The Importance of Constructing Sound Models with Edge Loops
Deadline: 07 April 2008
Edge looping is a method of laying out the polygon quads so that they form loops. Edge loops mimic how real muscles work and give more control over the contours of any position (Raitt, 1998). Edge loops are mostly important for the face of the model. They can go around the eyes, mouth, nose and ears and can interlink or not. It is also best to plan the edge loops before creating the model.
Too many triangles or 5 sided shapes are going to make texturing difficult. They can also complicate the shape of the model when animating by forming strange folds or dents during movement. The are a problem when deforming the model. It is therefore best to have as few as possible.
Below is a picture illustrating how edge loops can be drawn on the face:
(Bayramoglu, 2008 ).
References:
Bayramoglu, H. 2008. "Edge Loop Head Modeling".
http://www.3dtotal.com/team/Tutorials_3/head_modeling_3dsmax/head_modeling_3dsmax_01.asp
Accessed: 05 April 2008.
Raitt, B. 1998. “Character Modeling”.
http://cube.phlatt.net/home/spiraloid/tutorial/modeling.html
Accessed: 05 April 2008.
