Modern gaming has attained great heights in delivering breathtakingly realistic environments with multiple objects and characters. While all of them function at different distances to the viewpoint, few actually add something to the scene. 

Nevertheless, an engine has to process and render all of the objects. It’s exactly when LOD comes into play to ensure fast rendering. But that’s not it.

Today you’re going to learn everything you need to know about what is LOD and why you need it in game and character modeling.

What is LOD?

LOD or the level of detail is the method of reducing the number of polygons in 3D objects based on their distance to the viewer or camera. Modelers use it to reduce the workload on the CPU or the graphics card and increase the efficiency of rendering. 

Correspondingly, there are various levels of detail groups created for each piece of the game scenery. Each of them has a different polygon count and belongs to a group, where the LOD0 group is a fully detailed model and LOD1, LOD2 一 have a lower level of detail, and so on. 

It can range from several thousand triangles in a polygon mesh on the most detailed object and barely a hundred on the least detailed version of the model. 

If you’re wondering whether it influences players’ experience 一 the answer is yes and no. 

The reduced visual quality of the model is rarely paid attention to since objects are distant or moving fast. However, rendering time is significantly improved which doesn’t go unnoticed.

While it seems like a one-size-fits-all solution, you still can’t apply it to all games. 

Note: don’t use LOD on very simple objects with a lot of triangles or games with static camera view. In these cases, mesh optimization is handled differently.

LOD Parameters

Different objects are located at different distances to the viewer during the game. So, distance solely is not a valid factor for defining the level of detail for each object, character and scenery. 

There other some other metrics to consider too:

• Object features ー real-world objects and their elements you have to include
• The complexity of the features ー minimum size of the real-world features and the complexity of their geometry
• Semantics ー spatial-semantic coherence
• Dimensions ー geometry dimension of each feature
• Texture ー the level of quality required for each feature if you need to texture an object

Once you define these, you need to choose which technique to use to create LOD for your object.

Level of Detail Management Techniques

LOD helps to deliver adequate visual quality while avoiding unnecessary computation with the help of the algorithm. However, modern approaches are tailored to the rendered information which is far from what the original algorithm was prone to do. 

Based on the situation there are 2 main methods.

Discrete Levels of Detail (DLOD)

Utilizing the discrete method, you create multiple discrete or distinct versions of the object with a different level of detail. To obtain all of them you need an external algorithm used in various polygon reduction techniques.

During rendering, those versions of the objects with a higher level of detail are substituted for the objects with a lower level of detail and vice versa. It causes a visual popping during the transition which you should at all times.

Continuous Levels of Detail (CLOD)

A continuous level of detail method is best suited for performance-intensive applications and moving objects. It allows you to vary the detail locally. As a result, you can present one side of the object closer to the viewer with more detail and the other side with a reduced level of detail. 

It is possible because of the structure used in the method where the spectrum of detail continuously varies. CLOD enables you to choose the level of detail appropriate for certain situations. Because of the few involved operations, this method provides both lower CPU and faster performance.

Optimize the Level of LOD for a 3D Object

When you start creating polygon meshes, the first question that pops up in your head is ー what is the reasonable number of LOD?

It may sound simple, but it is the second important thing to know after you learn what is LOD. 

And here is why.

If you reduce just a few vertices in a polygon mesh there won’t be any significant performance improvement. All versions of the object will be rendered almost the same. Then, if you reduce the polygons too much, the LOD switching will be too noticeable. 

Pro tip: use an unwritten rule of reducing the number of polygons by 50% for each object of the group (LOD1, LOD2, LOD3, etc), but still tailor it to the size and importance of an object.

Besides, LOD meshes cost you memory and CPU workload. So, too many of them will require much processing and increase the file size. Keep that in mind.

How to Create LOD Meshes?

With all of the fancy 3D modeling software and modifiers they come with, it shouldn’t be hard for you to create LOD meshes for your game objects. 

Still, you can do this both manually and automatically. 

Manually 

When you create a level of detail manually all you need to do is just remove some number of vertices of a 3D object and the loops of polygons. You can also switch off the smooth for your LODs.

While you do this within the software it still requires a lot of time. So, you might be better off automating this process.

Automatically

With the automatic option, conversely, you have much more options. You can use the modifier inside the 3D software we’ve just mentioned. The most popular are ProOptimizer for 3DSMax or Generate LOD Meshes in Maya. 

If you like, you can go with a separate LOD generation software like Simplygon or explore the built-in LOD generation features some game engines provide (e.g. Unreal Engine 4). 

In any case, when you create LOD meshes automatically you simply need to specify the models in the LOD numbers and the distance from the camera each of them stands for.

