Topology

Dikhan
5 min readJan 12, 2023

Topology

Topology in Blender refers to the structure and organization of the polygons that make up a 3D model. It is an important aspect of 3D modeling as it determines how the model will look and how it will deform during animation.

In Blender, topology is created using a combination of tools such as the Extrude, Loop Cut and Slide, and the Subdivide and Smooth tools. These tools allow the user to create a clean and efficient topology by adjusting the number of polygons and their distribution on the model.

A good topology should have a consistent polygon density and flow, and should avoid areas of high curvature with too many edges. This helps to ensure that the model will deform smoothly during animation and will not have any visible artifacts or “stretching” when the model is deformed.

Tris, Quads, N-gone

Another important aspect of topology in Blender is the use of edge loops. Edge loops are groups of edges that run in a circular pattern around the model and are used to define the shape and form of the model. They are important for creating a proper topology as they help to define the areas of the model where the most detail is needed and where the least detail is needed.

In addition to the basic tools for creating topology, Blender also includes advanced tools such as the sculpting tools that allow users to sculpt and shape their models in a more intuitive and natural way. These tools can be used to make adjustments to the topology and refine the shape of the model in a more organic and free-form way.

Overall, topology in Blender is an essential aspect of 3D modeling that plays a crucial role in the final look and feel of a model. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a clean and efficient topology that will ensure that your models look great and deform smoothly.

The ideal topology of non-game models

The ideal topology of non-game models in Blender will vary depending on the intended use and desired final look of the model. However, in general, a good topology should have a consistent polygon density and flow, and should avoid areas of high curvature with too many edges. This helps to ensure that the model will deform smoothly and will not have any visible artifacts or “stretching” when the model is deformed.

For non-game models, it is important to have a high polygon count to achieve high level of details and realism. This is achieved by using tools such as the Extrude, Loop Cut and Slide, and the Subdivide and Smooth tools. These tools allow the user to create a clean and efficient topology by adjusting the number of polygons and their distribution on the model.

Another important aspect of topology in Blender is the use of edge loops. Edge loops are groups of edges that run in a circular pattern around the model and are used to define the shape and form of the model. They are important for creating a proper topology as they help to define the areas of the model where the most detail is needed and where the least detail is needed.

Additionally, it is important to take into account the animation aspect of the non-game models. A good topology should be able to deform smoothly during animation and should have enough edge loops and polygons to support complex animations without stretching or deforming the model.

In addition to the basic tools for creating topology, Blender also includes advanced tools such as the sculpting tools that allow users to sculpt and shape their models in a more intuitive and natural way. These tools can be used to make adjustments to the topology and refine the shape of the model in a more organic and free-form way.

Overall, the ideal topology of non-game models in Blender should be a balance between achieving high level of details, efficient deformation during animation, and good performance. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a clean and efficient topology that will ensure that your models look great and deform smoothly.

The ideal topology of game ready models​

Triangulated model

One way to achieve this is by using a consistent polygon density throughout the model. This means that the number of polygons used should be as low as possible while still maintaining the desired level of detail. It also means that the distribution of polygons should be balanced and not concentrated in certain areas of the model.

Another important aspect of topology for game ready models is the use of edge loops. Edge loops are groups of edges that run in a circular pattern around the model and are used to define the shape and form of the model. They are important for creating a proper topology as they help to define the areas of the model where the most detail is needed and where the least detail is needed. By using edge loops, the modeler can control the polygon flow and make sure that the model deforms smoothly during animation.

It’s also important to consider the UV mapping aspect of the game ready models. A good topology should have a clean UV layout and minimal stretching to ensure that the textures will be applied correctly and look good.

In addition to the basic tools for creating topology, Blender also includes advanced tools such as the sculpting tools that allow users to sculpt and shape their models in a more intuitive and natural way. These tools can be used to make adjustments to the topology and refine the shape of the model in a more organic and free-form way. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the sculpted details should be converted into a low polygon count model to be used in game engines.

Overall, the ideal topology of game ready models in Blender should be a balance between achieving a high level of detail, efficient deformation during animation, minimal stretching in UV mapping, and good performance. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a clean and efficient topology that will ensure that your models look great and perform well in real-time rendering.

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Dikhan
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3d artist with 3 years of experience in engineering modeling. I work in blender, cinema 4d programs.