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Set Smooth Group

by VIktor-Kom·Modeling

Images © VIktor-Kom. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Stands out in the blender_extensions library for condensing the smooth-and-sharp step into a single hotkey-driven operation, with a 1.1.0 panel that adds tris-to-quads and custom-normal toggles.

What is Set Smooth Group?

Set Smooth Group handles a common modeling task in Blender: applying smooth shading to selected faces while marking their boundary edges as sharp. After the operation runs, the add-on restores the face selection you started with. The approach mirrors a workflow familiar to users of 3Ds Max, reducing the number of steps needed to define smooth and sharp regions on a model.

The tool lives under Mesh > Normals and can be triggered with the Alt+G hotkey (Option+G on Mac). Version 1.1.0 adds an adjust-last-operation panel with three configurable toggles: Set Hard Edge Group controls the basic smooth group method and is enabled by default, Convert Tris to Quads converts triangles to quads after the operation, and Set From Faces applies custom normals from the selected faces. The toggles can be used on their own or together, and settings carry over between calls.

Set Smooth Group is written for Blender 4.2 LTS and newer, and is distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. A demo video is available on the developer's page.

Who is Set Smooth Group best for?

Set Smooth Group is best for blender modelers defining smooth and sharp regions on selected faces using a 3Ds Max-style smooth group workflow.

How much does Set Smooth Group cost?

Set Smooth Group is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Applies smooth shading to selected faces and marks boundary edges as sharp
  • Restores the original face selection after the operation runs
  • Integrates under Mesh > Normals with an Alt+G hotkey (Option+G on Mac)
  • Adjust-last-operation panel with a Set Hard Edge Group toggle, enabled by default
  • Convert Tris to Quads toggle turns triangles into quads after the operation
  • Set From Faces toggle applies custom normals from the selected faces
  • Toggles work independently or together, with settings preserved between calls

Tags

#Blender#smooth groups#sharp edges#normals#shading#modeling#hard edges

Frequently asked questions

Does Set Smooth Group work with Blender 4.2?

Set Smooth Group is built for Blender 4.2 LTS and newer, so it runs on current LTS releases and later versions. It adds its operator under Mesh > Normals in Edit Mode, where you select faces and apply the smooth group. The add-on also assigns an Alt+G hotkey, or Option+G on Mac, for quick access. If you are on an older Blender build, check the developer's GitHub page for details on earlier compatibility.

What hotkey does Set Smooth Group use?

Set Smooth Group assigns Alt+G for quick access, or Option+G on Mac. You can also reach it through the menu under Mesh > Normals while in Edit Mode. Select the faces you want to smooth, then run the operator to apply smooth shading and mark boundary edges as sharp. After the operation, the add-on restores your face selection so you can continue from where you left off.

What does the Set Smooth Group 1.1.0 adjust-last-operation panel do?

Set Smooth Group 1.1.0 adds an adjust-last-operation panel with three toggles. Set Hard Edge Group controls the basic smooth group method and is on by default. Convert Tris to Quads turns triangles into quads after the operation. Set From Faces applies custom normals from the selected faces. Each toggle works on its own or in combination with the others, and the settings are preserved between calls.

Is Set Smooth Group free, and what license does it use?

Set Smooth Group is listed as free in this catalog and is distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. The extension does not require special permissions to run. For the current license terms, source code, and any updates, check the developer's GitHub page, where the project is maintained by Viktor Kom. A demo video is also available.

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