Modeling · Beginner

Join and separate

Merging several objects into one, or splitting part of a mesh into its own object

Also called Join (Ctrl+J), Separate (P)

What do join and separate do in Blender?

Join and separate are a pair of Blender commands that merge several objects into one or split one object into several. Join, Ctrl+J in Object Mode, puts every selected mesh into the active object. Separate, P in Edit Mode, moves chosen parts of a mesh into a new object of their own.

Think of it like this

Like stapling loose pages into one booklet, or pulling a page out to stand alone: the pages stay the same, only how they are bundled changes.

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 joining and separating works

  1. 01To join, select the objects in Object Mode, clicking the target last so it is active.
  2. 02Press Ctrl+J; the others merge into the active object and take its name and origin.
  3. 03To separate, enter Edit Mode, select the part, and press P.
  4. 04Pick Selection, By Material or By Loose Parts to choose how it splits.

Join and separate vs parenting

PropertyJoin and separateParenting
Objects afterOne object, one meshSeparate objects, linked together
Move togetherYes, they are oneYes, children follow the parent
Move parts apartOnly in Edit ModeYes, each keeps its own transform
ModifiersOne shared stackEach keeps its own

Join when parts really are one piece of geometry; parent when they should move together but stay separate objects, like wheels on a car.

Where joining and separating is used

  • Merging parts into one mesh before bridging, booleans or export
  • Splitting a scanned or generated model into editable pieces
  • Pulling out a part to give it its own material or modifier

Beginner tip

Check the modifiers on the other objects before you join. The joined object keeps only the active object’s modifier stack, so effects on the rest can disappear.

Terms related to joining and separating

Join and separate FAQ

How do I join objects in Blender?
Select every object you want to merge in Object Mode, then Shift-click the one that should stay last, so it becomes active. Press Ctrl+J. The result is one object with the active object’s name, origin and modifiers.
How do I separate objects in Blender?
Select the object, press Tab for Edit Mode and select the part you want out. Press P and choose Selection. The part becomes a new object; switch back to Object Mode to move it on its own.
What does separate by loose parts do?
It splits a mesh into one object for every piece that is not connected to the rest. It is a quick way to break an imported or generated model into its separate parts.
Should I join or parent objects?
Parent them if the parts need to move, rotate or animate on their own, such as a door on a cabinet. Join them if they are one shape you will model, unwrap or export together.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms