TUTORIALS
Subdivision surfaces
01 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU USE SUBDIVISIONS
When a subdivision modifier is applied to a geometric
shape it can drastically alter its shape. The mathematics behind
the subdivision process are smoothing the vertices and edges of
a shape to give it a more refined appearance. The most dramatic
example of what a subdivision process can do is when it is
applied to a six-sided cube which, dependant on the subdivision
algorithm, then changes the cube into a close approximation of
a sphere.
03 USE EDGE LOOPS TO MANAGE SUBDIVISIONS
Edges are the key to getting the most out of subdivision
surfaces, as they control the tightness of the curve or corner
on a mesh. Understanding how to add edge loops to enhance
a subdivision surface, without adding any extra geometry or
pinch points, does become an art in itself. Sometimes a bevel or
extrude can be as effective as an actual edge loop effect. Ideally,
make sure that the 3D software has a way of showing the base
mesh while subdivision surfaces are activated.
3D WORLD February 2018
02 SUBDIVISION LEVELS
Subdivision surfaces can impact viewport performance, as
the higher the subdiv level the more geometry the 3D application
is having to create. Most applications allow two different
subdivision levels, one for editing in the viewport and another for
the final rendered mesh. This allows the artist to get the benefits
of using subdiv surfaces without impacting on user performance.
Increasing the subdivision levels on renders can have a positive
impact on glancing reflections and other rolling highlights.
FREEZING SUBDIVISIONS
When exporting a mesh for still work that uses subdivision
surfaces, it can sometimes be confusing when the mesh is
imported into another application and it only has the basic
geometry with no smoothing. This is because the subdivision
process has not been frozen or baked into the model. This can
be done either via a command within the 3D software or via
exporting, ensuring that the subdivisions are exported with
the model. Always re-import the model to make sure that the
exported model has smoothing applied.
04 EDGE WEIGHTING
If a mesh is predominantly used in only one 3D application,
edge weighting can be a better method of managing subdivision
surfaces, if the application supports it. Edge weighting requires
less edge loops and increases the tension in the edge and
creates a sharper corner. While it may not have the full control
and compatibility compared to using the more traditional edge
loops to manage subdivisions, edge weighting is certainly a great
technique to discover. s
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