Note: when working with automatic tools keep the backups of your work and do proper testing to ensure they don’t damage the UVs of your model.

The level of detail is a must for high-end games since it influences viewers’ experience and the rendering time of the whole setting. As soon as you start getting into it and learn how to 3D model, creating LOD seems like a breeze. Especially with all the details you’ve learned today. 

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A polygon mesh is a word used in 3D modeling so often, its meaning has almost faded away. So, if you want to learn what is 3D modeling, you have to delve into the polygon mesh concept too. 

In this short guide, we’ll shed some light on its basic components, and the process in general to give you a better idea of a polygon mesh.

What is Polygon Mesh?

A polygon mesh is the collection of vertices, edges, and faces used to define the shape and the contour of the 3D object. It is the oldest form of geometry representation used in computer graphics to create objects in 3D space. 

The idea behind it is simple. Polygon stands for the “planar” shape made out of connecting virtual points. But polygon mesh is far more than that. 

So, let’s get into more detail here.

Polygon Mesh: Elements

Though the concept of the polygon mesh is a little blurry, it all comes to be simple once you study the geometry behind it.

These are the elements of a polygon mesh:

• Vertices 一 points in 3D space that comprise a face and store the x, y, and z coordinates information.
• Edges 一 lines that connect two vertices.
• Faces 一 closed set of edges where three-edged face forms a triangle mesh and a four-edged face 一 a quad. Faces contain surface information used for lighting and shadows.
• Polygons 一 a set of faces (usually when you have more than four connected vertices).
• Surfaces 一 groups of connected polygons that define different elements of the mesh.

Note: usually you want the number of vertices that make up a face to be in the same plane. However, if you have more than three vertices, polygons can be either concave or convex.

Except for all the elements we’ve already discussed, it’s important to mention the UV coordinates too, since most meshes support them. UV coordinates comprise the 2D representation of a 3D object to define how the texture is applied to it while UV mapping.

Though polygon mesh finds application through a variety of techniques, it is not the ultimate solution. There still are objects that you can’t create with the mesh representations. 

It can’t cover curved surfaces and organic objects generally. Not speaking about liquids, hair, and other creased objects which are hard to create with the basic polygon mesh.

Construction Of Polygonal Meshes

Before we get into more details of the polygon mesh creation process, we’d like to cover the most common tools you use for constructing them. 

Though you could create a polygon mesh manually by defining all the vertices and faces, the more common way is to use specific tools.

Subdivision

The Subdivision tool, as the name implies, splits edges and faces into smaller pieces by adding new vertices and faces. The old vertices and edges define the position of the new faces. However, it may alter the old vertices connected in the process.

e.g. You can subdivide a square face into four smaller squares by adding one vertex at the center and each side of a square. 

Generally, subdivision produces a much dense mesh with more polygonal faces and has practically no limit. It can continue infinitely many times until you create a more refined mesh.

Extrusion

In this method, the outline of the entire object is traced from the 2D image or drawing and extruded into 3D. Extrusion tool applied to a face or a group of faces to create a new face of the same size and shape.  

In other words, modelers create half of the object, duplicate the vertices, invert their location in relation to some plane and connect two parts. It is very common in modeling faces and heads to reach more symmetrical forms.

Conjunction

The last but not least method of creating polygon mesh is connecting different primitives 一 predefined polygonal meshes provided by most 3D modeling software. They include cylinders, cubes, pyramids, squares, discs, and triangles.

Now let’s walk you through the process of creating a polygonal mesh.

How Do You Create a Polygon Mesh?

Whether it is a video game, 3D product, or cartoon character you’re modeling, it all starts from a mesh. That’s why all of the most popular 3D modeling software, like Maya, 3d Max, and Blender, provide you tools for creating, texturing, rendering, and animating 3D polygon meshes.

Creating polygon mesh usually starts from drawing the basic shapes of the future object from different angles. At least front, and side views. 

The actual modeling process starts from creating a low poly model to define the general forms of the object. To add on details to your input mesh, you move it into a high poly modeling stage and increase the number of polygons with any construction tool you like.

Note: higher number of polygons makes your model resource-heavy and hard to process on applications with small computational power. Keep that in mind while creating your model.

Once modelers reach the intended level of detail with the polygon mesh, they texture the object to make it more real-like. However, adding basic color doesn’t cover it. 

To make a model look like a variety of surfaces and even apply each plane a unique texture, 3D modelers map places of the mesh on an image. That’s exactly when UV coordinates come into play. 

And that covers it. 

That’s the final step for your polygon mesh, but not your model. If you want to animate your object, it also has to go through the rigging and any other part of the 3D animation pipeline. 

To see how this all works in action, check this awesome guide: 

Is Polygon Mesh a Must?

