Switching between hard edges?

Playdo

Thought I'd see what peoples methods are for this. When adding hard edges to sub-d hard edge models I'll usually do them at the end or I'll do them as I go along. If I do them at the end then I cannot see what my model looks like smoothed as I go along. In theory the best way is to place the hard edges on a editable poly modifier so you can toggle between hard edge and lower poly, but it usually ends up with messed up geometry.

Basically what I'm getting at is, have I missed a good way to be able to 'toggle' hard edges on and off, so I can see what the finished model will look like smoothed, and then go back to make alterations to the model with less polys?

r_fletch_r

Personally I find this sort of workflow pretty cumbersome I find it much faster and easier to get the silhouettes and forms right with un-subdivided polys and then start sub d modeling. this way if something is wrong shape wise you don't have a load of supporting edges to move around.

Playdo

I agree the edit poly's cumbersome. I go about it the same as you, and add them at the end. Just would be nice to be able to see what it will look like subdivided on more complex shapes.

Psyk0

I setup a shortcut for the subdivide tool in editable poly mode. I just hit ctrl-m to switch on and off and see what it looks like any time i want.

r_fletch_r

You could also bind the nurms toggle to a hotkey.

Mr. Bean

I usually apply a turbosmooth/meshsmooth modifier on top of the editable poly and then just toggle the "show end result" button. That way you can edit the object and see the changes in how the Sub-D model looks in real time.

Jesse Moody

Mr. Bean wrote: »

I usually apply a turbosmooth/meshsmooth modifier on top of the editable poly and then just toggle the "show end result" button. That way you can edit the object and see the changes in how the Sub-D model looks in real time.

Yeah I have mine set up like this as well. I can also toggle show selected with wireframe as well as I use that one a lot while modeling.

Playdo

Mr. Bean wrote: »

I usually apply a turbosmooth/meshsmooth modifier on top of the editable poly and then just toggle the "show end result" button. That way you can edit the object and see the changes in how the Sub-D model looks in real time.

That wasn't what I was getting at. I was seeing if anyone had a different technique for .. anyway, what I said at the top. I'm far to tired to think

divi

i tend to crease stuff while blocking out forms so stuff doesn't collapse into a blob. not perfect since the edges are far too hard, but good enough for the block-in stages.

Playdo

Thanks Divi, hadn't thought of that. I'll give it a try.