Smoothing Edges

[lilrayray77]

I am trying to smooth the edges on a model of mine so that they are not completely sharp. I tryed the edge bevel, but it is not being very forgiving. I could subdivided it a bunch of times, but that wouldnt be very logical. Does anyone have any tips on smoothing shart edges?

[liquidpope]

I do, but you won't like it...

Subdivide it.
I build 98% of my models subdivided. Lower poly count for editing, editable level of detail for rendering... what's not to love?

If you post a wire-frame, I'm sure someone can point you in the proper direction. It would help to see the actual geometry you're trying to soften, then we can show you a precise solution.

[liquidpope]

I just looked at your cell phone post from a while back.
Looks like you've already got a pretty good grip on SubD. Maybe I missed the point of your post here?
Either way I'd like to see some wires.
Have you played with Catmull-Clark mode yet? Very good stuff there.

[Sekhar]

Try Rounder with the edge(s) selected. Be sure it's in the Edges mode (settable in numeric panel).

[lilrayray77]

ok, Ill try rounder. I know how to use sub-ds and everything, but I want to keep poly counts as low as possible.

[cyatic]

Hi Guys,
I use a little plugin called "TB_Edge". I found it at this website:

http://home.att.ne.jp/omega/tabo/3dlabo/p_lwp.html

I used google to translate the website. The plugin is in english though. Actually it's a shader plugin. All I do is apply it to a model that has sharp edges. I choose how round I want the edges, render, and there it is. Below is a model of a cpu cooler. The bottom half of the cooler was sharp. I used the shader there. It works great with Lightwave 9. No need to make bevels or add extra geometry. It's free also. I beleive it's version 0.40. It's the first plugin at the webpage. How it helps you out.

Cyatic

[toby]

It saves polygons but makes the render a lot longer if I remember correctly, kind of defeats the purpose. Switch it off for a moment and see how much faster it goes -