Once you read through the article, you’ll know the answer to this question. It is the basis of 3D since almost all modeling techniques use it. That draws a conclusion that you can’t really learn how to 3D model without learning about what a polygon mesh represents first. 

At least now you know more about its basic elements. All you need next is to leverage that knowledge and dive into modeling.

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Creating high-end 3D models with an exceptional level of detail and varied complexity is how you could describe digital sculpting in one sentence. It is one of the best technologies to use for creating detailed organic models with lower polygon count and faster rendering.

Though digital sculpting often gets less attention than 3D modeling, it has a lot to bring to the table. That’s why almost all the best 3D modeling software provides sculpting tools for better workflow. 

Today, you’ll learn about the benefits of digital sculpting and where you could apply it.

What is Digital Sculpting?

Digital sculpting, also known as 3D sculpting, is a process of creating a detailed 3D object by pushing, pulling, smoothing, and pinching the material called digitized clay. 

Digital sculpting does exactly what the name implies ーit takes real-life sculpting to the digital level. The 3D sculptor uses the clay to manipulate the shape until the final forms start to come up, just like a real sculptor but in the digital environment. 

Artists use complicated calculations and various virtual tools and materials to make polygon mesh act like real clay. Besides, depending on the complexity of the model, digital sculpting can take hours or hundreds of hours. But the final result is always worth it.

And the process is not that complicated. 

What is the Process?

Digital sculpting is very much like real-life sculpting since it is also a multi-layer process of dividing a model into blocks. It all starts with the formless mesh and a basic silhouette of a future object. However, it could be either a basic model created with the 3D modeling software or a simple shape.

Then digital sculptor starts to tweak the geometry of the object with a digital brush to twist, carve, and stretch the mesh until the basic form is achieved. At this stage, the artist can remove some layers or create a more meticulous mesh.

The most popular brushes to use here are:

• Smooth brush 一 to turn rough surfaces smooth
• Curve brush 一 to create indentations and curves
• Groom brush 一 to modify fiber-based objects
• Clip brush 一 to cut away materials
• Curve bridge brush 一 to meld bridges between curves

The next step in a digital sculpting process is to subdivide the geometry to achieve more details. 

The subdivision continues until the digital sculptor reaches the desired level of detail. 

Note: 3D sculpting used a lot of computer resources, so the process will get slower and require more power to process with each layer.

Texturing is the final step in digital sculpting where the sculptor applies texture maps to add minor details to the final object and get a more realistic output.

It is quite similar to 3D modeling. So the main question is 一 how is it different from it?

3D Modeling vs 3D Sculpting

3D modeling is a broad concept that shades other technologies used in a 3D environment. Whereas modeling and sculpting are quite similar, there still is some contrast between the two.

To start with, the main difference between these two technologies is the nature of the generated 3D objects, though both provide an outstanding level of detail.

3D modeling relies heavily on the geometry of the object and mathematical calculations. So the main “tools” it deploys are polygons, lines, vector points, and different geometric shapes. These are perfect for hard surface modeling used in architecture and product visualization. 

3D sculpting, on the other hand, is a perfect choice for organic models that come out having smoother outlines and curves. The geometry is manipulated with the brush tool to get softer edges and strikingly real 3D objects. So, sculpting is ideal for 3D character modeling.

If you’re wondering whether it’s best to use one over the other ー the answer is no. Both 3D sculpting and modeling provide great results depending on the object you want to create.

Nevertheless, sometimes you can even use both technologies. If your object is to be animated, it has to be modeled first and sent for sculpting. Only after this does it gets layered over the animation and rendered. 

So, you can’t compare them since they’re often used interchangeably.

Digital Sculpting Real-life Application

If 50 years ago you told someone that creating a real-life object in 3D space would be possible they’ll react the same as people told about TV a century ago. Technology develops and 3D modeling, digital sculpting in particular, is avidly used throughout a variety of industries. 

Cinematography 

Modern cinema has become so immersive, it is even hard to define when it is real and when generated in 3D space. So, there is a growing need for more advanced and impeccably realistic 3D characters created via digital sculpting. 

Product Design

Digital sculpting provides you with seamless opportunities to achieve unconventional product designs with any type of curve or shape. That’s why it is used for product design, prototyping and development too.

Gaming

Gaming is the industry that relies heavily on 3D sculpting to get the most out of their characters. High-end games use digital sculpt texture maps to reduce the polygon count and overall size of the game.

Advertising

Since design plays a huge role in grabbing customers’ attention it is vital to use uniform models and objects in advertising. That’s what 3D sculpting is there for. So you’ll find a lot of sculpted faces and form on posters and billboards these days.

