modeling cube into cylinder

Question

I am new to blender and currently trying to learn modeling techniques. I would like to change a square into cylinder. From what I've read the easiest way would be to use the array modifier and warp it around a bezier circle and then extrude that object. But I was wondering if there are any tutorials on how to do this using only transforms and only a few subdivides....To be specific, I'm trying to make a pillar object from a cube

Answer 1

I took the liberty to simplify the provided answers.

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Leon Cheung-method:

Bevel Ctrl+B edges and use Clamp Overlap C while beveling.

Example:

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stacker-method:

Enable LoopTools Addon that comes with Blender.

Then, use: W > LoopTools > Circle - Even though sometimes you need to manually adjust some angles.

Example:

Answer 2

Method 1

Starting with a scaled default cube you could add a loop cuts along all axis' Ctrl-R like so:

Then select the middle loop cut ans scale it S

Open the specials menu W and select LoopTools/Circle Note that the Looptools must be enabled in the User Preferences / Addon

Result with a Subsurf Modifier added:

Method 2

(Suggested by Leon Cheung) Select the edges of the scaled cube like so:

Press Ctrl-B for Bevel adjust the radius by moving the mouse and add cuts by turning the mouse wheel.

Result after adding and scaling a loop cut around z-axis and sub-surfing:

Answer 3

Here's how I would go to create a cylinder:

Here's my cube;

I add a Subdivision Surface modifier. (change the number of divisions based on how smooth you want your cylinder to look.

Here is what the cube now looks like.

Hit Tab to go into edit mode and select the top and bottom faces (edge select)

Hit N to open the properties window. look for the Mean Crease option under Transform. Set it all the way up (1.00).

Here's what it'll look like.

Just Tab out of edit made and you've got a wonderful cylinder. (apply the subdivision surface if needed.)