Modeling · Intermediate

Edge ring

A set of parallel edges side by side, like the rungs of a ladder

What is an edge ring?

An edge ring is a set of parallel edges that sit side by side across a strip of quads, each on the opposite side of a face from the last. Selecting a ring is the quick way to cut new edge loops through a strip, space rows evenly or bevel many edges at once.

Think of it like this

An edge ring is like the rungs of a ladder. The two rails are edge loops; the rungs between them, each parallel to the next, are the ring.

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.

How an edge ring works

  1. 01Start from one edge on a strip of four-sided faces.
  2. 02Jump across the face to the edge directly opposite.
  3. 03Repeat face by face until the strip ends or circles back.
  4. 04Cutting through the ring adds a new edge loop down the middle.

Where an edge ring is used

  • Adding evenly spaced loops with a subdivide or loop cut
  • Selecting rows of edges for a bevel
  • Checking that a strip of quads runs unbroken

Beginner tip

If a ring stops early, look at where it ended. A triangle or n-gon in the strip blocks the jump to the next edge, and fixing that face lets the ring continue.

Terms related to an edge ring

Edge ring FAQ

Edge ring vs edge loop: what is the difference?
A loop runs end to end along a path, like a belt. A ring picks the parallel edges side by side across that path, like ladder rungs. Selecting a ring and cutting through it creates a new loop.
How do I select an edge ring in Blender?
In Edit Mode with edge select on, hold Ctrl and Alt and click an edge. On a Mac, use Ctrl+Option-click. Select > Select Loops > Edge Rings does the same from the menu.
Why does my edge ring stop?
A ring can only jump across four-sided faces. When it reaches a triangle, an n-gon or an open border, there is no single opposite edge, so it stops there.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms