A vertex is a single point in 3D space and it’s the most basic element of a 3D object’s mesh geometry. Here are three ways for how to add a vertex in Blender.

If you find this helpful, be sure to see all my lessons on 3D modeling in Blender.

Add a Single Vertex in Edit Mode

To add a single vertex while in Edit Mode, we need to be in vertex select mode and have no other geometry selected. Press Control and right click in the viewport to add the vertex. It will be added wherever we click but at the depth (from the current view) of the 3D cursor.

This will not work if we are in edge select or face select mode.

If we do this with one or more vertices selected, a new vertex will be added in the same manner but an edge will form to connect the new vertex with the actively selected vertex.

The depth of the newly created vertex will be at the depth of the 3D cursor as viewed from the viewport (not the camera). Because we are operating in 3D space, Blender doesn’t have another way of knowing how far away we want the vertex to be placed. Here’s a lesson on how to move the 3D cursor.

Industrial 3D Models in the Blender viewport.
Industrial greeble assets in Blender 3D viewport.

Add a Single Vertex in Object Mode

If we are in object mode, we can add a new object that consists only of a single vertex. It will be added at the location of the 3D cursor. This can be a useful starting point for modeling 3D objects.

To add a single vertex object in Blender, we need to activate the “Extra Objects” add-on which comes pre-installed in Blender.

The Add Mesh: Extra Objects add-on is selected and activated in the Blender user preferences.

To activate the extra objects add-on in Blender, select “Preferences” from the Edit Menu in the top bar. Navigate to the add-ons tab and search for the add-on called “Add Mesh: Extra Objects” (there’s also one for extra curve objects). Check the box next to the add-on to activate it.

The option to add a single vertex object is highlighted in the add mesh menu of Blender.

Now in Object Mode, we can press “Shift + A” to add an object. Choose “Mesh” and a new category of objects will be available called “Single Vert.” From this category, choose “Add Single Vert” and a new object with only one vertex will be added at the location of the 3D cursor.

Here’s a guide to learn about all the object types you can add in Blender.

Two 3d human models
Human Generator Add-On for Blender

Add One or More Vertex Along an Edge

If we have an edge that connects two existing vertices, we can add a vertex on the edge by subdividing the edge. While in edit mode, this can be done in either vertex select or edge select mode.

To subdivide an edge, select the edge in Edit Mode (vertex or edge select mode). In the 3D Viewport’s top menu, go to the “Edge” menu and choose “Subdivide.”

The menu option to subdivide an edge in Blender is highlighted.

By default the edge will be subdivided one time which adds a single vertex at the center of the edge. What used to be a single edge will now be two connected edges.

An edge before and after subdivision with added vertex.

If we want to subdivide the edge into more than two segments (and add more than one vertex along it), we can modify the subdivision in the “Operator Panel.”

The operator panel is open for the subdivide operation highlighting the setting for number of subdivision cuts.

The Operator Panel is a box that appears in the bottom left corner of the 3D viewport after an “operation” occurs in Blender.

After subdividing, expand the operator panel in the bottom left corner and increase the “Number of Cuts.”

This value represents how many times the edge will be cut and therefor how many vertices will be added along it. The geometry will update in real time.

A beach scene with nature assets
Geo Scatter Add-on for Blender

Conclusion and Related Modeling Tools

We’ve covered how to add a vertex in Blender, but in some cases you may want to merge two or more existing vertices.

We also covered adding single verts using the Extra Objects Add-On. Other options with this tool are to add an object with no vertices and to add a single vertex already mirrored with a modifier. Both may be handy depending on what we want to do with our single-vertex object.

Subdividing can be used for much more than adding vertices, but if you want to add a vertex to an existing edge, it’s the fastest way to do it.

Take a look around my site and see what else you may find useful. Hit me up on social media or check out my YouTube channel for video tutorials related to Blender. Stay creative!

Get Brandon’s Newsletter

By submitting, you agree to receive periodic e-mails from me. You can unsubscribe at any time.