How to Scale Skin Modifier Radius in Blender Edit Mode

Scaling the skin modifier radius in Blender's edit mode allows you to control the thickness of your mesh around specific vertices without altering the underlying frame structure. Because the standard scale tool (S) moves vertices relative to each other rather than adjusting the generated volume, Blender utilizes a dedicated skin resizing shortcut. This guide covers how to adjust the skin modifier radius using keyboard shortcuts, constrain scaling to specific axes, and enter precise numerical values.

The Keyboard Shortcut to Scale Skin Radius

To scale the thickness of a skin modifier on selected vertices:

  1. Select your object and press Tab to enter Edit Mode.
  2. Select the vertex or vertices you wish to adjust.
  3. Press Ctrl + A (using S will move vertex positions instead of changing skin thickness).
  4. Move your mouse away from or toward the selection to increase or decrease the radius.
  5. Left-click or press Enter to confirm the adjustment.

Scaling Along Specific Axes

The Skin Modifier allows independent control over the X and Y radii, enabling you to create non-circular cross-sections such as flattened surfaces or oval shapes.

  1. Select the target vertex in Edit Mode.
  2. Press Ctrl + A.
  3. Press X to scale exclusively along the local X-axis, or press Y to scale along the local Y-axis.
  4. Move the mouse to set the desired shape and left-click to apply.

Using the Sidebar for Precise Numerical Values

If you need exact inputs rather than visual scaling:

  1. Press N in the 3D Viewport to open the Sidebar panel.
  2. Click on the Item tab.
  3. Locate the Transform section near the top.
  4. Adjust the Radius X and Radius Y values directly by typing numbers or clicking and dragging across the fields.