Tips for retopology? Best tools?

Stirls · Dec 2013

So I'm going to attempt to create a low-poly model of a high-poly work I created a while ago, but I don't know where to begin. I've created low-poly works from high-poly before, just not with actual characters.

To add on, what are your tools for retopo? I've used zBrush in the past for this.

Chase · Dec 2013

I personally think Topogun is the best retopology software. Just like with all low poly meshes you want to make sure it has enough tris to produce a good enough silhouette. If you youtube Topogun you'll get some good videos on how to use it. It's very much similar to zbrush so you'll feel at home.

CodeFather · Dec 2013

If you already know 3dsmax, than you can just stick with the graphite modeling tools (the old polyboost plugin) and its capabilities for retopo.

WarrenM · Dec 2013

I just use Max. The extend tool is really nice once you get the hang of it.

ExcessiveZero · Dec 2013

Topogun is fantastic but Zremesher with guides is fantastic too, theres so many good options right now.

betapilot · Dec 2013

I also recommend Topogun but have also started using Zremesher alot recently.

Ruz · Dec 2013

yeah max is nice, with the grpahite retopo tools.
I am still not convinced by the new wave of auto retopo stuff.

[Deleted User] · Dec 2013

Only thing i dont like about topogun is the lack of orthographic... unless someone can shed some light on this

seth. · Dec 2013

personally I also stick to the graphite tools retopo features... I like to keep my retopo as vanilla as possible cos you dont know what software extras you will end up with studio to studio.

ExcessiveZero · Dec 2013

seth. wrote: »

personally I also stick to the graphite tools retopo features... I like to keep my retopo as vanilla as possible cos you dont know what software extras you will end up with studio to studio.

I think thats a even better reason to get more versatile with software, if you are able to use maya, max, mudbox and zbrush being rather capable any company is going to know they can put a piece of even in house software infront of you, or new software comes out, and you should get to grips with it sooner or later, because your fundamentals will be good and you can adapt.

and id argue it just a bit more that you can understand things better when you're going across software boundaries, adaptation is the key to evolution my friend.

Froyok · Dec 2013

froRetopo ? :>

Okay I'm out...

ponjarphy · Dec 2013

I enjoy using 3d-coat a lot for it. I do always take a decimation of the highres and the new low poly I made into maya to do the last few tweaks

[Deleted User] · Dec 2013

Froyok wrote: »

froRetopo ? :>

Okay I'm out...

I like that its integrated in maya but i found the projection a little off, snapping to surface with an edge loop (like you can in most others) can't be done... but i wish it could be! froretpo could easily be the most convenient one, but it's too much manual work..

Also the high poly mesh doesnt work on reference, so it slows down maya

nyx702 · Dec 2013

I really like 3D Coat retopo but don't really like their scene management or having to import and export more than I have to.

So I use 3Dsmax graphite tools but WITH the Wrapit Plugin. Without this plugin I would be using 3D coat.

stevston89 · Dec 2013

I like using max a lot. The topo tools work well and if they don't work quite the way I want I can fix things on the fly with standard modeling tools. I find that versatility very useful compared to other programs.

Zepic · Dec 2013

As mentioned above, zRemesher looks pretty fast and accurate compared to previous auto-retoping solutions.

Here's a quick tutorial you might be interested in:

http://pixologic.com/zclassroom/homeroom/lesson/topology/#zremesher

Stirls · Dec 2013

Been getting big into zRemesher as of late! Good stuff. I strayed from 3Ds Max after a few peers pushed me into using Maya. I'll have to crack it back open to look at the graphite tools in greater depth.

seth. · Dec 2013

I think that you misunderstand me, I can retopo in pretty much anything but I stick to the tools inside my primary software package (I'm fluent with maya and XSI also) as I know that whichever company I work for I can use the basic tools provided rather than need anything specific...ie topogun, 3dcoat etc...

does anyone here actually use zremesher in their professional work character wise?

ExcessiveZero wrote: »

I think thats a even better reason to get more versatile with software, if you are able to use maya, max, mudbox and zbrush being rather capable any company is going to know they can put a piece of even in house software infront of you, or new software comes out, and you should get to grips with it sooner or later, because your fundamentals will be good and you can adapt.

and id argue it just a bit more that you can understand things better when you're going across software boundaries, adaptation is the key to evolution my friend.

