Hi, I'm working on my first model which is coming along quite well. I noticed the smoothing groups section and as I havent needed that function so far, I want to know what they are? Do i have to assin parts of my model to smoothing groups?

Try this link, it has all the info you seek...:)

http://articles.thewavelength.net/index.php?site=article&id=171

Smoothing groups are for hiding the edges of the triangles. Each smoothing group will be smoothed together as long as the triangles have common edges. With proper smoothing groups you can make flat surfaces look flat and round surfaces round without using an insane amount of polygons.

Without smoothing groups:

Every triangle has #1 smoothing group

Proper smoothing groups assigned:

I never could figure out proper smoothing groups. Prolly why my models look like ass. :p

I couldn't either. Too bad 3dsmax --> .3ds --> milkshape = unwelds vertices thus messing up the smoothing... but thats easily fixed with weld vertices :) as long as u dont weld moving parts together D:

Here is a refrence pic that i've put together, that may also help members understand about smoothing groups.

Ref pic : Smoothing groups (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/scitzo/Smoothgroups.gif)

RIGHT!

AHA

thats gonna fix a bunch of probs i have with milkshape TYVM!