Modeling · Beginner

Extrusion

Pulling a face, edge or point outward to grow new geometry from it

Also called Extrude

What is extrusion in 3D modeling?

Extrusion is pulling a selected face, edge or vertex out of a mesh so that new faces fill the gap behind it. Extrude one face of a cube and you get a longer box; extrude again and you start growing a leg, a handle or a wall. It is one of the most used modeling tools.

Think of it like this

It is like pulling taffy from a block: the end you grab moves out, and a stretched band of material joins it back to where it started.

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 extrusion works

  1. 01Select the faces, edges or vertices you want to grow from.
  2. 02Run extrude; the app copies the selection and joins it back with new faces.
  3. 03Move, scale or rotate the copy to shape the new section.
  4. 04Repeat to build out limbs, panels, handles and walls.

Extrusion vs inset

PropertyExtrusionInset
DirectionOutward from the surfaceInward, within the surface
AddsA new section of facesA border of faces around the selection
Shape changeGrows the modelNone until you move the new faces
Typical useLimbs, handles, wallsPanel borders, screens, window frames

Extrude to grow new parts out of a model; inset first when you want a clean border around an area before extruding it in or out.

Where extrusion is used

  • Growing limbs, handles and branches from a base shape
  • Turning a floor plan outline into walls
  • Building panel lines and vents on hard-surface models

Beginner tip

If you cancel an extrude halfway, the new geometry often stays behind, stacked on the old. Undo instead of cancelling, or merge by distance to remove the hidden duplicates.

Terms related to extrusion

Extrusion FAQ

How do I extrude in Blender?
In Edit Mode, select faces, edges or vertices and press E, then move the mouse and click to confirm. Alt+E opens more options, such as extruding each face separately or along its normals.
What does extrude mean in 3D?
To extrude is to push or pull part of a shape outward so the space it moves through fills with new surface. The word comes from manufacturing, where material is pressed through a shaped opening.
Is extrusion in 3D modeling the same as in 3D printing?
No, they share a name only. In modeling, extrusion grows new geometry from a selection. In 3D printing, extrusion is how an FDM printer pushes melted plastic through its nozzle to lay down each layer.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms