3D Studio's Max Smoothing Groups Tutorial

This video focuses on the much mis-understood smoothing groups in 3D Studio's Max. A firm understanding of smoothing groups separates the n00bs from the pro's. This tutorial also covers the relationship between smoothing groups and mesh smoothing. A must watch for any new modeler wanting to truly get to that next level!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• 3D
• Studio
• max
• smoothing
• groups
• tutorial
• mesh
• gibbage

[aytches]

I like hearing the mouse clicks. It's relaxing. Lol. Question: This is a standard modeling thing? I can do this is maya?

[gibbage1]

@aytches

I dont know much about Maya, but Smoothing Groups is NOT a standard thing. Most modeling programs like Zbrush and Mudbox require you to have a seperate object in order to have a brake in the surface. Its VERY fustrating to try and import an object from Max with smoothing groups into Zbrush since it deletes the smoothing groups. Most game engines use Max so they accept smoothing groups thankfully.

[AbbasGirl17]

do smoothing groups allow you to change how much to smooth the polys like iterations in turbo/meshsmooth?

if so, how?

[gibbage1]

@AbbasGirl17

Smoothing groups is only visual, and wont change the model at all. To make an object more smooth, you need to add polygons to it, via something like Mesh Smooth or Turbo Smooth. I may do a tutorial on this tool, as it is easy to use, but a few tricks will help you master it.

[lucas199400]

So, if i understand right..

Smoothing group 1 has the same "smoothyniss"

as smoothing group 32? Or am  i wrong?

Please respond,

Thanks in advance

[gibbage1]

@lucas199400

No. Smoothing groups only connect to the same number. If two polygons have differant numbers, they wont smooth between them.

[tobytobetobe]

amazing thank you

[x900lbGorillax1]

@Xyfi1, ah ok got ya, thanks man!

[Xyfi1]

@x900lbGorillax1 Smoothing does not increase the number of poligons, the only thing it does is make the object appear smooth. Smoothing does increase the rendertime slightly, but not nearly as much as increasing the amount of polygons does.

[Xyfi1]

Exactly the tut I was looking for!

[x900lbGorillax1]

Is smoothing groups adding geometry or not? I can't tell. In Maya when I do keys 2 or 3 it smooths my mesh adding geometry. Also you can use the clean up tool to convert your lower polygon model over say one subdivision higher adding geometry but giving you a nice smooth mesh instead of blocking look to it. I don't know if there is a difference here or not so that's why I'm wondering. Thanks for the tutorial!

[BledsoeBluvd]

good vid

[wrh73]

excellent tutorial; the wing-example really clarifies things

[feralferret]

Got a question. If using smoothing groups is only visual and doesn't change the geometry (the edges within polygons), what is the point of it?

Does it affect final renders, as well as the preview windows? If so, how can it, if the geometry hasn't been changed?

[djwave28]

Thanks man... I can see what is happening, but didn't get the magic. But the comments had just the right add-on and it all sinks in.

Great.. !!!!!

[Tutovillage]

Nice tut