Modeling · Beginner

Edge

A straight line joining two vertices; the borders of every face

What is an edge in 3D modeling?

An edge is a straight line that connects two vertices in a mesh. Edges outline every face, and where two faces meet they share the edge between them. Artists select and edit edges to cut new detail, sharpen creases, mark UV seams and shape how a model bends.

Think of it like this

Edges are like the stitching on a football: each line joins two panels, and the pattern they make decides the ball’s shape.

Where it fits in a 3D project

  1. Create
  2. Surface
  3. Rig
  4. Animate
  5. Render
  6. Export

Create: Building the shape: modeling, sculpting, scanning or generating it.

Edge
Vertices are the points, edges join them, and faces fill the gaps.

How an edge works

  1. 01Two vertices are joined by a straight line, forming an edge.
  2. 02Three or more edges in a closed loop surround a face.
  3. 03An edge shared by two faces tells the software those faces are connected.
  4. 04Moving, cutting or beveling edges changes the outline of the model.

Edge vs edge loop

PropertyEdgeEdge loop
What it isOne line between two verticesA chain of edges across the model
Select withA single clickAlt-click or a loop select command
Used toMake small fixes and mark seamsAdd rows of detail and shape joints
ChangesOne spotA whole band of the model

Pick single edges for small, local fixes; work in edge loops when the change should follow the form all the way around.

Where an edge is used

  • Marking UV seams where a texture will be cut
  • Marking sharp creases on hard-surface models
  • Cutting new detail into a mesh

Beginner tip

Turn on the wireframe overlay while you model. Long, thin faces and edges that stop abruptly usually point to areas that will shade or bend badly.

Terms related to an edge

Edge FAQ

What is a sharp edge in 3D?
A sharp edge is one marked to stay crisp when the model is smoothed or shaded smooth. It tells the software to keep a hard corner there, so a smooth-shaded model can still have clean creases on its panels and corners.
What is a seam edge?
A seam is an edge marked as a cut line for UV unwrapping. The software splits the surface along seams so it can lay the model flat for texturing, like cutting along the seams of a garment to make a sewing pattern.
Can an edge be curved?
No. In a mesh every edge is straight. A curved look comes from many short edges in a row, or from smoothing such as a subdivision surface, which adds more edges as it rounds the shape.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms