Max Smoothing Groups
Does this export correctly to other software and game engines?
Yes, the normal data generated by these smoothing groups exports seamlessly via standard formats like FBX or OBJ. This ensures your hard and soft edges are perfectly preserved when baking high-to-low poly models in software like Marmoset Toolbag, or when texturing in Substance Painter.
How is this different from Blender's default Auto Smooth?
Auto Smooth relies on a global angle threshold or manually tagging individual edges as "Sharp". Face Smoothing Groups gives you deliberate, localized control by grouping faces together, matching the rapid hard-surface workflows found in classic modeling packages.