How do you preserve hard edges while smoothing in Maya?

Screamheart

I simply want to smooth a model while maintaining hard edges where I choose. I can jimmy rig this by adding extra edge loops near edges, but that tends to mess up my topology and doesn't achieve clean results. I like to model in low poly, then export a subdivided mesh to ZBrush where I add detail. But if the smoothing changes the shape too much, I can't bake the high poly with the low poly without additional work. Not to mention it looks bad. Here's and example model I would like to preserve some hard edges on. I'd really love to be able to designate just how hard I want each edge to be, then smooth to my exact specifications.. I'm almost ready to change software because this has been a nightmare.


I want it to look like this, but with slightly smoothed edges. The best results I've had was with a bevel on the edges before smoothing, but I feel like there must be a better way.

Obscura

Look up "subdivision modeling". Basically you put support loops where you want the edges to stay sharper. The closer they are to the supported edge, the sharper it will be. There is also some crease functionality in Zbrush.

GlowingPotato

In maya, you can crease the edges you want and send it to zbrush using FBX, it will preserve creased edges while you subdivide.