Learn how to effectively reduce the polygon count of your 3D models in Blender. This process, often called decimation, is crucial for optimizing performance in games, animations, and real-time applications.
In Object Mode, left-click to select the high-polygon model you want to simplify.
Navigate to the Properties panel on the right side of the interface and click the blue wrench icon to open the Modifier Properties tab.
Click the Add Modifier dropdown menu and select Decimate from the 'Generate' column.
In the Decimate modifier settings, ensure the mode is set to Collapse. Drag the Ratio slider to a value less than 1.0. A ratio of 0.5 will reduce the polygon count by half. You can see the new 'Face Count' update in real-time.
Once you are satisfied with the reduction, click the dropdown arrow next to the modifier's name and select Apply. This makes the change permanent. You can also press Ctrl + A while hovering over the modifier.
Tips for Effective Polygon Reduction
Applying a Decimate modifier is a destructive action. Always save a copy of your original high-poly model before applying the modifier.
Switch to Wireframe view (Z > Wireframe) to visually inspect how the modifier is affecting your model's topology as you adjust the ratio.
The Decimate modifier has two other modes. Un-Subdivide is great for reversing a Subdivision Surface modifier, and Planar is useful for simplifying flat surfaces.
For characters or models that need to deform cleanly for animation, manual retopology will produce much better results than the Decimate modifier.
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