How to render objects in smooth mode in Maya

Question

There is smooth mode (3 on keyboard if I'm correct) to show objects 'smooth' in the viewport, but when I render it, there is no smoothing.

What should I do in order to get a smooth render?

I've tried to look for tools for smoothing, but was unable to find anything. In 3ds max I could achieve it by applying the modifier Turbosmooth.

Answer 1

I'm going to assume you're using V-Ray. It's the most popular renderer that doesn't by default inherit from the smooth mesh settings.

1. So, you've made a cube, and pressed 3 to smooth it:

   

2. When you render, it isn't smooothed:

   

3. You have two options.

   • Enable subdivision on the shape (attribute editor for the shape node):
   • Globally tell V-Ray to render based on the viewport subdivision (render settings):

4. Either option will smooth your render:

   

Answer 2

Or you can apply a Modify > Convert > Smooth Mesh Preview to Polygons on your mesh. It will then render properly on all renderers... but you'll lose the ability to further modify your object using smooth mesh.

Answer 3

You need to create a subdivision approximation in mental ray and have smooth mesh preview on:

1. Go to windows rendering editors > mental ray > approximation editor.
2. There is a subdivision rollout in the approximation editor.
3. Under the subdivision rollout hit the create button.
4. Make sure smooth preview mesh is on in the attribute editor.
5. Render