help with edge flows please...

#1

Hi,

one of the things Im really finding hard in modelling is managing my edge flows and making sure I don’t have tris or ngons.

I have an example attached of a ship Im making with an air duct on the side. On its left side (1) I started with a ring that goes right around the ship, but then on the right side (2) I thought it may be better/more correct if I go the different route (a bit more of a ring). Is either one correct?

Also, at the top (3) I’ve tried to get rid of a tri by adding an extra couple of edges - but this creates a bit of a nasty looking quad - any suggestions of what I should do here?

thanks for ANY help you can give - much appreciated. Also if there are any good tutorials anybody knows about this subject that would be a fantastic help!

Nick

#2

The main thing you have to focus on is how it looks when smoothed (i’m assuming you want to use sub-d). So number 2 looks better than number 1 but how does 1 subdivide vs. 2? good, bad, same? Pick the one that works and problem solved. Same thing with the “nasty” looking quad, subdivide and look for unwanted artifacts.

#3

thanks for that. Year, I started off thinking Id use sub-d, But as Im quite new to it, all the edges became quite hard for me to manage, so I reverted to just trying to make a low poly model. I think Ill make a low poly version and if Im feeling daring attempt a sub d version after :slight_smile:

#4

Yeah really depends what look your going for. But to me, #2 is the most solid structurally, looking at them all objectively. The others just look like it’ll be a “rough” smoothing job. And 2’s probably the easiest to mess with if you need a hard vs soft edge around it. Easier to add loops, easier to move a loop, etc.

#5

I don’t see any tris or n gons. This should subdivide just fine.

Can you provide your reference picture?

#6

Correct.

OP, you’re confusing poles(E poles=3 edge convergence/N poles=5 edge convergence) with non-quads. The pole on the left(1) is definitely a problem. 6-edge poles are to be avoided at all costs. E and N poles are 100% necessary in sub-d modeling. Anywhere an edgeloop changes direction/flow, a pole is essential. The trick is learning how to move them around your topology to eliminate pinching/artifacting.