Low-polygon, or low-poly modeling, is a technique that creates 3D models and characters using a smaller number of polygons. It initially emerged out of necessity because older computers could only process low-poly models, but today it remains a popular technique that balances creativity and efficiency.
A low-poly model is a 3D model with a small polygon count. Its straight-edged shapes have an abstract, almost cubist appearance, distinguishing it from its hyper-realistic counterpart, the high-poly model.
Low-poly models might be less realistic, but they offer several benefits:
With 3D modeling, you create three-dimensional objects in a digital space. Every 3D model is composed of vertices, edges, and faces. With low-poly 3D modeling, the goal is to use as few components as possible while creating the desired shape and details.
Adobe Substance 3D makes it possible to build low-poly models that look nostalgic yet modern. Use Substance 3D Painter to create low-poly meshes for your designs. The platform comes with readymade shortcuts to cut down on navigation so you can spend more time in designing mode.
Here’s a quick guide to sculpting low poly 3D characters:
Start with reference images and concept art. Always have a clear vision before you build a 3D design. Reference images will give you a roadmap so you can stay true to your original idea.
Sculpt the basic form. Start with a primitive shape like a cube or sphere. Use transformation tools to scale, move, and rotate the model’s components.
Add the finer details. With a basic shape in place, it’s time to make a more realistic model. Extrusion will pull out areas of your model to create features like limbs. Beveling softens sharp edges for a more nuanced look. In some cases, you can use subdivision, which increases the polygon count only in specific areas for added detail, like a character’s facial features.
Low-poly design is popular for architectural visualizations because it offers rapid rendering and a stylized look. This makes low-poly design more helpful in the preliminary stages of architectural modeling.
Whether you’re in architecture or designing a video game, follow these tips to create low-poly 3D objects:
Build a simple structure. Start with basic geometric forms. Combine, intersect, and modify these shapes to create complex structures while maintaining the style of the low-poly 3D model.
Add texture. Next, add a texture to the object. Use UV unwrapping to ensure every face of the model aligns perfectly with the texture to avoid distortions.
Optimize. Look over your model. Where can you remove polygons or details? Optimized models render more quickly and perform better, so remove any unnecessary details.
Let’s take a look at some easy tips for optimization and efficiency:
Efficient UV mapping. UV mapping flattens the models’ geometry into 2D when you apply a texture. An efficient UV layout maximizes the texture space, reducing the need for high-res textures. Make sure your geometry doesn’t overlap because that could lead to unpredictable results.
Reduce unnecessary geometry. Remove faces or vertices that won’t be seen. For example, if the viewer can’t see the bottom or back of a model, it’s usually safe to remove it.
Use texture optimization. Texture compression tools drastically reduce the file size without a noticeable drop in visual quality. Instead of creating all-new textures for the model, use smaller, repeatable textures. This saves memory and texture space.
Low-poly 3D models allow for constructing objects and characters with fewer polygons. The resulting images may not be realistic or high-resolution, but they’re well-suited for retro designs and architectural visualizations.
Learning low-poly 3D modeling not only gives you a unique aesthetic to play with, but also helps you manage your resources and render times.