Flatten Vertices in Blender Using LoopTools

This guide explains how to quickly align and flatten a selection of vertices onto a single planar surface in Blender using the built-in LoopTools add-on. You will learn how to activate the add-on, access the Flatten command in Edit Mode, and configure its planar orientation settings to achieve clean, coplanar geometry.

1. Enable the LoopTools Add-on

LoopTools comes pre-installed with Blender, but it must be enabled before use:

  1. Open Blender and go to Edit > Preferences.
  2. Select the Add-ons tab on the left menu.
  3. In the search bar at the top right, type LoopTools.
  4. Check the box next to Mesh: LoopTools.
  5. Close the Preferences window.

2. Select Your Geometry

  1. Select your 3D mesh and press Tab to enter Edit Mode.
  2. Switch to Vertex Select mode by pressing 1 on your keyboard (or use Edge/Face select mode).
  3. Select the vertices that you want to align onto a flat plane.

3. Apply the Flatten Tool

Once your vertices are selected, execute the command:

  1. Right-click in the 3D Viewport to open the Vertex Context Menu.
  2. Hover over LoopTools at the top of the menu.
  3. Click Flatten.

Alternatively, you can open the Sidebar by pressing N, navigate to the Edit tab, expand the LoopTools panel, and click the Flatten button.

4. Adjust the Planar Orientation Settings

Immediately after running the Flatten command, an operator panel labeled Flatten will appear in the bottom-left corner of the 3D Viewport. Expand this panel to refine the orientation:

  • Plane: Determines the reference plane used to flatten the vertices:
    • Best Fit: Calculates an average plane based on the current positions of the selected vertices. This is the default and most versatile option.
    • Normal: Flattens the vertices along the average normal direction of the selection.
    • View: Flattens the vertices relative to your current viewport camera angle.
  • Influence: Controls how strongly the flatten effect is applied (set to 100% for completely planar geometry).
  • Restriction: Limits the flattening operation along specific local or global axes if needed.