Using same selection/different transformation on multiple identical objects

[theebadge]

I'd like to have 3 objects that are identical, with identical irregular selections in the same location (Pic 1).

From this selection, I want to soft transform (pic 2) at different heights (2mm, 5mm and 7mm) with each object respectively.

What is the best way to accomplish this, i.e., having the same exact selection transformed at different heights on 3 identical objects?

Thanks!

[hfcandrew · Accepted solution]

Start with just one object, make your selection, create a face group, duplicate that object 2 more times, reselect the facegroup and perform the soft transform to each object.

[theebadge]

Weird- that was the first thing I tried but for some reason it won’t make a face group for me. It just goes blank. I Not sure if I have a setting on/off that I’m not aware of. 

edit: Now I know something’s off because I can’t create a simple face group on one side of a cube for some reason. 

[hfcandrew]

You may have Facegroup colourings turned off.

File > Preferences > Mesh Colour Mode (Group Colour)

[theebadge]

Yes! That was my problem. Thanks so much