Blender Smoothing How-To

This page explains how to smooth your 3D models.

Basics

• Select your faces
• Set faces Smooth: W → "Set Smooth"
• Set faces Solid: S → "Set Solid"

Smoothing in Groups

If you have a more complex model, you probably have to use the EdgeSplit modifier. This modifier allows you to define which edges should appear smooth or sharp.

• Smooth the whole model in Edit Mode (or at least the region of the parts that should be smooth) Select the faces. Press W → "Set Smooth"
• F9 → "Modifiers" Panel → "Add Modifier" → "EdgeSplit"
• Now you can either specify an angle as a threshold or choose "From marked as Sharp". Sharp edges can be specified by selecting the edge in edit mode and choosing Ctrl + E → 'Mark Sharp'. CTRL+E → "Clear Sharp" makes them smooth again.

Note: Do not apply this modifier to the mesh. It will split the model into several small parts and will break your texture coordinates. Exporting to OBJ works fine without applying it.

More Information: ​http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Manual/EdgeSplit_Modifier