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Temp Scale

What is it?

The Temp Scale tool allows you to temporarily scale objects using any edge as the scaling origin. It's perfect for quick adjustments and exploring different scaling options without committing to permanent changes. The tool works in object mode and provides both visual and numeric input for precise control.

Access and Shortcuts

  • Pie Menu: Manipulation > Temp Scale
  • Operator: damtools.temp_scale
  • Modal keys:
  • Mouse Move → Adjust scale factor
  • X/Y/Z → Scale along specific axis
  • U → Uniform scale (all axes)
  • Shift → Fine control (slower scaling)
  • Ctrl → Snap to 0.1 increments
  • 0-9 → Enter scale factor numerically
  • Backspace → Clear numeric input
  • . → Decimal point for numeric input
  • Enter/Return → Confirm numeric input
  • Click/Space → Confirm scale
  • ESC/Right Click → Cancel and restore original scale

Workflow

Basic Steps

  1. Select object(s) to scale
  2. Activate Temp Scale
  3. Click an edge to use as scaling origin
  4. Move mouse to scale uniformly
  5. Use X/Y/Z to scale along specific axis
  6. Optionally enter precise scale with numeric input
  7. Confirm with Click/Space

Numeric Input

  1. After selecting origin edge, type numbers for scale factor
  2. Use . for decimal values
  3. Press Enter to apply exact scale
  4. Continue adjusting with mouse if needed

Parameters

  • Scale Factor: Amount of scaling to apply
  • Input: Mouse movement or numeric entry
  • Range: 0.001 to 1000
  • Snap: 0.1 increments with Ctrl
  • Scale Mode: How scaling is applied
  • Uniform: Scale all axes equally
  • X/Y/Z: Scale along specific axis
  • Scale Origin: Any mesh edge
  • Selected by clicking
  • Uses edge center as pivot point

Tips

  • Use edges from any visible mesh, not just the selected object
  • Hold Shift for finer control over scaling
  • Ctrl-snap is useful for common scale factors (0.5, 2.0, etc.)
  • The edge center becomes the scaling pivot point
  • Numeric input is great for exact scale factors
  • You can scale multiple objects at once from the same origin
  • The scale is temporary until confirmed

Known Limitations

  • Only works in object mode
  • Requires mesh objects with visible edges
  • Numeric input limited to 3 decimal places
  • Cannot change origin edge without restarting tool
  • Edge must be part of a mesh object

See Also