The Blender Conference 2024 presentation by Jonathan Lampel delved into best practices for topology and retopology, essential for 3D modelers aiming to create efficient, versatile models. Topology refers to how vertices, edges, and faces (the building blocks of 3D models) are arranged to define a model’s shape and functionality. Good topology makes models more effective across applications, from gaming and VFX to 3D printing. For those eager to refine their technique, a comprehensive guide is available for free download, covering Lampel’s insights and universal principles for effective topology across multiple 3D platforms like Maya and Cinema 4D.

Understanding Good Topology

Effective topology aligns with the intended use of the model. In gaming, lower polygon counts optimize performance, while in VFX, more complex topologies may be tolerated if they enable easier edits and high-quality subdivisions. For 3D printing, a watertight mesh (without holes) is critical to ensure a stable output. Regardless of the project, good topology minimizes polygon usage without sacrificing detail, supporting efficient shading and ease of animation.

Common Pitfalls in Topology

Lampel’s talk underscored practices that 3D artists should avoid, such as “broken faces” (distorted quads or polygons) and “concave quads” (quads that cause shading errors due to uneven faces). Models with dense geometry can slow down performance in rendering engines, while long, thin faces complicate editing. Retopology—simplifying a dense mesh—is essential, particularly in VFX and game design workflows where high efficiency is a must. Lampel emphasized that “manifold geometry,” or a completely sealed mesh, is often necessary for 3D printing but less critical for other applications, allowing for more flexibility.

Techniques and Tools in Blender

Blender offers numerous tools that help simplify topology workflows. Lampel highlighted essential modeling functions, including the Knife and Bevel tools for creating and refining edge loops, and the Subdivide tool for adding detail where needed. These tools provide modelers with precision over their mesh’s final structure, supporting efficient modeling without excessive geometry. More advanced techniques like Boolean modeling (using one object to cut or merge with another) and procedural modeling (using nodes or Python to create adaptable models) open further possibilities.

Advanced Topology Elements: Edge Loops and Poles

A key focus of Lampel’s presentation was edge loops—connected edges that define a model’s structure. Correctly aligned edge loops follow the details of the model, reducing unwanted artifacts. Poles (vertices with three or more connections) help direct these loops, but excessive connections (over five) create deformities, especially in animation. For animation work, quads (four-sided polygons) are ideal because they support smooth deformation and allow edge loops to pass through. Triangles can help reduce polygon counts but can complicate editing, and n-gons (polygons with more than four sides) work well for flat surfaces.

Subdivision Surfaces and Their Influence on Topology

In Blender, using subdivision surfaces converts all polygons into quads, facilitating a smoother model. However, subdivided models can create high-density areas, especially around poles, resulting in pinching or unwanted details. Properly placed support loops help prevent distortion and enable better control over shape during animation. These principles are invaluable for maintaining model clarity when subdivided, a common need in high-resolution visual effects.

Tools for Precision Modeling in Blender

Blender’s suite of tools simplifies topology management, from basic functions like Inset and Edge Slide to more advanced features like Grid Fill and Mirror, enabling modelers to iterate faster and focus on detailing. Lampel noted that while modeling, the emphasis should be on flexibility, maintaining separate objects, and using modifiers until the final stages to avoid locking in changes prematurely. Finalizing models may involve merging objects for performance, especially for animation projects.

Real-World Application: Retopology Techniques and Tools

Retopology—remodeling a high-poly model into a simpler one—is vital in workflows where performance matters. Lampel suggested tools like RetopoFlow and Blender’s snapping tools, which allow artists to draw over dense models, creating a more optimized, low-poly mesh without sacrificing the visual quality of the original. The presentation encouraged modelers to experiment with tools, balancing efficiency with functionality.

Summary: Download the Guide

For those interested, the Blender Good Topology Guide offers detailed insights into these concepts, available for free with an account on the Blender website. While these techniques can enhance modeling efficiency, professionals are reminded to evaluate each approach’s suitability to ensure it aligns with project-specific requirements, especially in commercial and production settings.

For more information and to download the guide, visit Blender Good Topology Guide.

The post Blender Conference 2024: Mastering Topology and Retopology first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Modeler 2025, a major enhancement for Houdini, is here. It rewrites almost all Python and VEX code from scratch and adds tools for efficient retopology and all-quad geometry creation. Artists can now enjoy a smoother integration into Houdini, making it feel like a native part of the software. Here’s what’s new.

The original Modeler toolkit, released in 2018 under the name Direct Modeling HDA, aimed to streamline modeling workflows in Houdini, making them more similar to traditional DCC (Digital Content Creation) tools. The 2025 version brings significant improvements, including a completely redesigned interface and updated tools to support polygonal, subdivision, and Boolean modeling workflows.

