How to Simplify a Mesh in Blender by Reducing Geometry, Polygon, and Vertex Count

Table of Contents

As you sculpt your model in Blender, you may come across a situation where your model has too many polygons. Therefore, you want to reduce the excess geometry in order for your model can be lighter to animate or add effects to. In this post, you will learn how to reduce the number of faces/vertices/polygons on a mesh in Blender.

Method 1: Reduce polygon count using the Limited Dissolve operator

Demonstrating how to reduce polygon count in blender using the limited dissolve operator. The. Gif shows switching to edit mode by pressing tab, selecting all vertices with the a key, pressing x to open the delete menu, choosing 'limited dissolve,' and adjusting the 'maximum angle' value to control the level of simplification.
How to reduce polygon count using the limited dissolve operator in blender
  • Select the mesh and press TAB key to switch from Object Mode to Edit Mode.
  • Press A key to select all vertices.
  • Press X key on and select ‘Limited Dissolve’ from the dropdown menu.
  • Adjust the ‘Maximum Angle’ value to get the desired result.

Method 2: Reduce polygon count using the Decimate Modifier

Blender’s Decimate Modifier tries to simplify a mesh, without losing too much detail. There are multiple modes, for finer control, but the default mode should do for most cases. You can try out the different modes and see which produces the best results for you. In this case, we are going to work with the Un-Subdivide and Planar modes

Reduce Polygon Count Using the Un-Subdivide Option in the Decimate Modifier

Demonstrating how to reduce polygon count in blender using the un-subdivide option in the decimate modifier. The. Gif shows selecting a mesh, adding the decimate modifier from the modifiers tab, choosing 'un-subdivide' mode, and increasing the 'iterations' value to lower the face count while maintaining the mesh's shape.
How to reduce polygon count using the un-subdivide option in the decimate modifier in blender
  • Select your mesh and add the Decimate Modifier from the modifiers tab.
  • Select Un-Subdivide mode.
  • Increase the number of ‘Iterations’ until you are satisfied with the Face Count and the shape of your mesh.

Reduce Polygon Count Using the Planar Option in the Decimate Modifier

Demonstrating how to reduce polygon count in blender using the planar option in the decimate modifier. The. Gif shows selecting a mesh, adding the decimate modifier from the modifiers tab, choosing 'planar' mode, and adjusting the 'angle limit' value to lower the face count while preserving the mesh's shape.
How to reduce polygon count using the planar option in the decimate modifier in blender
  • Select your mesh and add the Decimate Modifier from the modifiers tab
  • Select Planar mode
  • Play with the ‘Angle Limit‘ value until you are satisfied with the Face Count and the shape of your mesh

Share this Post

Facebook
x
LinkedIn
Reddit

Ask a Question

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Posts

We use cookies on our website to enhance your browsing experience. By continuing to browse this website you consent to the use of all essential and non-essential cookies. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.