How can I flip a 3D model in Blender to ensure it is correctly oriented for import into my game engine?

Flipping a 3D Model in Blender for Correct Game Engine Import

When preparing a 3D model for import into a game engine such as Unity or Unreal Engine, correct orientation is crucial to ensure that the model displays and behaves as intended. Blender offers several tools and techniques to achieve the correct orientation through flipping or adjusting transformations.

Understanding Model Orientation

The default axes in Blender might differ from those in the target game engine. For example, Unity uses a Y-up coordinate system, whereas Blender uses a Z-up system. It’s essential to align the model’s orientation with the engine’s expected coordinate system for proper visualization.

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Steps to Flip a Model Correctly

1. Enter Object Mode: First, ensure your model is in Object Mode by pressing Tab. Object mode allows you to apply transformations to the entire model.
2. Clear Previous Rotations: Press Ctrl + A and select Rotation to clear any existing rotations. This step ensures transformations are applied from a neutral start point.
3. Changing Orientation: To flip the model along a particular axis, press R to rotate, combined with the axis key (X, Y, or Z). For a 180-degree rotation, type 180 after selecting the appropriate axis.
4. Apply Transformations: Once the model is correctly oriented, press Ctrl + A again and choose All Transforms to apply the changes. This ensures the model retains its new orientation upon export.

Export Settings

When exporting your model, ensure the Forward and Up axes are set to match the game engine’s coordinate system. For example, when exporting to Unity:

• Set Forward to -Z Forward.
• Set Up to Y Up.

Validation in Game Engine

Import the model into your game engine and validate its orientation by placing it in a test scene and ensuring it behaves as expected with the movements set for the game.