How to Maintain Sharp Edges When Using Subdivision Surface Modifier in Blender

How can I use the subdivision surface modifier to create higher poly meshes without ruining sharp edges? This is a question asked by most beginner sculpting artists using Blender.

In this post, you will learn a few tricks you can use to maintain sharp edges while using subdivision surface in Blender.

Here is an example of a mesh with a Subdivision Surface Modifier with the edge distorted

In the above image, the sphere should be subdivided but the rim of the cylinder should stay the same because it is a sharp edge. However, after the subdivision surface, the edge is distorted.

Tricks you can use to maintain sharp edges on a mesh even when you apply subdivision surface in Blender

Below are some tricks you can use to maintain sharp edges on a mesh even when you apply a subdivision surface in Blender.

Method 1:  Add supporting geometry (Loop cuts Ctrl + R or beveling Ctrl + B both work well)

• Add the subsurf modifier and set the levels to your liking
• Add loop cuts to areas you want to maintain sharp edges

Method 2: Use Creases (Shift + E)

Weighted edge creases for subdivision surfaces allow you to change the way Subsurf subdivides the geometry to give the edges a smooth or sharp appearance.

The crease weight of selected edges can be changed using Transform Properties (N) and change the Median Transform slider. A higher value makes the edge stronger and more resistant to subsurf. Another way to remember it is that the weight refers to the edge’s sharpness. Edges with a higher weight will be deformed less by subsurf. Recall that the subsurfed shape is a product of all intersecting edges, so to make the edges of an area sharper, you have to increase the weight of all the surrounding edges.

Creases tend to produce a sharp, hard edge which tends to look less realistic (and also tends to require an Edge Split modifier if used with smooth shading), while supporting geometry tends to give a subtly rounded edge that looks more realistic and does not require an edge split modifier. However, using supporting edge loops also tends to add a lot of extra geometry.

Method 3: Add a Bevel Modifier before a Subdivision Surface Modifier in the modifier stack

• Add a Bevel Modifier
• Add a Subdivision Surface Modifier
• Set the desired number of levels on the Subdivision Surface Modifier
• Go back to the Bevel Modifier and play with Amount and Segment settings until you get the sharp edge you desire

Method 4: Use an Edge Split Modifier

• Add an Edge Split Modifier
• Add a Subdivision Surface Modifier
• Set the desired number of levels on the Subdivision Surface Modifier
• Go back to the Edge Split Modifier and play with Edge Angle and Sharp Edge settings until you get the sharp edge you desire