Best Digital Sculpting Software

As you can see digital sculpting is an in-demand skill that doesn’t come naturally, The process is completely different from 3D modeling. So you need the best tools to hone your skills.

ZBrush 一 is the best 3D sculpting software out there that has become a standard for highly detailed models. It offers a wide range of options from 3D modeling and texturing to sculpting to rendering. ZBrush is an all-in-one tool that has complex features, so it is aimed at more experienced users.

Mudbox 一  is a perfect tool if you want to start sculpting a model from a polygon mesh. It uses a layers approach to pass details onto the object and multiple other tools to manipulate the forms. So, it’s very intuitive and perfect for beginners.

Meshmixer 一 is considered too basic when compared to other top-notch software. However, it allows creating objects with a much lower polygon count while maintaining a high level of detail. Moreover, Meshmixer offers an online manual which makes it recommended for any 3D sculpting novices.

Pros and Cons of 3D Sculpting

3D sculpting is not as hard as it seems before you start. However, don’t get too agitated to jump right into it, especially if you’re new to the world of 3D. It has some pitfalls too. 

To sum up, let’s go through the benefits and drawbacks of digital sculpting:

At this point, you should have the question about 一 What is digital sculpting? 一  totally covered. It is a growing trend in a 3D environment for a variety of reasons like an impeccable level of detail or a straightforward and intuitive modeling process.

Though it requires certain skills to achieve great results, as soon as you start 3D sculpting you’ll realize it is easier than you’d expect. After all, it is a great asset to your modeler’s skill set, especially when you learn how to 3D model. 

Give it a shot and you won’t regret it.

The post Digital Sculpting Software for Beginners: Where to Start From? appeared first on 3D Studio.

You can only distinguish one thing from a variety of 3D models produced with different modeling techniques and in different 3D modeling software. It is polygon count since it defines the level of visual fidelity and details.

Various industries, correspondingly, need different levels of detail in their 3D objects which establishes the high and low poly modeling. Since these are the widespread types of 3D modeling, the number of polygons is not the only thing that distinguishes them.

Hence, we’ll go through the general definition of high poly modeling, define the main differences between low and high poly models, and cover what spheres they are mostly used in. 

Are you ready?

What is a High Poly Model?

A high poly model is a 3D object with a high polygon count created from 2D shapes combined into a polygonal mesh to achieve fine details.

Therefore “high” here stands only for the number of polygons used to create a model. Higher polygon count provides you with a diverse geometry you can manipulate to get better shapes. 

Creases on clothes or curves on human faces can’t be created without high poly models. This makes it easier for you to determine which object has a high poly or low poly mesh.

Would you be able to tell?

High Poly Modeling vs Low Poly Modeling

When we talk about high poly models we can’t but mention the low poly modeling as the opposite of it. You already know that these two types of modeling are defined by the number of polygons used. 

However, that’s not it. 

Details

The main thing that helps you differentiate between low and high poly is the level of detail. High poly models are more detailed, while low poly models don’t have the same impression because of the smaller number of polygons and simpler mesh.

Note: Use texture baking to simulate how the light behaves on an object when rendered. If you do this correctly, your low poly model will create a visual impression of a high poly object.

Still, there is a way around this if you want to use low poly models preserving a high level of details.

Ease of Usage

Though a high number of polygons allows you to achieve finer details, high polygon models are hard to work with in terms of loading, viewing, and editing. It takes time to load the edits and move around the viewpoint. So, high poly modeling is considered “heavier”. 

Above all, creating a high poly model can become a nightmare if you create it with millions of polygons, but use old hardware that just can’t handle it.

Low poly models, on the other hand, are much easier to work on due to cleaner topology.

Rendering Time

Same as the modeling process, rendering takes time regarding the complexity of the model. 

Would you take a guess which is easier to render?

Low poly models will come in handy when you develop a game and need to do a lot of on-the-fly rendering. They use less computational power so render extremely fast compared to high poly models that take hours to complete.

However, once again, file details come at a price. Some consider hours of waiting to be a reasonable price. 

Texture Maps

The second important thing you need to consider after the number of polygons is the texture you use. And it is not only normal map or diffuse maps that matter here. The number and size of the images you add to a texture map count as well. It adds resources to your model which then need to be calculated.

High poly modeling is considered resource-heavy. Therefore, you can use many images of different resolutions to achieve higher fidelity. 

Low poly models, on the other hand, can’t afford it. Since they use less computational power, they are “lighter”. Regarding this, you rarely use images larger than 4096×4096 in low poly models.

Pro Tip: condense all of the maps you use to fit into a texture sheet to apply to the UV model. It will take less time to render.

