Software basics · Beginner

Properties editor

The tabbed panel that holds render, scene, object, modifier and material settings

What is the properties editor in Blender?

The properties editor is the panel in Blender that holds the settings for the scene and for whatever object is active. It usually sits on the right, under the outliner, with a column of icon tabs for render settings, output, world, object, modifiers, materials, physics and more.

Think of it like this

It is like the settings screen on a phone, with one tab per area, except the list of tabs changes depending on which object you have selected.

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 the properties editor works

  1. 01Select an object in the viewport or the outliner.
  2. 02The properties editor shows the tabs that apply to it, such as modifiers and materials.
  3. 03Tabs near the top of the column cover the whole scene: render, output, view layer, scene and world.
  4. 04Changing a value updates the scene right away, and most values can be keyframed.

Properties editor vs sidebar

PropertyProperties editorSidebar
Where it livesIts own area, usually bottom rightInside the viewport, toggled with N
What it holdsScene, object, modifier and material settingsExact transform values, view options, add-on tabs
ScopeWhole scene plus the active objectMostly the active object and that viewport
How to openSet any area’s editor type to PropertiesPress N over the 3D viewport

Use the properties editor for how an object or scene looks and renders, and the sidebar for quick, exact transform numbers and add-on panels.

Where the properties editor is used

  • Adding modifiers and materials to an object
  • Choosing a render engine, resolution and frame range
  • Setting up physics, constraints and object data

Beginner tip

Keep the editor on one object while you select others by clicking the pin icon at the top of the panel. Click it again to make it follow your selection.

Terms related to the properties editor

Properties editor FAQ

Where is the properties panel in Blender?
In the default Layout workspace it sits on the right side of the window, below the outliner. The strip of icons along its left edge switches tabs, from render settings at the top down to object and material settings.
How do I get the properties panel back in Blender?
Open the editor type menu in the top-left corner of any area and choose Properties. Split an area first if you want to keep the editor that was there. Adding a fresh Layout workspace from the plus at the end of the top tabs also brings back the standard layout.
What are the properties editor tabs?
From the top: tool, render, output, view layer, scene and world, which apply to the whole file, then collection, object, modifiers, particles, physics, constraints, data, material and texture. Which ones show depends on the active object’s type.
Why can’t I see the modifiers or material tab?
Those tabs only appear when the active object can use them. With nothing selected, or with a camera or light active, the editor shows only the tabs that fit, such as scene, world and object data.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms