Adding Text to 3D Objects in Blender (Updated for Blender 4.x)

Adding Text to 3D Objects in Blender (Updated for Blender 4.x)

Adding text to a 3D object in Blender is a great way to personalise models for signs, plaques, branding, or decoration. Whether you’re creating assets for rendering, 3D printing, or CNC, Blender provides flexible tools to add and modify text as part of your workflow.

Step 1: Add a Text Object

  1. Open Blender and switch to the Layout workspace.
  2. Press Shift + A to open the Add menu.
  3. Select Text from the list. A flat text object will appear in your scene.

Step 2: Edit the Text Content

  1. Select the text and press Tab to enter Edit Mode.
  2. Type the text you want to display.
  3. Press Tab again to return to Object Mode.

Step 3: Adjust Font and Appearance (Optional)

  1. In the right-hand sidebar, go to the Object Data Properties tab (green “A” icon).
  2. Under the Font section, click the folder icon next to Regular to load a custom font from your system (.ttf or .otf).
  3. Use the Geometry and Paragraph settings to adjust spacing, shear, and alignment.

Tip: You can download free fonts from Google Fonts if you need more variety.

Step 4: Convert Text to Mesh (The Smart Way)

To prepare the text for editing or 3D printing, convert it to a mesh. For best results:

  1. Right-click the text object in Object Mode and choose Convert to > Mesh.
  2. Press Tab to enter Edit Mode. The text is now a set of flat faces.
  3. Press A to select all geometry, then press E to extrude and give the text depth.
💡 Pro Tip: Get Cleaner Geometry for 3D Printing

It’s better to convert your text to a mesh while it’s still flat, then extrude it manually in Edit Mode. This approach produces cleaner geometry with fewer overlapping vertices, avoids internal face artifacts, and makes it easier to apply boolean operations or export for 3D printing.

Using the built-in Extrude setting in the Text Properties before converting often results in messy, non-manifold geometry that needs extra cleanup—especially if you’re aiming for watertight prints.

Step 5: Modify or Sculpt the Mesh

  • With the mesh extruded, use Edit Mode tools to tweak shapes or apply modifiers.
  • Use the Solidify modifier if the mesh is still too thin.
  • Use Subdivision Surface or Bevel for smoother edges (optional).

Step 6: Combine Text with Other Geometry

  1. Position the text mesh against the object you want to engrave or emboss.
  2. On the target object, add a Boolean Modifier.
  3. Set the Operation to Difference (for engraving) or Union (for combining).
  4. Select the text object as the Boolean target.
  5. Apply the modifier and remove the original text mesh if no longer needed.

Step 7: Prepare for 3D Printing (Optional)

  • Ensure your mesh is manifold and watertight (no holes or non-planar faces).
  • Use Mesh > Clean Up > Merge by Distance to eliminate duplicate vertices.
  • Enable the 3D Print Toolbox Add-on in Preferences for mesh validation and export checks.

Wrapping Up

Blender’s text tools are flexible and powerful. Whether you’re designing signage, monograms, or custom branded elements for your models, clean mesh conversion and good typography control can take your designs to the next level.

If you’re incorporating Clan Crests or decorative plaques into your designs, adding 3D text is a great way to personalise your models. Give it a try and tag us with your results — we’d love to see what you’re making!

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