Low Poly and High Poly Modeling Use Cases

Since 3D modeling has been incorporated in multiple industries it is hard to define where high poly modeling and low poly are used the most. However, we’ll try to cover the most common cases.

High Poly Mesh Detail

Let’s start with the high poly models:

• Photorealistic 3D representations for any industry that requires a high level of detail from prototyping to promotional purposes. Correspondingly, it benefits architectural modeling, eCommerce catalog creation, prototyping toys and furniture items, etc.

• HD 360 viewers for marketing and promotion can use high poly models to achieve an excellent level of visual accuracy. And you should not be afraid to add on the zooms. High poly modeling maintains an even level of detail and avoids distortions.

• Cross-sections and assembly guides fit the best in engineering and industrial environments where people can use high poly rendering to view how complex machinery elements assemble.
  
  Museums and educational establishments can benefit from it too since it allows you to divide complex concepts into cross-sections and study each separately. 

Low Poly Models

A low poly base mesh is used when the visual details don’t matter as much as the “smoothness” of their performance. Hence they are used when users need to interact with the object.

• Virtual reality is becoming more popular in the marketing and educational industries due to multiple benefits. So, to make it run easily without glitches and provide a sufficient level of interaction, programmers rely on low poly models that cover it.

• Augmented reality goes hand in hand with virtual reality. Details also don’t matter as much as the speed of the model rendering here.

• 3D gaming is a booming industry. Many would argue it is a good example of a low poly modeling use case. Still, low poly models are often used in gaming to provide fast rendering time, especially for secondary characters and environments.

Should I Choose High Poly Over Low Poly Techniques?

Fewer polygons mean that such models load considerably faster. Each has it’s own advantages.

If you are looking for maximum detail, then add high poly detail. Used for motion CG imagery and animation. More polygons = visual richness.

If you need maximum speed – Low polygon modeling gives you lower poly count. It is great for the gaming industry. Go for a low poly mesh and compensate with a normal map.

There is a diversity of 3D modeling services and opportunities for any artist who wants to master it. All they need is reliable 3D modeling software, time, and creativity. The type of 3D modeling technique doesn’t matter that much.

Be it a high poly modeling or low poly counts, your 3D object will be good as long as it serves the purpose it was created for. Since low poly modeling is simpler you’ll start there. However, mastering it along with the high poly will benefit you better.

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When it comes to 3D modeling, there are two types: hard surface modeling and organic modeling. Both are used to create 3D objects with the same type of polygons, similar mesh, and almost the same software. 

The fine line between hard surface and organic defined by various modelers is what makes it hard to comprehend. 

One is more appropriate for 3D visualization, while the other is extensively used in animation.

Confused already?

It is just the beginning. In this article, we’re going to provide an answer to the difference between hard surface and organic modeling. The difference gets blurry depending on who you ask. 

However, you’ll get an understanding of each of these categories to know how to market your 3D services better and define what models you’re most comfortable working with.

Shall we start?

What is Organic Modeling?

The things organic modeling covers range from people and animals to trees, plants, and other organic objects. Generally, these are living things. That’s why animated objects are also considered organic though they might be man-made. 

However, we’ll come to that later.

Usually, organic models are built of complete quads – four-sided polygons. It helps to avoid deformation at the rendering and animation stages. So, the shape doesn’t matter that much as long as the number of sides equals four, unlike in hard surface modeling. At the same time using N-gons (polygons with 5 sides or more) is not recommended at all.

Though a 3D object is already created in a polygon 3D modeling software, it doesn’t mean it is complete.

To add finer details and produce more real-life models, an object is imported into sculpting software like ZBrush. Only then does it get the realistic touch it needs to meet the expectations.

Nevertheless, to master organic modeling, you have to explore a lot of reference images and study the anatomy of living things to bring them to life in a digital environment. 

Note: While you can add the texture and details in sculpting software – creases, curves, and bumps of a living object could be achieved only with the mesh.

What is Hard Surface Modeling?

Considering the description of the organic modeling it shouldn’t be hard for you to define what hard surface modeling is. It is modeling man-made objects that contain no curves or smooth edges. Generally, it covers all inorganic and non-living objects like cars, buildings, computers, furniture, and any other static machined objects.

The first thing that differentiates hard surface modeling from organic is the type of polygons used. The latter requires a model to be of complete quads. That you know already. 

However, hard surface modeling is far more moderate in that matter. The number of sides in a polygon doesn’t matter that much, as long as a result is satisfying. 

Pro Tip: Stick to quads as much as possible even in hard surface modeling. It will simplify the object operations further on.

