Loop Tools
Introduction
Loop Tools is a free Blender add-on that adds specialized mesh editing operations: making perfect circles from selections, bridging edge loops, evening out vertex spacing, flattening geometry onto a plane, and smoothing. All tools are available from the Edit Mode right-click menu.
It ships with Blender up to 4.1. In newer versions it is distributed through the Blender Extensions platform, where the author maintains it with limited support.
Key Takeaways
Topology Structuring
Create clean circular shapes (Circle) and connect distant edge boundaries with generated mesh (Bridge).
Geometric Correction
Level geometry onto a single plane (Flatten) or space selected vertices evenly along a path (Space).
Curvature Control
Interpolate vertices into smooth lines (Curve) or smooth rough geometry while preserving boundaries (Relax).
Installation
Blender 4.2 and newer (extension):
Loop Tools is not bundled with these versions. Install it from the extension platform.
- Open Edit > Preferences (image 1).
- Select Get Extensions in the sidebar (image 2).
- Select Allow Online Access. Blender needs internet access to list and install online extensions. The list stays empty until you allow it (images 3 and 4).
- Search for loop. The registry name is LoopTools, written as one word. A search for "Loop Tools" with a space returns no results (image 5).
- Select Install on the LoopTools card. The extension moves to the Installed section (image 6).
- Confirm that Loop Tools is enabled in Edit > Preferences > Add-ons (image 7).
Enabled in Add-onsConfirm Loop Tools is enabled in Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
Open PreferencesOpen Edit > Preferences.
Get ExtensionsSelect Get Extensions in the Preferences sidebar.Enabled in Add-onsConfirm Loop Tools is enabled in Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.Open PreferencesOpen Edit > Preferences.Blender 4.1 and older (bundled):
- Open Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
- Search for Loop Tools and check Mesh: Loop Tools.
Usage
Loop Tools work on your selection in Edit Mode.
Select the geometry· Edit Mode
Enter Edit Mode (press Tab) and select the vertices, edges, or faces the tool should act on. Tools work on the current selection only.
Run the tool· right-click menu
Right-click in the 3D viewport and choose the tool under the LoopTools submenu. The tools are also listed in the N-Panel under the Edit tab.
Tune in the operator panel· press T
After running a tool, the yellow operator panel (press T) holds the controls for that tool. Undo (Z) and re-run when you change them.
Operations reference
| Tool | What it does | Key controls |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge | Connects two selected edges or loops with generated mesh | Strength (curvature, 0 for flat), Twist, Reverse |
| Circle | Deforms the selection into a perfect circle | Radius, Angle, Influence; Flatten keeps it planar |
| Curve | Interpolates the selection into a smooth line between endpoints | Boundaries limits the effect to the selection |
| Flatten | Moves the selection onto a single plane | Best Fit, Normal, View (flattens along the camera view) |
| G Stretch | Matches the selection to a drawn Annotation (Grease Pencil) stroke | Draw the stroke first in Annotation mode |
| Loft | Bridges multiple sequential loops or profiles | Linear or Cubic interpolation |
| Relax | Smooths by averaging vertex positions | Iterations; Selection only or parallel vertices |
| Space | Distributes the selection evenly along its path | Influence; axis locking |
In an Investigation
Loop Tools are topology tools. Use them to make a reconstruction easier to work with, not to change what it represents.
- Circle is the fast way to cut clean circular openings (vents, hatches, cable holes) into a reconstructed surface.
- Flatten snaps parts onto a ground plane or wall after you have positioned them by evidence.
- Space evens out rows of markers, stakes, or reference points you placed along a path.
- Bridge joins separate sections (a wall and a slab) into one manifold mesh before you texture or export it.
- Do not smooth evidence shapes. Relax and Curve reshape geometry. Keep them off any part of the model that must stay metrically accurate.
Limitations
- Tools act on the current selection only. Partial or messy selections produce unexpected results.
- The results are procedural: they follow the selection, not the real-world object. Verify against your source material after each operation.
- Distributed through the Extensions platform with limited support since it left the bundled add-ons (Blender 4.1).
- It is a modeling aid, not a measurement tool. It does not import, reference, or verify real-world data.
- Direct Modeling: the modeling workflow this addon supports
- Spin Tool: for rotational geometry
Resources
- Direct Modeling (the modeling workflow this addon supports)
- Spin Tool (related tool)
Sources
- LoopTools, Blender Extensions
- Blender Extensions: LoopTools (current distribution, support status)
- GitHub: mesh_looptools.py (source of the bundled version)