One of the key improvements in Modeler 2025 is its tighter integration with Houdini. Artists no longer need to activate a separate Modeler mode, as all tools are now stored on Houdini’s shelves. This means you can assign hotkeys as you would for any native Houdini function, streamlining the entire workflow. The contextual menus are also redesigned to resemble Houdini’s standard interface, with the added flexibility of being detachable and repositionable anywhere within the viewport. This minimizes the learning curve for users familiar with Houdini’s UI and optimizes working space in complex scenes.

Modeler 2025 also includes seven pre-made radial menus, offering quick access to key display options and toolsets. These radial menus simplify navigation and tool selection, improving the overall speed of the modeling process.

New Retopology Tools: All-Quad Geometry in One Step

One of the most notable features in Modeler 2025 is its new retopology tools, particularly the Draw Patch tool. This tool allows you to draw boundaries directly on a model’s surface, automatically generating uniform, all-quad geometry. It’s a workflow reminiscent of industry-standard retopology software like TopoGun, but now fully integrated into Houdini. For artists focusing on creating clean, production-ready topology, this tool can save hours of manual labor.

Another redesigned tool is the Face tool, which fills in gaps between selected points or edges, allowing users to quickly patch holes in curved polygonal structures. This improvement makes Modeler 2025 a strong competitor to other dedicated modeling tools within the Houdini environment.

Sculpting Features Improved with Symmetry Support

New Sculpt Move and Sculpt Relax tools, based on Houdini 20.5’s Sculpt SOP, offer sculpting functionality while respecting symmetry settings. Artists can now make detailed adjustments to models without breaking symmetry, essential for character and organic modeling workflows. Additionally, the new Linear Falloff and Radial Falloff tools bring functionality similar to what Modo users might recognize, adding more flexibility when making large-scale adjustments to models.

Updated Key Modeling Tools

Modeler 2025 introduces updates to key existing tools, including Bevel, Thickness, Connect, and Knife. These are fundamental tools for any modeling workflow, and their improvements focus on better precision and speed during the modeling process. For instance, the Knife tool now offers more accurate cutting paths, especially useful for hard-surface models that require clean, sharp edges. Similarly, updates to the Bevel and Thickness tools allow for more consistent edge treatments, which is critical when preparing models for subdivision.

Pricing and Licensing

Modeler 2025 is compatible with Houdini 20.5 and is available for individual artists and studios. A single floating license costs $100, while studio licenses with unlimited seats are priced at $500, reflecting a $100 increase from the previous version. For artists and studios already using Houdini, these costs might be easily offset by the time saved through the new tools and improved integration. As always, it’s important to evaluate these new features against your existing pipeline before fully adopting them for production.

You can check out a full list of changes and features in the official Modeler 2025 changelog and learn more about the product on Alexey Vanzhula’s Gumroad store.

The post Modeler 2025 Released for Houdini first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

The “Quad Maker” add-on is designed to optimise the retopology process in Blender. It offers functions that enable more efficient modelling. The main features are the automatic recognition and adaptation of topology patterns and the simplification of complex meshes. This promises to improve the way VFX artists, game designers and other users work.

The Quad Maker integrates seamlessly into Blender’s existing user interface and complements it with new tools for the creation of topology quads. Using the add-on saves time and effort by automating repetitive retopology tasks. Another feature is the option to analyse and improve existing topologies. This can be particularly useful for optimising existing models for animations or game engines by removing unnecessary polygons and making mesh structures more efficient.

The tool offers various presets that can be customised depending on the application. Users can define specific topology presets to maintain precise control over the final result. These presets are helpful when different requirements are placed on models, such as organic shapes or technical models. In addition, Quad Maker can be integrated into existing Python-based scripts, which increases the level of automation.

Another highlight is the add-on’s ability to retain the original shape of the model while adapting the topology. This ensures that the artistic expression of the original is retained in the retopology. The automatic recognition of edge loops and polygon areas helps to further reduce working time. The tool makes it possible to focus on the creative aspects of modelling instead of wasting time on technical details.

Before using Quad Maker in ongoing projects, each function should be thoroughly tested to ensure that it fulfils the requirements and does not cause any unexpected problems. The results of the add-on are based on algorithms and techniques that, although advertised as efficient by the developers, may not be optimised for every possible requirement.

Licence model and pricing

Quad Maker is available as a paid add-on. Licensing terms and pricing vary, with both single user and team licences available. Details on prices and licence models can be found on the manufacturer’s website.

More information about the Quad Maker add-on.

The post Blender add-on “Quad Maker” for more efficient retopology first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.