Hard surface modeling is a preferred way for beginners to learn how to 3D model. Creating plain flat edges is generally simpler than complex detail-oriented models. That’s why it is the best way to learn how to operate 3D modeling software and cover the basics. 

Still, you need to have some images and blueprints to refer to if you want to master your hard surface modeling skills.

Hard Surface Modeling vs Organic Modeling

According to the information already provided, it might seem that there is a clear line between hard surface modeling and organic modeling. They operate on different principles after all.

You shouldn’t jump to conclusions though. It gets trickier when you start comparing them.

Generally, it depends on who you ask. However, there are three different ways to define whether an object is a hard surface or organic. 

Difference #1

The first one we’ve already established – organic modeling is used to produce living things, and hard surface – to create man-made objects. 

However, when you take a man-made couch that is anything but hard-edged, it gets difficult to draw that fine line between these 3D modeling categories.

Difference #2

The second way a lot of modelers define the difference between hard surface modeling is by the way an object is constructed. 

The topology, edge flow, and polygon mesh define if the object is hard surface or organic. Like in this example, an inorganic couch with smooth flowing edges can’t be considered a hard surface. Same as an organic rock that is nothing but soft can’t be defined as the product of organic modeling.

Finally, let’s consider a juice can that is far from organic and soft. Correspondingly it is a hard surface model. However, once you add animation and make it move around it is organic.

Difference #3

The third way of defining the 3D model category is through animation which eventually comes down to the way an object is constructed. 

To smoothly transition into other forms, an object has to have smooth curves. So, some modelers define such objects as organic. However, a sports car that is made by man also has flowing curves. The other, correspondingly, consider it to be organic too. 

Do you get why there is no clear definition for the difference between hard surface and organic modeling now?

Some designers work only in character modeling, some create architectural models, and others provide product rendering services. The best option is to stick to one of the above-mentioned definitions. It will allow you to better translate what kind of models you’re most comfortable working with.

Things to Define Hard Surface and Organic Modeling By

Pro Tip:  Regardless of whether you choose to pursue hard surface modeling or organic modeling, you have to remember – you can reach excellence in one category or spend a multitude of efforts to master both. 

And to get you going we have some tips for organic and hard surface modeling.

What It Takes to Master Organic Modeling

As it’s been already established, organic modeling is all about details since it’s the only way for you to reach the real-life model. Correspondingly, there are a few things you have to take into account.

Study Anatomy

Your organic model is good only as long as it looks real. And since those are living objects you work with in organic modeling, learning the basics of the anatomy of people and animals is a must. 

To draw all of those flowing curves and bumps you have to know how muscles and bones coordinate with each other. Only this will make the outcome more realistic, especially if the model is to be animated.

Improve Your Drawing Skills

Once you hone the basics of anatomy it is recommended that you draw your model from different viewpoints. It allows you to cover various perspectives of an object and define how each of the smallest details works together.

Learn Topology and Edge Loops

Since organic models can be animated, model rigging is an essential part of the process, especially in 3D character modeling. It is where the knowledge of the edge loops and character topology is essential. Besides, real-life anatomical concepts resemble the smooth edge closely. 

Thus, your anatomy skills take over your creative instincts when it comes to character rigging. 

Note: Avoid challenges and deformation. Pay close attention to the edge loop and topology of an organic model.

Use Only Quads

Quads are easier to operate and render. That is why you should use only quads when creating an organic object. Avoid N-gons at all costs and cut the number of triangles to the minimum unless you want to face issues at the rendering and animation stages. 

Use Edge Modeling Together with Box Modeling

To create stunning organic models you can leverage different modeling techniques, edge and box modeling in particular. While the first allows you to extrude or string some points together before adding any further geometry, the other covers the basics. 

Tips to Leverage Hard Surface Modeling

While hard surface modeling is more moderate in terms of the complexity of the modeling process, there are also some recommendations you should rely on. 

Plan the Shapes

In organic modeling, you have to study the anatomy of living things. The same goes for hard surface modeling. You have to know the anatomy of your future model and plan the shapes. It allows you to avoid deformation and get the right proportions from the beginning. 

The last thing you want is some of the elements of your hard surface model to be “slightly” off after you add the details.

Study the Interaction of Joints

In concrete design, modelers come across multiple restrictions in motion where functionality takes over the design. In 3D modeling design, on the other hand, you can explore the ins and outs of a mechanism and the interaction of its joints. 

It allows you to experiment and achieve a robust model before sending it to 3D sculpting. Such mechanisms somehow also resemble the anatomy in organic modeling, don’t they?

Focus on a Variety of Shapes

In hard surface modeling, you should always add details symmetrically to save the technical integrity of a model. However, you should analyze different options to hold 3 scale variations too. Try to keep large areas without adding any details or, on the contrary, add them to the smaller parts to make a model more appealing.

