Maya 2027 introduces Smart Bevel so you can achieve cleaner and more intricate bevels effortlessly.
How Smart Bevel works
Smart Bevel affects a series of edges and travels outward along the surface in both directions. Smart Bevel follows the mesh shape instead of the underlying topology - you control the distance. The region between the two distances becomes a continuous transition, which conforms to the existing model form.
Differences from traditional bevel
Traditional bevel tools are limited by existing edges. Smart Bevel adapts to curvature and flow and is not constrained by messy topology or uneven edge spacing. It produces clean results on complex meshes and more predictable results on irregular ones.
Traditional bevel (left) compared to Smart Bevel (right)
Use after Boolean operations
Smart Bevel works well after Boolean operations, which create intersecting meshes. Intersecting meshes often create dense and uneven geometry that can be difficult to bevel cleanly. Smart Bevel generates a more predictable blend at Boolean intersections and helps you achieve smooth transitions. This reduces the need for manual cleanup.
Related documentation
For more information, see the Smart Bevel node, options, and step-by-step guide.