See how the crystal becomes rounded? Try levels 0, 1, and 2 to compare. Optional: right-click the object and choose Shade Smooth for smoother-looking lighting.

For OpenSim creators: Higher subdivision levels produce denser meshes when evaluated for export, so stay conservative while learning and check the final polygon count.

A plane starts as a perfectly flat sheet with no thickness. Solidify makes a thin shell, which is handy for window panels, fabric, armor, leaves, and decorative pieces.

1. In Object Mode, press Shift + A → Mesh → Plane. Rename it Lantern Panel.
2. Press Tab, then A. Press S X 1.2 Enter. The plane is now a little wider than tall.
3. Still in Edit Mode, stand it upright with R X 90 Enter. Then move it slightly behind the crystal with G Y .45 Enter.
4. Press Tab. Open Modifier Properties → Add Modifier → Generate → Solidify.
5. Set Thickness to about 0.10 m (with the default scene scale). Set Offset to 0 to center the thickness around the original plane. Leave Fill Rim on so the panel has sides.
6. Orbit the view to see the edge of the panel. Toggle the modifier's viewport icon to compare the thin plane with its solid version.

You now have three objects: two mirrored posts made from one mesh, one softened crystal, and one panel with thickness. Let's add two simple bars to make the shape read as a lantern.

1. Return to Object Mode. Press Shift + A → Mesh → Cube and rename it Top Rail.
2. With that new cube selected, press S X 1.5 Enter, then S Y .18 Enter, then S Z .13 Enter. Move it up with G Z 1.15 Enter.
3. Press Shift + D, then Z -2.3 Enter to duplicate the bar to the bottom. Rename the duplicate Bottom Rail.
4. Orbit the view. You'll see a basic lantern frame with two posts and a panel. The crystal is a rounded decorative form in the middle—not yet glowing.
5. Save your creation with Ctrl + Shift + S (Save As) and name it Enchanted Lantern Practice.blend.