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Normalforge

by 3DC JAN KASPERCZYK·Workflow

Images © 3DC JAN KASPERCZYK. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

NormalForge earns its place in the Superhive library for narrowing the bevel-to-custom-normals workflow down to a single click while keeping every change reversible.

What is Normalforge?

NormalForge handles the bevel-to-custom-normals workflow that Nanite meshes need for smooth light transitions across hard edges. Nanite manages polycount but not shading, so custom normals still have to be set up before export. NormalForge does this in one click instead of by hand each time.

The add-on offers four workflows. Auto-Detect by Angle finds sharp edges using an angle threshold, adds and applies a bevel, then sets custom normals on the original faces. From Bevel Weights uses edges you've already weighted, falling back to angle detection when none exist. From Existing Bevel Modifier applies a bevel modifier already on the object and sets the normals. From Existing Geometry works on meshes already beveled, detecting bevel faces by comparing face areas and setting normals on the original larger faces without adding new geometry.

Every workflow backs up the mesh before making changes, so the result is fully reversible with the Restore button. Bevel settings including width, segments, profile, offset type, clamp overlap, loop slide, and miter patterns sit in a collapsible panel. Cleanup is handled automatically. Works with Blender 4.0 and above.

Who is Normalforge best for?

Normalforge is best for game artists and environment teams working with Nanite who need correct normals on their export meshes without repetitive manual steps.

How much does Normalforge cost?

Normalforge is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Four workflows: Auto-Detect by Angle, From Bevel Weights, From Existing Bevel Modifier, and From Existing Geometry
  • One-click setup of custom normals for the bevel-to-custom-normals workflow
  • Automatic mesh backup on every workflow, with a Restore button to return to original geometry
  • Clear Custom Normals option to remove normals without restoring geometry
  • Full control over bevel settings including width, segments, profile, offset type, clamp overlap, loop slide, and miter patterns in a collapsible panel
  • Automatic cleanup that tags bevel faces with a temporary material and removes the tags when done
  • Documentation included

Tags

#Blender#Nanite#Unreal Engine#custom normals#game assets#bevel#mesh shading#workflow

Frequently asked questions

Does NormalForge work with Blender 4.0?

NormalForge is built for Blender 4.0 and above, and follows the current Python API for modifiers, custom normals, and mesh data. Running a version in that range is what the add-on targets. If you are on an older Blender release, you will want to update before installing so the modifier, custom normals, and mesh data handling behave as intended within the four available workflows.

Does NormalForge modify or destroy my original mesh?

NormalForge does apply the bevel modifier and modify your mesh, but the process is fully reversible. Every workflow creates a backup of your original mesh before making any changes, so you can restore it at any time with one click using the Restore Original Mesh button. You can also use Clear Custom Normals to remove just the normals without restoring the geometry, giving you two separate ways to step back from a result you don't like.

Which NormalForge workflow should I use for my mesh?

NormalForge offers four workflows for different situations. For a fresh mesh headed to Nanite export, Auto-Detect by Angle or From Bevel Weights add a bevel, apply it, and set normals in one step. If your mesh already carries a bevel modifier from modeling, use From Existing Bevel Modifier. If the mesh is already beveled and finalized, From Existing Geometry detects the bevel faces and sets normals without adding any new geometry.

Does NormalForge affect my other modifiers?

NormalForge only touches the bevel modifier it creates or the one you point it at. Other modifiers such as arrays, mirrors, or subdivisions stay on the stack. The bevel modifier itself gets applied during the process. This keeps the rest of your modifier setup intact while the add-on handles the bevel-to-custom-normals steps, so you are not rebuilding a stack after running it.

Is NormalForge free to use?

NormalForge is listed as free here in the catalog. Licensing terms can change over time, so check the developer's page for the current details before you rely on it in a production pipeline. That page is also where documentation lives, which covers the four workflows, the bevel settings panel, and the backup and restore behaviour the add-on provides.

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