Modeling · Beginner

Loop cut

A one-click slice that adds a new edge loop all the way around a mesh

Also called Loop Cut and Slide

What is a loop cut in Blender?

A loop cut adds a new edge loop around a mesh by slicing through a band of four-sided faces in one move. In Blender, press Ctrl+R in Edit Mode, hover over an edge to preview the cut, click, then slide the new loop into place. It is the quickest way to add detail exactly where you need it.

Think of it like this

Like tying a new ribbon around a parcel: it goes all the way round in one line, and you can slide it along before pulling it tight.

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 loop
An edge loop is a ring of connected edges running around the surface.

How a loop cut works

  1. 01In Edit Mode, press Ctrl+R and hover over an edge to see a yellow preview loop.
  2. 02Scroll the mouse wheel to add more parallel cuts before you click.
  3. 03Click to place the cut, then move the mouse to slide it along the faces.
  4. 04Right-click instead of sliding to leave the loop exactly in the middle.

Loop cut vs edge loop

PropertyLoop cutEdge loop
What it isA tool that makes a new loopA chain of edges already in the mesh
Adds geometryYes, a new row of facesNo, you select what exists
In BlenderCtrl+R in Edit ModeAlt-click an edge to select one
Typical useAdding detail or support for sharp edgesMoving, sliding or beveling a band

Make a loop cut when you need a new loop; select an existing edge loop when you only want to move or shape what is already there.

Where a loop cut is used

  • Adding rows of detail before shaping a face or limb
  • Placing support loops that keep corners sharp under subdivision
  • Splitting a wall or panel into evenly spaced sections

Beginner tip

Place a loop cut close to each hard corner of a subdivided model. The closer the new loop sits to the corner, the sharper that edge stays when the mesh is smoothed.

Terms related to a loop cut

Loop cut FAQ

How do you loop cut in Blender?
Enter Edit Mode with Tab, press Ctrl+R, hover over an edge until the yellow preview appears, then click and slide. You can also pick the Loop Cut tool from the toolbar on the left of the viewport.
Why is my loop cut not working?
Usually the faces in its path are not quads. A loop cut runs through four-sided faces and stops at triangles, n-gons and some poles. Duplicate vertices can also break the path, so merge them by distance and try again.
How do I add multiple loop cuts at once?
Scroll the mouse wheel while the preview shows, or set Number of Cuts in the panel that appears at the bottom left after the cut. The new loops are spaced evenly across the faces.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms