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Modes (F1–F5)

Five function keys plus Esc that change meaning with the context. In Object Mode on a mesh, F1/F2/F3 jump into Edit Mode with vertex, edge or face selection; inside Edit Mode they switch selection mode, and pressing the key of the mode you are already in opens that element's menu. Esc in Edit Mode takes you back to Object Mode. Curves, empties, lights, cameras and the UV Editor each get their own sensible set.

Hotkey: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, Esc (no modifiers). Also available: iOps Pie › Edit › mode buttons (Vertex / Edge / Face).

What the keys do on a mesh

Key Object Mode Edit Mode
F1 Edit Mode, vertices Vertex select (vertex menu if already in vertex mode)
F2 Edit Mode, edges Edge select (edge menu if already in edge mode)
F3 Edit Mode, faces Face select (face menu if already in face mode)
F4 Cursor / origin tools Cursor / origin to selection
F5 Match dimensions to active Face mode: align object to face; edge mode: Z-connect
Esc Back to Object Mode
Alt+F1F3 Convert selection to verts / edges / faces same

Tips

  • The keys also work in the UV Editor (UV select modes) and on curves, text, metaballs and other object types — unused combinations simply report "No operation defined".
  • Hover the editor you want to affect before pressing a key.