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When do you use the edge split modifier?
The edge split modifier can be used with smooth shading, so that not every face is smooth. For example, on a cylinder the flat parts on the ends shouldn’t have smooth shading, but the sides should. The edge split modifier can help achieve this effect without having to subdivide anything, so long as you use smooth shading.
How do you split an edge in a blender?
The edges to split can be determined from the edge angle (i.e. angle between faces forming that edge), and/or edges marked as sharp. Splitting an edge affects vertex normal generation at that edge, making the edge appear sharp.
What happens when shading is done without edge split?
Without edge split, any smooth shading will go right over the edge – and vertex paint needs to be continuous. Edge split creates duplicate vertices and lets the faces be independent.
When do you need to use edge split?
If you have 2 faces that are joined by a common edge, applying “edge split” to that shared edge will actually separate the two faces by giving each one its own version of the previously shared edge. Without edge split, any smooth shading will go right over the edge – and vertex paint needs to be continuous.
What’s the difference between auto smooth and Edge split?
It’s really just a simplistic version of the modifier, and is technically easier to use, but really doesn’t offer many benefits over the Edge Split modifier. With the Edge Split Modifier we get a result similar to Auto Smooth with the ability to choose which edges should be split, based on angle – those marked as sharp.
What can edge split be used for in Blender?
It can also be used for manual control of the smoothing process, where the user defines which edges should appear smooth or sharp (see Mesh Smoothing for other ways to do this). If desired, both modes can be active at once.