Blender - Topology Fundamentals

Learn the basics of 3d models and their geometry. This information should help you when it comes to creating your own 3d models.

Looking for Blender 3d resources? Check out my website for links to assets, addons, discord, and more.

[latisimus]

Everyone tells you to learn topology but no one bothers to explain it, grateful for this video and will be watching it a few more times to really understand what was said. As someone who’s been working with blender on and off for over 4 years I know my hot keys by heart I can make anything if I’m following a guide but understanding these key points will go a long way to making my own meshes without relying on others. I’ve finally starting to understand and blender is actually fun now.

[icewm]

**me struggling with an issue for 3 days** this guy casually mentions the solution like it's a foot note, thanks dude your channel is underrated

[SlavicAMV]

Timestamps:

00:00 Fundamentals of 3D Topology and Mesh Resolution
- 00:00 Overview of 3D topology fundamentals and basics of vertices, edges, faces, and poles
- 01:37 Explanation of mesh resolution and density, and the impact on 3D models
- 02:33 Understanding the importance of edge flow, loop creation, and face orientation in 3D modeling

05:54 Understanding Mesh Topology and Edge Flows in 3D Modeling
- 05:56 Subdividing shapes creates a pinching effect around poles, leading to increased mesh density.
- 06:02 End poles are useful for redirecting topology and controlling edge flows in 3D modeling.
- 11:22 Understanding the relationship between edges and vertices is crucial for directing topology and edge flow.

11:46 Topology and Geometry Techniques in 3D Modeling
- 11:46 Messy topology can still be used, but edge flow can't be controlled.
- 12:03 Insetting and reduction techniques can create different topologies for better mesh control.
- 16:56 Using limited dissolve and other tools to clean up geometry and preserve details.

17:39 Blender 3D Modeling Workflow Tips and Techniques
- 17:42 Using shortcuts like V to turn off vertex bevel and Ctrl to snap to the grid.
- 17:50 Creating shapes, adding edges, and using subdivision and beveling techniques.
- 20:42 Using mirror modifier, weighted normals, and chamfers for shading and edge flow.

23:33 Techniques for 3D Modeling and Deformation
- 23:33 Understanding the limitations of subdivision models and the need for good topology.
- 24:17 Using techniques like proportional edit tool and bend modifier for mesh deformation.
- 28:33 Demonstrating the use of loop cuts and edge flows for creating complex shapes and scenes.

29:25 3D Modeling Techniques and Tips for Clean Meshes
- 29:25 Using Ctrl B and inset to subdivide and create clean edges.
- 30:28 Applying solidify modifier and adding loop cuts for sharper edges and clean topology.
- 33:05 Techniques for maintaining shape and topology when increasing detail and polygon counts.

35:19 Understanding Topology and Subdivision Modeling in 3D
- 35:19 Base mesh dictates edge flows for clean geometry and easier editing.
- 35:43 Using tools like Loop Tools Circle and Machine Tools add-on for better results.
- 37:15 Understanding topology, e-poles, bevel shapes, and subdivision modeling for 3D modeling.

41:12 Tips for Creating 3D Models: Focus on the End Result, Don't Overthink, and Simplify the Process
- 41:14 Focus on what you want to create, not the current state of the model
- 41:20 Don't overthink the process, start with basic shapes and refine later
- 41:33 Simplify the model by using bevels, creases, and subdivision to achieve the desired result

47:12 Understanding Triangle Subdivision and Geometry Creation
- 47:12 Subdividing a triangle involves adding density to the middle section.
- 47:16 To subdivide a triangle, place a vertex in the middle and extend lines in different directions.
- 48:17 The goal is to help viewers understand fundamental building blocks of 3D models.

[elantrauma]

Every time I open blender, I'm full of creative ideas and concepts. After I close blender, I'm hungry, tired and late for work.

[jcubtanman]

As someone who only started working with blender a few months ago, I've watched enough topology videos that at some point I lost count. This one has been BY FAR the most informative, and I'm certain I'll be using it as a reference for years to come. Can't thank you enough!

[star_god]

I'm crying DX you are my best friend do you understand how many "learn topology"youtube vids I had to sludge through to found one that actually EXPLAINED DOING the topology instead of just the 5 million tools for doing it Thank You I love you!!

[scynthetic]

best topology video out there, i keep coming back to it and as i progress and every time i learn something new

[NeilMyatt]

Been using blender for years but learned a thing or 3! Thanks for making this dude 🎉

[vaepuer]

I don't use blender, and I'm not even finished with the video, but with 10 years experience it always helps to come back to the fundamentals :)

[Trench_]

Dude you are suuuch a good teacher. I'm not a beginner anymore but I watch this anyways just cause you teach so well. I wish I learned from you when I was starting it would have saved me so much time. Also your Gumroad has so many amazing things. I literally got everything it was like Christmas. Thank you.

[marioboulay]

I love watching this. I'm gonna print and learn those keyboard shortcut. For 4 years I was using Cinema4D and it's not as interesting to use. Blender seems pretty polyvalent.
Great jobs man.
BTW im a 65 y/o graphic and modeling and it feels good to watch this. I've just install it and it'll be wow to use with Unreal 5.4
I wish I could do those thing everyday but.... work off work on makes me tired and inconsistent.

[noniss]

This is the best Topology fundamental video in youtube by far . I struggled through learning almost everything by other videos and forums, and seeing all the informative points youve put here its almost basically everything you need to know about topology . Very nice work !

[dcarty]

I only just learned about back-face culling now. That's amazing and saves so much time.

[justrandall]

Thanks for taking the time to create this video. Its the first topology video I've seen that actually explained everything in a way a beginner like me can understand. I appreciate the effort you put in to creating this. If you ever read this I hope you have a great day, it is well deserved.

[tracyjackson]

Thank you so much for your video! A lot of tutorials explain what to do but never why!

[waiora]

A lot more useful than people simply showing how they modeled something, really helps to get an understanding of all the basic concepts everything is made up from.

[Katana]

Best Blender/3D content on the 'tube'. Legit information that can be translated to any other package (I've been a Maya user for 20+ years). Well done, sir.

[Kurt]

Absolutely one of (if not THE) best vids on topology on YouTube. I watched this video a few months ago not really understanding topology but been diving into understanding it more recently (going over redirects and reductions, poles etc) and you’ve managed to help in levelling up my understanding of it massively with this vid. Even just highlighting that n-poles are made during the redirects and reductions was something that wasn’t clearly explained/shown in other videos (I guess it’s obvious to them, but they didn’t really highlight it) but you gave me so many light bulb moments (& I haven’t even finished watching this vid yet 😂 I’m sure there’ll be many more). Thank you. 🙏

if you were to release a course that’s as high quality as this, going from beginner going over these fundamentals, to applying them to models and going into more advanced stuff, I think me and many others would probably purchase it.

[JezUK]

Fantastic video, thank you so much. I've never rated my modelling skills, but I've been learning Blender (from 3DS Max) for about 3 weeks now, and for some reason I'm finding modelling in Blender is just so much more fun than I ever saw/experienced/had in 3DS Max (maybe it's the decades of hate I've held towards Autodesk finally kicking in and being awoken by the Blender software and community!). Your talk/demonstration/lecture (even!) was brilliant, and I'm guessing for me, it'll be a case of just playing around like you demonstrated and start making stuff in Blender :) Cheers!

[mack]

finally a tutorial which makes sense, now i have more understanding of blenders modelling workflow, thank you.