Smooth shading
Smooth or flatten shading without adding geometry or changing the mesh silhouette.
Before you start
Return to Object Mode and select an editable mesh. Smooth shading changes how light is interpolated across faces; it does not increase mesh resolution.
Use the operation
Make a curved object shade smoothly while retaining its existing geometry.
- Select the mesh and open its object context menu.
- Choose Shade Smooth and inspect the surface from several viewing angles.
- If a corner needs a hard break, mark its edges sharp in Edit Mode. Choose Shade Flat in Object Mode to return to faceted shading.
Controls and choices
| Controls | What changes |
|---|---|
| Shade Smooth | Smooths the appearance of lighting across eligible boundaries. The silhouette keeps the same polygon edges. |
| Shade Flat | Displays each face with a distinct normal, which helps inspect faceted forms. |
| Subdivision Surface | Use subdivision when you need additional geometry and a smoother silhouette. It solves a different problem from shading. |
Try it in your scene
Compare smooth and flat shading on a low-resolution sphere. Inspect its outline to distinguish shading from geometry.
Check the result
Look for unwanted gradients on broad flat faces and hard breaks on curved areas. Correct sharp edges or normals before adding unnecessary geometry.
Practice in Show3D
Open the editor and follow the steps with your own scene.