Retopology (or retopo) is a step in the

3D modeling In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical coordinate-based Computer representation of surfaces, representation of a surface of an object (inanimate or living) in Three-dimensional space, three dimensions vi ...

process where an object's polygonal mesh is modified or recreated to obtain a cleaner layout while maintaining nearly the same physical shape of the model. Owing to its complexity, retopology is currently a mostly manual process but tools exist to assist 3D artists with the workflow. Automated and semi-automated retopology algorithms are an active field of research;

state-of-the-art The state of the art (SOTA or SotA, sometimes cutting edge, leading edge, or bleeding edge) refers to the highest level of general development, as of a device, technique, or scientific field achieved at a particular time. However, in some contex ...

techniques provide good results in some, but not all, cases. Most organically-shaped models, especially those that are animated or used in real-time applications, must be created with clean

topology Topology (from the Greek language, Greek words , and ) is the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of a Mathematical object, geometric object that are preserved under Continuous function, continuous Deformation theory, deformat ...

to deform properly (if

skeletal animation Skeletal animation or rigging is a technique in computer animation in which a character (or other articulated object) is represented in two parts: a polygonal or parametric mesh representation of the surface of the object, and a hierarchical set ...

is employed), render with smooth and accurate shading, and avoid excessive polygon counts that can reduce performance. Retopology plays an important role in numerous industries such as

animation Animation is a filmmaking technique whereby still images are manipulated to create moving images. In traditional animation, images are drawn or painted by hand on transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed and exhibited on film. Animati ...

gaming Gaming may refer to: Games and sports The act of playing games, as in: * Legalized gambling, playing games of chance for money, often referred to in law as "gaming" * Playing a role-playing game, in which players assume fictional roles * Playing ...

visual effects Visual effects (sometimes abbreviated as VFX) is the process by which imagery is created or manipulated outside the context of a live-action shot in filmmaking and video production. The integration of live-action footage and other live-action fo ...

virtual reality Virtual reality (VR) is a Simulation, simulated experience that employs 3D near-eye displays and pose tracking to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world. Applications of virtual reality include entertainment (particularly video gam ...

, and

3D printing 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. It can be done in a variety of processes in which material is deposited, joined or solidified under computer ...

. In animation and gaming, retopology ensures that characters and assets deform smoothly during movement, allowing for realistic and believable animations. In visual effects, it enables the creation of high-quality models with optimal geometry for seamless integration into live-action footage, while in 3D printing it is used to optimize models for efficient printing processes.

References

3D computer graphics {{Compu-graphics-stub