Modifier
Non-destructive operation in Blender
Also known as: Blender modifier · Blender modifier stack · Apply modifier · Non-destructive modeling · Blender modifiers
Definition
A modifier is a non-destructive operation in Blender that changes how an object looks without changing the underlying mesh. Modifiers are stacked and run from top to bottom, so their order matters, and each one can be turned on or off for the viewport and the render. Common ones are Subdivision Surface, Mirror, Bevel, Array, Solidify, Boolean and Decimate. When you are happy, Apply makes the result permanent.
In production
Use modifiers while modeling so you can adjust settings later, and apply them before sculpting, baking or exporting if the engine needs real geometry. Put Mirror before Subdivision Surface and Bevel before Weighted Normal. Modifiers act on the object's scale, so apply scale first. A long modifier stack slows the viewport, so lower the viewport levels of heavy ones.
Tools that use Modifier
See also
Subdivision Surface Modifier
Smooths a low-poly mesh by adding geometry
Solidify Modifier
Adds thickness to a surface
Array Modifier
Repeats an object in a line or around a shape
Bevel
Rounded or chamfered edge
Apply Scale in Blender
Fix stretched bevels and uneven modifier results
Geometry Nodes
Blender's node-based procedural modeling system