WarrenM · Dec 2013

I'm with Seth, which is one reason I like the Max tools ... the more I can do in the same application, the more efficient I am. Having to export/import into multiple apps just eats up time, generally speaking.

Froyok · Dec 2013

Yuze wrote: »

I like that its integrated in maya but i found the projection a little off, snapping to surface with an edge loop (like you can in most others) can't be done... but i wish it could be! froretpo could easily be the most convenient one, but it's too much manual work..

Also the high poly mesh doesnt work on reference, so it slows down maya

Thanks for the feedback ! Note that you can project the edge loop after creating it by using the "project geometry" button. I know, it's not automatic, but I didn't found a way yet to make it that way (properly I mean).

Anyway, I will see what I can do.

riowahab · Dec 2013

Hi, I use Zbrush most of the time.
But I always find that after finishing the new retop model in Zbrush, the model become very small in Max. Because I want to baked it in Max, so I need to resize it all the time. Any ideas why this is happened?

Laughing_Bun · Dec 2013

I use 3dcoat and think it is awesome, but it does seem very slow.

Stromberg90 · Dec 2013

Using blender and 3d-coat, blender's retopo tools are surprisingly solid.
Using 3d-coat when retoping over diffrent object so I don't need to combine the highpoly pieces in blender first.

Renaud Galand · Dec 2013

I've been using Topogun for many years now. I just like how easily it handles highpoly meshes and the tools. As a side note, I think it has the best AO/directional bake results on the market. So SMOOTH

At the end of the day, the software doesn't really matter, what really does is making sure you build a mesh that retains all the details you want but is also as animation/rigging friendly as possible.

Norstu · Dec 2013

My new favorite = RappaTools' (QuickTopo) + Graphite Modeling Tools in Max 2014.

I have done a lot of retopo work in 3D Coat & really enjoyed using it. Found it to be a very stable & reliable option.

Topogun is awesome but I found it to be unstable. It also doesn't have Applink which makes 3D Coat that much more attractive.

iniside · Dec 2013

ZBrush + ZRemesher + Correct in any app = profit

Shiniku · Dec 2013

I like 3dCoat a lot, pretty efficient and also intuitive to figure out (never went online for a tut or anything), but you can't go wrong just sticking to 3ds max, which is what I do at work because we don't have 3dcoat.

cw · Dec 2013

graphite tools, wrap-it is pretty handy but less essential post 'conform' brush.

I've used zremesher for quick results, usually there a load of spirals to sort out though, but it's great for workflow if not final topology.

Never got on with 3dcoat, topogun or zbrush retopo tools.

barnesy · Jan 2016

Hi all,

I was wondering if the consensus has changed since 2013?

I'm currently using the retop tools in max and I was wondering how 3D Coat and topogun compare now?

onionhead_o · Jan 2016

ModelingToolkit(aka Nex) in maya , along with Frotools for those hard to reach areas when i need precision.

Stirls · Jan 2016

What's up with all of my dead threads being revived? Lovin' it.

Topogun is my go-to.

gavku · Oct 2017

F5_official said:

does anyone know where i can get a crack version of topogun 2?

http://topogun.com/store/buy-topogun.htm

Scruples · Oct 2017

The best tool is your brain...I just wanted to say something pretentious.
My vote goes to 3dcoat, huzzah.

Eric Chadwick · Oct 2017

F5_official said:

does anyone know where i can get a crack version of topogun 2?

This is your 2nd warning for breaking our rule about pirated software. You are now banned permanently. We have zero tolerance for those who use or advocate cracked software.

Besides the immorality and illegality of piracy, as game developers we are software makers and thus we rely on purchasers for our salaries.

elpistolero · Oct 2017

3D Coat hands down, use it with custom hotkeys and it's unbeatable. Topogun is too buggy for me.

MmAaXx · Oct 2017

Stromberg90 said:

Using blender and 3d-coat, blender's retopo tools are surprisingly solid.
Using 3d-coat when retoping over diffrent object so I don't need to combine the highpoly pieces in blender first.

no need to join meshes to retopo in blender.

Tips for retopology? Best tools?

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