Render Your Models with MODO

If you want to avoid the fusion of meshed subdivisions, but still add a big number of Booleans, use MODO. It rounds the edges and handles rendering more effectively, which saves you tons of time.

Explore the Bevel Tool

Hard surface models tend to have tighter topology, harder edges, smaller curves, and cleaner meshes. Though they still look realistic thanks to the bevel tool. 

There are no rules that forbid using soft elements and shapes in hard surface modeling. 

Note: Hard edges only make your model more artificial. Therefore, you should bevel the meshes and edges so the light reacts with them during rendering. 

Create Fresh Topology

As the process advances from a simple shape to a complete object, a sketch gets more complicated. To facilitate your work at this stage, you can re-topologize the model into more discrete pieces with the topology tool. The intensity of the brush should be set to more than 0 to achieve ticker topology. Most 3D modeling software provides that.

Save Your Past Work

Modeling the same thing over and over again is good for practicing and sharpening your skills. Still, once you gain some experience, it becomes unnecessary and tedious. There is no point in building the same blocks in similar models if you can just use the ones you’ve created before.

Don’t you agree?

Always save your work since it may optimize your future projects and save you the time you’d rather spend on adding finer details.

Hard Surface or Organic: Choose the One You Like More (Conclusion)

3D modeling requires a great deal of effort to make it work. Your work is good as long as the final result comes out as you intended. Regarding this, hard surface or organic doesn’t really matter. The first thing someone’s going to pay attention to in your 3D model is your expertise, not the modeling category it belongs to.

Don’t let the disputed meaning of these 3D modeling categories distract you from creating your masterpiece. Just define what things you are more interested in and you’re good to go. 

Nevertheless, hard surface modeling is a good start. But once you get experience and hone your modeling skills, you’ll definitely come across organic models.

Which appeals to you more: the hard surface of organic?

The post Hard Surface Modeling vs Organic Modeling appeared first on 3D Studio.

Today we’re going to delve into the world of 3D to discover what is 3D modeling. How long has it been around and what industries use it the most?

If some time ago the word “3D” was met with confusion and questioning gaze, nowadays you wouldn’t probably find a person that hasn’t heard about it. 3D stands for “three-dimensional” which is a way of presenting computer objects in realistic forms. 

So, whether you’re a novice who wants to start a career in hard surface modeling, or someone who is exploring new ways of improving a business, we’ll help you get a better understanding of this technology. 

However, to begin with we’ll cover what it actually is.

What is 3D Modelling?

3D modeling is a process of developing a mathematical, coordinate-based, three-dimensional representation of animated or living objects and surfaces. 3D model, as a result of 3D modeling, is a collection of data that is created by manipulating vertices, edges, and a polygon mesh in a 3D space. 

Sounds relatively simple, doesn’t it?

But wait till we get to the technical stuff.

These points in virtual space are called vertices that comprise a mesh – the collection of vertices (virtual points) an object is formed with. All these points are mapped into the 3D grid. Then each point has its position and is combined into shapes, objects, or surfaces.

So, technically, 3D modeling is a collection of points connected by lines, triangles, curved surfaces, and other geometric entities in 3D space. 

As you might have guessed already, specialized software is used to create 3D models. Nevertheless, you can still create it manually or automatically by 3D scanning. 

How does it work?

Let’s find out.

How Does 3D Modeling Work?

Being as complex a concept as 3D modeling is, it is always a good idea to start simple and develop towards complexity. When you learn how to 3D model, it usually starts from creating a primitive form like a plane, sphere, or cube.

Then the form is manipulated by adding individual vertices with various modeling tools to get the contours of the future object. The achieved mesh is divided into polygons that are subdivided into smaller shapes to create more detail correspondingly. 

Note: 3D modeling is a process that requires exceptional diligence and might seem too complicated to complete. Still, multiple tools help you to achieve desired forms faster. 

There are various modeling tools that go with a built-in mirroring technique for building symmetrical models working on a half or a quarter of the object. The other technique is a subdivision that enables designers to simulate a higher polygon count and preserve the original work if they need to experiment with the forms. 

Then there is a quick deformation used to displace the mesh with the noise texture to get a more organic surface. And finally, after all of these processes, the object is not complete until you paint and apply texture maps to it to add details and create a more complicated model. 

Though it seems to be enough already, 3D modeling constantly develops to provide more advanced models. 

However, was it always like what it is known to be now?

The History of 3D Modeling

Since 3D modeling is based on mathematical calculations it is not a surprise it was invented by people who worked in computer engineering and automation. The pioneer of 3D graphics is Ivan Sutherland, the father of Sketchpad who invented 3D models back in the 1960s. 

