How to Select Object Hierarchy in Blender

Selecting an entire hierarchy of parent and child objects in Blender is a fundamental workflow skill that saves time when moving, scaling, or organizing complex 3D models. This guide outlines the most direct methods to select an entire object tree, including using the Outliner menu, viewport keyboard shortcuts (Shift + G), and quick navigation keys ([ and ]).

Method 1: Use the Outliner (Fastest Visual Method)

The Outliner provides the simplest visual way to select a parent object and all of its nested children.

  1. Locate the Outliner panel (usually in the top-right corner of the default interface).
  2. Find the top-level parent object of the hierarchy.
  3. Right-click the parent object's name.
  4. Click Select Hierarchy.

This action highlights the parent and every child object attached to it down the entire chain.

Method 2: Use the Shift + G Shortcut in the 3D Viewport

If you prefer working directly inside the 3D Viewport, Blender provides a grouping menu to select related objects instantly.

  1. Click to select the parent object in the 3D Viewport.
  2. Press Shift + G on your keyboard to open the Select Grouped menu.
  3. Choose one of the following options depending on your needs:
    • Children: Selects only the immediate direct children of the selected object.
    • Recursive Children: Selects the immediate children and all deeper nested child objects in the hierarchy.

To select the entire tree (parent included), hold Shift and keep the parent selected, or select the parent first, run the action, and re-select the parent if needed.

Method 3: Use Bracket Keys for Quick Navigation

Blender allows you to step through hierarchies quickly using bracket hotkeys in the 3D Viewport:

  • Press ] (Right Bracket): Selects the direct children of the currently selected object.
  • Press [ (Left Bracket): Selects the parent of the currently selected object.

Holding Shift while pressing these bracket keys allows you to add the parent or children to your current selection rather than switching to them.