bevel shader

Can someone explain in more detail the difference between a normal bevel in the modeling phase vs a shading bevel and when is best to use them or use both most of the time in projects as they have similar names. I heard that a lot of objects should have a slight bevel as there are not many actual sharp edges in real life compared to rounded. I do see a difference on the device with a bevel shader added but I am not sure how it differs from a normal bevel in modeling if that makes since. Also saw the tip that it can slow down renders but I guess that's with a lot of touch ups added to a project. 

  • Martin Bergwerf replied

    Hi Brandon,

    The modeled Bevel uses more Vertices, but looks better, the Shader version is faking the roundness of Edges, a bit like Shade Smooth:

    Shader_Bevel.png

    The sihouette doesn't change, when using the Shader Bevel.

    There are situations, where modeled Beveling becomes quite a challenge and, if you're not getting too close to the model, using the Shader Bevel might save you some headaches (simple example):

    er_Bevel_example.png



  • Adrian Bellworthy replied

    I personally use the bevel modifier almost all the time instead of adding extra geometry, and I'm not a great fan of the bevel shader node because it is noticeably fake most of the time.

  • Omar Domenech replied

    I agree. I don't use bevel in the shader, it's messy and it just bogs down your scene. I'd go with the real geometry bevel 99.99% of the time.

  • Brandon (Brandon123) replied

    okay thanks for the advice, will keep it in mind!