However, he wasn’t alone. Sutherland with his colleague, David Evans, opened a department of computer technologies at the University of Utah attracting various professionals who contributed to the industry. 

Note: Sutherland and Evans were the first to create a 3D graphics company in 1969. It was an establishment of the 3D modeling industry that was first used for television and advertising. 

While many still don’t know what is 3D modeling, it has been incorporated in various other spheres we come across every day. Nowadays we have modern programs like Blender and Sketchup.

3D Modeling in Action

If you haven’t seen 3D technology being widely used around you, it only means you don’t pay much attention to it. Anything from films and games to design and medicine use 3D modeling to improve and develop.

Here are the industries that use modeling continuously. Some wouldn’t even manage to succeed without it.

1. Architecture and Real Estate

Drafting interior areas, exterior landscapes and buildings has gone a long way from rolls of blueprints to using 3D models on desktops and tablets. Architecture and real estate are some of the many industries 3D modeling technology revolutionized. 

3D modeling not only changes the way architectural designs are presented. It significantly reduces designing costs and speeds up the process. This allows designers to identify potential drawbacks before they turn into serious issues. 

Moreover, you can visualize entering your dream house or gathering around a dining table before the first brick is even laid out. 3D modeling is a real game-changer for these industries after all.

Did you ever think something like this would be possible?

2. Science and technology

This is the easy one. You can imagine how 3D modeling is used in science and technology. From mapping data sets into 3D models to printing them in real size for better visualization and research. 3D models help scientists to examine complex concepts avoiding high production costs and huge amounts of time required.

Besides, 3D modeling significantly facilitates the work of engineers. It allows them to visualize the 3D model of a projected mechanism without even drafting a process.

3. Advertisement and web design

Having a multitude of copywriters and world-class marketers working on your product advertising campaign doesn’t guarantee success unless you have a compelling image to present your product. 

A few years ago marketers and ad experts only wondered what is 3D modeling and how they could benefit from it. Now it is an essential component of a converting marketing campaign.

3D models not only help customers to get a comprehensive understanding of a product but visualize it as well. 3D models convey the message. They complete concept of the products that look and feel better. 

Dull 2D images are a relic of the past. They don’t pay off when compared to attractive and engaging three-dimensional pictures. Just have a look at the amazing product animation tutorial.

Isn’t it more engaging for a customer?

4. Entertainment

Entertainment as one of the most lucrative businesses also incorporated 3D modeling as a better way to present objects. Games, films, TV, and animation would never manage to stay afloat if it wasn’t for modeling. 

Would Game of Thrones or Avatar be so popular without all of those fancy 3D models?

Take a guess.

While films and television use 3D modeling to create CGI characters, environments, objects, and animations, modern games build entire visual 3D components to convey a real-life experience.

Nevertheless, the list can go on and on since if you look into it you’ll discover 3D modeling is used throughout almost every industry in many different ways. 

How to Use 3D Modeling?

Regarding the number of industries that use modeling, don’t be surprised to discover you can also benefit from it in a certain way. And once you do realize it, here is how you can use 3D modeling in your business. 

Visualization

No modern designer or architect can do without 3D modeling services that help them to visualize their future project by combining material, textures, lighting, and other effects. Be it landscape architecture, industrial, or fashion design, none would be as convenient as modeling makes it.

3D Printing

It’s time to learn more about other types of 3D models. 3D printing is a revolutionary technology derived from modeling that allows you to create a 3D model and print objects of different complexity by overlaying thousands of layers. 

This manufacturing technology eliminates the need for expensive molds or multiple parts of the object to be assembled. 3D models can be prototyped and tested before manufacturing since 3D printers can create an object with moving parts comprising the same object.

Can you believe that?

Animation

Assembling multiple points in a 3D space to get the three-dimensional object is not often the final result of 3D modeling. Nowadays, most 3D objects get animated and used throughout various industries from showing animated movies to conducting 3D tours.

3D Modeling as a Way to Go

3D modeling is a complex technology you can not learn enough of overnight. However, it is a new way of presenting computer-generated objects that have been around longer than we’d imagine. 

It’s revolutionized a lot of industries and continues to convert our vision of entertainment, cinematography, games, and technology. Even if you don’t notice it too often, removing 3D modeling technology from our lives won’t go unnoticed.

So, If you haven’t found the best way to use 3D modeling to your benefit yet, you’ll come to it soon enough since it is one of not many technologies that will stick around for a long time. 

Be it a 3D modeling career or incorporating it into your business strategy, just choose the best 3D modeling software and start now. You’ll thank yourself later.

The post What is 3D Modeling: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on 3D Studio.