RenderRam - Retopology With Just Two 3DS Max Features

While automatic retopology can quickly generate results, manual retopology offers precision and control, allowing artists to achieve cleaner and more optimized model meshes.

The tutorial begins by explaining the differences between manual and automatic retopology, emphasizing the importance of the process for creating a structured mesh that fits the specific needs of the project. The object in focus is a scanned bag with a complex, high-poly mesh of around 40 million polygons. Using 3DS Max, Vjeko simplifies this geometry with only the Extend and Conform tools, resulting in a cleaner, more optimized topology.

Here’s a brief overview of the retopology process used in this lesson:

• Initial Setup: It starts by selecting Default Shading with Edged Faces displayed, enabling wireframe views to work efficiently with the mesh.
• Extend Tool: Under Freeform, the Extend tool allows for manually placing polygons on the high-poly surface, creating new polygons by holding the Shift key while moving polygons along the surface.
• Conform Tool: Once the basic polygon layout is done, the Conform tool is used to adjust and align the new polygons to the scanned surface, ensuring accuracy.
• Shortcuts and Controls: Keyboard shortcuts such as holding Control + Shift to create rows of polygons and Control + Alt + Shift to move individual vertices are crucial in speeding up the workflow.
• Offset Adjustments: By fine-tuning the offset value, Vu ensures that new polygons are not too close or too far from the scanned surface, balancing the geometry’s spacing.
• Relax Conform Brush: This specialized brush is used to smooth out irregularities in the topology, ensuring that the final mesh is clean and evenly distributed.

In a few words, by learning how to manipulate these simple yet powerful tools, Vjeko demonstrates how you can achieve excellent retopology results without relying on additional plugins or software.

For a more detailed walkthrough, including all the essential shortcuts and tips, you can check out the full video below:

RenderRam is a YouTube channel with useful tips, tricks, and tutorials.