How to Use Sculpt Mode in Blender: Get Started Quickly!

If you already have some knowledge about Blender and you want to know how to use sculpt mode in Blender, I want to present you with some short and easy steps to get started.

Note: I am currently using Blender version 3.5. I use Right Mouse Click to select objects.

Step 1: Subdivide your Default Cube

When you start Blender, you will have a default cube to work with. Of course you could choose to sculpt on this square, but I would recommend going to the Modifier Properties toolbar -> Add Modifier -> Subdivision Surface. Set it to ‘2’ for both Levels Viewport and Render Viewport. Click apply.

Step 2: Go into Sculpt Mode

Let’s now go into Sculpt Mode and I will tell you how to get started.

Finding the brushes

First, pull out the left menu so you can read the names of each Sculpt Brush.

Enable Dyntopo

Now enable Dyntopo (Dynamic Topology) which you can find in the top right corner. See image. Enabling Dyntopo will allow you to create new topology on your object.

In Sculpt Mode, the lower the number, the more detailed your brush will be. See this image above for an example of setting dyntopo to 24, 12 or 6. It is recommended to start out with less detail (so a higher number), and gradually increase the amount of detail necessary. Let’s say you’re creating a bunny for example. You’ll use a larger number to shape out the animal, then use a smaller number (more detailed) for the eyes, feet/paws, mouth or teeth.

Choose to mirror or not

You can choose to apply your sculpt brush strokes onto additional axis, by selecting either or all X, Y and Z (right next to Dyntopo, on the left of it).

Using the brushes

Now, there are many brushes to choose from. It will take some time experimenting to learn which ones work best for you. I’m here to just get you started, so I recommend using ‘Blob’ to add topology, Smooth to smoothen your topology and Grab and/or Snake Hook to move your topology around. I think these are some good ones to get you started. I also like using Inflate, Crease and Flatten.

Radius

Now, when you select a brush, you can change the Radius either in the menu on top or by pressing F on your keyboard and moving your mouse to make the radius bigger or smaller.

Strength

For starting out, I would leave the Strength at its default setting.

Subtract or add?

Then there are the + and – buttons next to the Radius and Strength. For easy of use, you can press and hold Ctrl on your keyboard while applying the Sculpt Brush and it will do the opposite of what it’s advertised to do. For example, if you use the Blob brush but you hold ctrl, it will basically ‘hollow out’ your sculpture. See image above for a visual demonstration. On the left: Normal setting. On the right: Holding ctrl.

That’s it to get you started with Sculpt Mode!

This is all to get you started with Sculpt Mode in Blender! Again, I am using Blender 3.5 at the time of writing this little quick guide. I can not guarantee that everything is still in the same place if you have a newer version of Blender, but it should hopefully not be too difficult to find everything.

I hope this beginner’s guide was useful for you to get you started with Sculpt Mode in Blender. Have fun!

Sculpt Mode FAQ

What is Sculpt Mode in Blender?

Sculpt Mode is a mode in Blender that allows you to manipulate the shape of your 3D model as if you were sculpting clay. It’s ideal for creating detailed, organic shapes and fine details on your models.

How do I enter Sculpt Mode?

To enter Sculpt Mode, select your object, and then choose “Sculpt Mode” from the mode selector in the top-left corner of the 3D Viewport or press Ctrl+Tab and select Sculpt Mode from the menu.

What are some essential brushes to start with?

Some essential brushes include:

• Draw: Adds or removes material
• Smooth: Smooths the surface
• Crease: Creates sharp edges and indentations
• Grab: Moves large portions of your mesh

How can I adjust the brush size and strength?

You can adjust the brush size by pressing F and moving the mouse or using the slider in the brush settings (found at the top). You can adjust the strength by pressing Shift+F on your keyboard, or by using the strength slider in the brush settings.

What is Dyntopo, and when should I use it?

Dyntopo (Dynamic Topology) dynamically changes the mesh topology while you are sculpting sculpting. This allows for more detail where needed. It’s especially useful for adding fine details without manually subdividing the entire mesh.

How can I undo a sculpting action?

You can use Ctrl+Z to undo the last action. You can press Ctrl+Z multiple times to undo multiple actions.

What is Multiresolution Modifier, and how does it differ from Dyntopo?

The Multiresolution Modifier allows you to subdivide your mesh while preserving the original mesh’s lower resolution. It’s useful for working at different levels of detail without dynamically changing the topology like Dyntopo does.

How can I smooth out the entire model quickly?

To smooth out the entire model, use the “Smooth” brush over the desired areas, or apply a “Smooth” filter from the Sculpt Mode tool panel to affect the entire mesh at once.

Why does my model appear jagged or blocky when sculpting?

This could be due to insufficient geometry in the mesh. Consider using Dyntopo or adding subdivisions with the Multiresolution Modifier to increase the mesh’s resolution for smoother sculpting.

Why are there holes in my sculpt?

If you are running into the problem of holes in your sculpt, you might be working with too little geometry. Alternatively, you could use the Grab Brush and press Shift while going over the holes, to close them up.

Can I use a drawing tablet for sculpting in Blender?

Yes! A drawing tablet can provide more precise control and pressure sensitivity when sculpting.

Where can I find more Blender tips?

InspireMari.nl actually offers a ton of Blender tips! You can check out my Blender Tips right here for a wide variety that are mostly focused on solving common problems that you may run into while using Blender.

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