Instances, mirror objects, copies - selection problems

One of the subjects that is hard to get grasp of is instances (linked) and mirroring. How to select a specific object.

I used both, to have a faster modeling experience, but once I done that, and afterwards I like to change things, it becomes a maze of how to do it.

I select something, and forgot is it a mirror, an instance? I like to select only one of it, but I cannot. Very confusing. That is why I like to use only SHIFT+D only

for instance: used mirror modifier, and this modifier has been aplied.

Now I try to move the other mirrored part, but cannot, when I go into edit mode it vanishes. I see only the original. I guess I am forced to create a new single mesh object, change it, after changing it's appearance, use mirror modifier again. So, my guess is: modifiers are a blessing if you know exactly how you like it, if you are not sure, using them is actually slowing you down. Of course, I could apply the mirror modifier at last moment, but that does not prevent that it has to be changed again. Wish there was a way to get the modifier back and just undo it. But I guess it is final. And only option is to SHIFT+D.

It is extremely difficult to wrap my head around it. I know in many videos it is mentioned, but this subject really deserves it own video series in core fundamentals maybe.

I always hated mirror modifier, if used wrong it creates internally so much useless geometry without you knowing.

Is there an separate video that explains this in detail? 

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  • Omar Domenech replied

    There is the Modify course in which Paul goes deep into each modifier:

    https://cgcookie.com/courses/course-modify-a-complete-guide-on-blender-s-modifiers-84c3c6a66db79804

    But what you describe is just how things go, it's just realities, even though realities are uncomfortable we deal with them. It's like owning a house, you're gonna have to do cleaning all the time and maintenance. I wish I didn't have to do it, but we have to do it, it's part of the fact in owning a house. Meshes and working in 3D also have it's uncomfortable things to deal with, and we deal with them. It's as simple as that really. That's why we plan ahead. For example, know that if you're going to use instances, be sure to know that it's on objects that will benefit you for the changes to propagate, like a screw or a door handle. if you know you need variation, then you know you have to make a duplicate instead. And so on and so forth.

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  • chihwah li(Littlesheep) replied

    Was hoping for a secret "fix it all" pill, having a jackhammer does not mean I have to use it everywhere. Take it with you at dinner, movies day out, working in the garden. Every tool it's own place and time. Or maybe not.  Many thanks.

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  • Dwayne Savage(dillenbata3) replied
    Common workflow is to make a copy(shift+D) before applying the mirror modifier. Then move the copy with the modifier to a collection and uncheck the check box next to that collection. This removes it from the viewport and from being rendered. If you need to make a change then you check it and then make the change to the one with the modifier. Duplicate it and apply the modifier. Then in the data/mesh tab of properties editor look at the name at the top. Select the object you want to switch with this new version and goto the data/mesh tab of properties and click in the name area and either type the name from the new version or scroll thru the list and select it. Note: if you have multiple objects select hold alt down while you click in the name field so that Blender knows to change all selected objects. Then delete that extra copy and uncheck the collection again. Side note: having multiple objects pointing to the same data is instancing. If you have instances/linked duplicate there will be a number next to the name in the data tab. You can select a linked duplicate and make it a full duplicate(aka complete copy) by click on the number next to the name in the data tab. 
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  • chihwah li(Littlesheep) replied

    ow, so a backup is made after you think it is done, but keep a copy in the back, just in case. If needed, delete current, "import" the backup and continue.

    As harry potter peeps say: "Brilliant" ^^, thank you.

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