How to Select Grouped Objects in Blender
Selecting grouped objects in Blender depends on how those objects are organized, as modern versions of Blender use Collections and Parent-Child hierarchies instead of traditional groups. This guide covers the fastest methods to select objects grouped by Collections, parent relationships, or shared properties using built-in keyboard shortcuts and Outliner tools.
Selecting Objects in the Same Collection
In Blender, Collections serve as the primary way to group objects.
- Using the Shortcut Menu:
- Select one object that belongs to the group.
- Press Shift + G to open the Select Grouped menu.
- Choose Collection. If the object belongs to multiple collections, select the specific collection name from the pop-up list.
- Using the Outliner:
- Locate the Collection in the Outliner panel (top-right by default).
- Right-click the Collection folder.
- Click Select Objects.
Selecting Parented Object Hierarchies
If your group is formed by parenting child objects to an empty or a main object:
- Select All Children: Select the parent object, then press Shift + G and choose Children or Immediate Children. Alternatively, press the right bracket key (]) to select down the hierarchy.
- Select the Entire Hierarchy: Select the parent object, right-click it in the 3D Viewport, and choose Select Hierarchy.
- Select the Parent: Select a child object and press the left bracket key ([) or use Shift + G > Parent.
Selecting Objects by Shared Properties
The Select Grouped menu (Shift + G) also allows you to select objects that share specific traits across your scene:
- Type: Selects all meshes, lights, cameras, or curves matching the active selection.
- Material: Selects all objects sharing the same assigned material.
- Color: Selects objects with the same viewport display color.