Set smooth - in blender - performance cost?

[chaosavy]

Hey guys, wondering if the "set smooth" option in Blender (and I'm guessing other modeling software) causes a significant performance hit (if any) versus the "set solid" option.

Any info appreciated.

thanks

[bstone]

The "set solid" option requires duplicated vertices and normals so it eats more memory but performance should be equal on any modern hardware.

[duststorm]

If anything "set smooth" improves the speed
As bstone mentioned, it makes neighbour triangles share the same vertices (as opposed to flat shaded which has 3 vertices for each triangle). So the data needed for your model will decrease with smoothing applied. (and smoohing is generally what you need for 90% of your models I presume)

Don't confuse "set smooth" with subdivision modifiers, though. Those actually add extra faces (at least when you apply them to the mesh before exporting).

[chaosavy]

Thanks! Now I have to set smooth everything

[duststorm]

Just go for what looks best, since there really is no difference in performance. I think with blender you can also set some edges sharp and others smooth, if that is what you want.

[Demarii]

A good page on model optimization you might find interesting.

http://dungeonhack.sourceforge.net/Model_Optimization

It also links to the Vegastrike wiki with some good practices on creating nice bevels and welds.

[duststorm]

Indeed very good tips.
- Checking for wrong facing faces
- Finding and fixing non-manifold vertices
- Using sharp edge modifier
- avoiding intersecting triangles

All very recommendable

[Waruck]

Has anyone testet whether the sharp-edge modifier works with the Blender2Ogre exporter?
From a quick search in the script it looks like it only checks the whole faces whether they are set to soft so i guess if this is supported in any way you have to apply the modifier to the mesh but I'm not sure this works at all.

Guess I'll but it on my to-do list for summer vacation.

[duststorm]

Good point. I don't think I've tested it.

[bstone]

I believe it works because I certainly used it for some models and I don't remember any visual difference when displaying the resulting .mesh in the game.