Option to use pre Blender 4.1 auto smoothing
Currently auto smoothing is not easier to use, quite contrary, i have to do multiple extra steps to add smooth modifier. It's just more inclined towards geonode users. And since it's a modifier now, i can't just click "Apply all" because of this one particular modifier. I want an option to use old model of auto smooth, i understand it's done for better compatibility, but for those doesn't do models for other software it's just unnecessarily cumbersome.
7 Comments
I have to confess that the auto smooth option being deprecated didn't satisfy me at all. Also, it is clear that there is a lot of dissatisfaction, especially on the part of modelers, with the impracticality of this new way of working. I really hope they bring it back, because it became very annoying to auto smooth geometries now. Since the development of Blender is a big community-driven project, I also hope that the community make some noise about this -- always in the most respectful way, of course.
i'm still on blender 4. they better not have changed my precious auto smoothing!
I don't see how the new way has anything to do with interoperability with other software.
However personally I consider mesh smooth shading settings pretty much as elementary part of any mesh, so I really hate that they went to modifier based setup. I don't like it when I see this kind of useless modifier in my outliner.
Both options should exist - if someone uses Geometry Nodes and the modifier/data access is needed there, let them have the modifier, but let me have the slider and checkboxes in mesh Properties.
Also because of this is only modifier now, if I copy linked I'll receive double count of polygons...
If I had one auto smooth object with 2000 polygons and I'll copy them linked I'll still have 2000 polygons.
But now count of polygons will double every time I copy object.
This is very strange decision to remove auto smooth option on mesh tab.
I personally don't mind the new update because of the reason Blender explained. However, there are some things many don't like including myself.
The truth is you DON'T have to use the modifier. Using Smooth by Angle does give you the same effect. However, it does add the "mark sharp" to sharp edges of your objects. This may be convenient if you use sharpe edges for other purposes or you do choose to use the modifier. If you don't need sharpe edges, then don't worry about. It can stay in the mesh and not be a problem,
One thing I don't like is on some models in the asset browser you drag into viewport, the modifier is added automatically. I don't like this, I want to be able to add the modifier if I choose.
Other than that, it unnecessarily wants me to do extra steps when the modifier is added. Why don't Blender just apply the Smooth Shading when the modifier is added automatically, why make me have to go an do that task after the modifier is added. Makes no sense.
But isn't the new autosmooth the same, but just with the sharps marked? Like, it's the same right? What I am missing?
No it's not, it was removed from blender completely, It lost it's "auto". Before you could just activate it and forget about it. Now, if you've changed your mesh you have to delete all solid edges (manually), and re-apply "auto"-smooth. Basically now it works as shortcut to "select sharp edges" and mark them as sharp. It was convenient.