Render Properties -> Simplify -> Normals

Question

I'm using version 5.0. Hey, around 4:11 of the video it demonstrates a way to increase performance by disabling custom normals. Nothing happens to the model visually when I check the Normals checkbox. Anyone experience the same or know why? Thank you

Answer 1 · 2026-07-20T18:30:01Z

Martin Bergwerf replied July 20, 2026 6:30pm

Hi Jesse,

Yes, you're right! That looks like a bug to me; the Normals checkbox doesn't seem to have any effect anymore (not even in 5.2 or 5.3).

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Answer 2 · 2026-07-20T18:43:26Z

replied July 20, 2026 6:43pm

Good to know it's not just me! Sad to know it's not just me haha.
I should probably report it.

👍

1 love

Answer 3 · 2026-07-20T19:03:44Z

Martin Bergwerf replied July 20, 2026 7:03pm

Yes, that would be a good idea!

And seeing that it's been around since 5.0, it has most likely not been reported yet.

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Answer 4 · 2026-07-21T06:32:14Z

replied July 21, 2026 6:32am

I got a response for the bug report quite quickly.
Autosmooth modifier doesn't create custom normals, so checking the "Normals" in Simplify-Viewport isn't going to do anything. It was functioning just fine ^.^'

Perhaps something changed from 4.5 that caused the file to lose whatever custom normals it was supposed to have? Probably something I don't need to go down the rabbit hole for.

I knew immediately what to try next after the response from Blender.
In the Object Data Properties, under Geometry Data I checked for custom normals and there weren't any. I clicked "+ Add Custom Normals Data" and boom.
Checking "Normals" in Render Properties -> Simplify -> Viewport works now.

:]

👍

2 loves

Answer 5 · 2026-07-21T16:25:42Z

Martin Bergwerf replied July 21, 2026 4:25pm

Oops, I must have messed up my testing...

Glad it isn't broken though!

Thanks for reporting back, Jesse!

2 loves