highpoly

Highpoly refers to 3D models with a high polygon count, created to capture fine geometric detail that would be impractical for real-time rendering. High-poly models are common in film visual effects, product visualization, and still renders, where processors and memory can be devoted to complex geometry and shading.

Typical workflow involves sculpting a high-resolution mesh in software such as ZBrush or Mudbox, often reaching millions of polygons. The high-poly model is used as the source of detail for texture baking and can be used to generate displacement, normal, and ambient occlusion maps that convey detail on much simpler geometry.

For real-time applications like video games, the high-poly asset is paired with a low-poly version through retopology or decimation. The low-poly mesh, combined with the baked texture maps, approximates the high-poly surface while maintaining performance. This distinction between high-poly and low-poly is central to many pipelines.

Quality depends on bake accuracy, UV layout, and shading. Issues such as seams, normal map artifacts, or displacement inaccuracies can arise if topology or bake settings are poorly managed.

High-poly workflows are complemented by mid-poly and low-poly approaches, and are increasingly supported by hardware advances and advanced sculpting tools. They remain essential for achieving realism in scenes where geometry alone or texture detail drives visual fidelity.