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Is there a tool or an easier way to remove unneeded geometry from objects? Mostly when using a "Displace" modifier, on many places there are flat surfaces where there is extra geometry on the mesh, that you would like them to be removed. At first I thought of the "Decimate" modifier, but is there a way to do it more evenly. By preserving the edge/face flow and such. Is there some feature for something like that in Blender?

  • From this

enter image description here

  • To this

enter image description here

  • Or to this (if I want the geometry to be to the very limits and worrying only about the shape)

enter image description here

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2 Answers 2

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Manual with good topology

To get the topology in your second image. Select the loops you want to delete with Alt RMB RMB, or in Wireframe mode use border select (B). Then press Delete and choose Edge Loops.

Manual with N-gons

To delete all edges and vertices on a face and just be left with a large N-gon. Select all the faces on a plane (example everything on the top); then press Delete and choose Limited Dissolve.

Modifiers

If you are less picky about topology, and want a more automatic solution Then use a Decimate modifier. For examples like your's set the Decimate modifier to Planar, then adjust the angle limit to suit your needs.

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  • $\begingroup$ Thanks. Yeah, but that's why I mentioned the "Displace" modifier. You just end up with too much of a geometry. Is there a more automated approach for something like this and maybe doing it evenly, by keeping the edge/face flow and such? $\endgroup$
    – Vladimir
    Commented Sep 5, 2014 at 10:18
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    $\begingroup$ Another manual technique I like to use is just "Dissolve" (Vertices, Edges, or Faces). It's on the x menu. But it's much more manual than the techniques listed in the answer. $\endgroup$
    – Mutant Bob
    Commented Sep 5, 2014 at 17:15
  • $\begingroup$ wow, Limited Dissolve did the trick. I love Blender! As well as people sharing their wisdom. Thanks! $\endgroup$
    – Ivan Ferrer Villa
    Commented Dec 20, 2016 at 11:44
  • $\begingroup$ Where is a Decimate modifier? $\endgroup$
    – Tomáš Zato
    Commented Dec 10, 2018 at 15:02
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I would use limited dissolve as mentioned by David, but in case you want to do this non-destructively, then you can use the Decimate modifier in Planar mode.

enter image description here

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    $\begingroup$ come on, that was crazy. I had already edited my answer with the modifier and was adding the headings when you answered it. :) $\endgroup$
    – David
    Commented Sep 5, 2014 at 1:07
  • $\begingroup$ @David lol, that's what happened to me in that licensing question. :P $\endgroup$
    – gandalf3
    Commented Sep 5, 2014 at 1:12
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    $\begingroup$ that happens a lot here. It's amusing since this could only happen a lot if answers were being provided right away to questions asked. This is easily the most well maintained Q&A sites I've encountered. Good work all y'all. $\endgroup$
    – MarcClintDion
    Commented Sep 5, 2014 at 4:29
  • $\begingroup$ "Limited dissolve" was what I was looking for after all $\endgroup$
    – pixelpax
    Commented Oct 11, 2021 at 0:58

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