Preview a smoothed mesh with OpenSubdiv

By default, smooth mesh preview uses the Subdivision Method that is set in the Modeling preferences. This setting is a global preference that affects all new and existing objects in your scene.

Tip: In the Attribute Editor, select the polyShape tab, open the Smooth Mesh panel, and then disable the Use global subdivision method option. Doing this overrides the global preference, so you can set the Subdivision Method on a per-object basis.

To preview a smoothed mesh with OpenSubdiv

1. Select the mesh you want to smooth.
2. Do one of the following:
   • Press 1 to turn off Smooth Mesh Preview.
   • Press 2 to turn on Cage + Smooth Mesh display mode.

     Maya displays the original mesh (as a wireframe cage) and the smoothed preview simultaneously, letting you select components on the either version of the mesh.

   • Press 3 to turn on Smooth Mesh display mode.

     Maya only displays the smoothed preview. When you select and edit components directly on the smoothed preview, the changes are reflected back onto the original mesh.

3. In the Attribute Editor, select the polyShape tab > Smooth Mesh > OpenSubdiv Controls.

   Adjust the OpenSubdiv Controls that appear.

4. (Optional) Convert a smooth mesh preview to polygons.

Related topics

• OpenSubdiv overview
• Smooth Mesh