Mark/Clear Sharp
Access:
Keyboard shortcut:
CTRL + E-KEY > Mark Sharp
CTRL + E-KEY > Clear Sharp
Mode:
3D Editor: Edit Mode
Panel:
None
Menu:
Mesh > Edges > Mark/Clear Sharp
Description:
The Mark/Clear Sharp Tool is used in combination with the Edge Split Modifier. It
allows you to mark edges that you want to remain sharp when you smooth a
mesh. Edges when marked Sharp turn turquoise.
To Use the Tool:
Setup
• Switch to the 3D Editor’s Edit Mode and Edge Selection Mode.
• Select (RMB) the edge to be marked.
• Press CTRL + E-KEY > select Mark Sharp.
(The marked edges will turn turquoise.)
Let’s Try It:
Setup
• Open Blender and switch to the 3D Editor’s Edit Mode and
Edge Selection Mode.
• Select the Default Cube and delete it (X-KEY > Delete).
• Press SHIFT + C-KEY to place the cursor at the origin
(intersection of the axes).
• Press Add > Cylinder.
• Enlarge (NumPad-+-KEY) so you can see the cylinder
shape better.
End of Setup
• Select (ALT/OPT + RMB) the top ring of edges.
• Press CTRL + E-KEY > select Mark Sharp.
The marked edges will turn turquoise.
If you a game, Let's smooth the cylinder:
• In the Properties Editor, LMB click on the Modifier Icon (a wrench).
• LMB click on Add Modifier and under Generate select Edge Split.
• In the 3D Editor switch to Object Mode.
• Select the cylinder (A-KEY).
• In the Tool Shelf under the Tools Tab select Shading > Smooth.
Try it again, but this time don’t mark the seams so you can see
the difference.
Additional Comments:
This is a very useful tool for determining which seams in a mesh you want to
remain sharp when the mesh is smoothed.
For More Information:
Blender Reference Manual, Edges
