Retopologie

Retopologie is a fundamental process in 3D computer graphics used to create a new, optimized mesh geometry for a high-resolution model. Often, high-polygon models are created through sculpting software or generated from 3D scans, resulting in a mesh that is too dense and computationally expensive for real-time rendering, animation, or further manipulation. Retopologie involves manually or semi-automatically drawing new polygons over the surface of this dense mesh.

The primary goal of retopologie is to produce a clean, efficient, and well-structured mesh with a significantly lower polygon count. This new mesh typically conforms to the silhouette and surface details of the original high-poly model, often using techniques like UV mapping to bake the fine surface details (like normal maps and displacement maps) from the high-poly mesh onto the low-poly one. This allows the low-poly model to appear as detailed as its high-poly counterpart while maintaining excellent performance.

Key benefits of retopologie include improved performance in game engines and real-time applications, easier UV unwrapping and texturing, and a more manageable mesh for animation rigging and deformation. It is an essential step in the workflow for creating game assets, character models, and any 3D object intended for interactive use or further refinement. The process requires careful attention to edge flow and polygon density to ensure the new mesh deforms correctly and is easy to work with.