Used to combine two or more separate objects into a single object data:
- Selection: First select the objects you want to join, then select the object you want to be the "main" one last (active object is yellow, others are orange).
- Shortcut: Press
Ctrl + J. - Result: All objects inherit the name, Origin point, and Modifiers of the last selected object.
Used to take specific faces or parts from within an object and bring them out as a new object:
- Step: Enter Edit Mode (
Tab) and select the parts you want to separate. - Shortcut: Press
P. - Options:
- Selection: Separates only the faces you have selected.
- By Material: Automatically splits parts with different materials into different objects.
- By Loose Parts: Makes all parts that have no physical contact with each other (independent) separate objects.
These two features are often confused, but their purposes are entirely different:
Join (Ctrl+J)
Permanently turns objects into a single "Mesh". They have one name and one Origin point. Modifiers apply to all simultaneously.
Parent (Ctrl+P)
Objects remain separate but are linked together. When the main object (Parent) moves, the children follow. Easy to separate.
- Modifier Conflict: When joining, modifiers on objects (Mirror, Bevel, etc.) are replaced by those of the last selected active object. You may need to "Apply" modifiers first.
- Origin Point: The center of the joined object is moved to the center of the last selected active object.
- Multiple Materials: Each joined object keeps its material, but they are gathered in the "Material Slots" list of the single object.