This is not usually used on meshes which have been created by modeling carefully and economically (where all vertices and faces are necessary to correctly define the shape). But if the mesh is the result of complex modeling, sculpting and/or applied Subdivision Surface/ Multiresolution modifiers, the Decimate one can be used to reduce the polygon count for a performance increase, or simply remove unnecessary vertices and edges.

Unlike the majority of existing modifiers, this one does not allow you to visualize your changes in Edit Mode.

The modifier displays the number of remaining faces as a result of the Decimate modifier.

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