An Introduction to SubD (Subdivision Surface Modelling) in Rhino3d v7

Phil Cook from Simply Rhino takes a look at SubD, that is being developed for Rhino v7.

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Traditionally SubD objects are mesh based and lend themselves well to more approximate types of modelling such as character modelling and creating smooth organic forms that are controlled in an approximate fashion. Rhino SubD objects are, however, high precision spline based surfaces and thus introduce a level of accuracy to the process of creating complex freeform shapes. Whilst traditional SubD ‘push-pull’ editing of edges, faces and vertices is enabled, Rhino’s surface commands such as Loft, Revolve, Sweep 1 & 2 and Extrude all now produce direct SubD output. Similarly the Control Point Curve and Interpolated Curve have ‘SubD Friendly’ options that allow accurate SubD surfaces to be produced from a curve layout in a similar method that one might employ for NURBS modelling but with the advantage of the inherent smoothness of SubD surfaces.

The video starts by examining SubD surfaces and how these compare to NURBS before moving on to look at some examples of how and why SubD can be used alongside the traditional NURBS workflow in Rhino.

Simply Rhino are the most popular Rhino3D reseller in the UK, they offer expert training and support for Rhino and all key Rhino plugins.

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[edwardcruz]

Phil: once again, your concise, direct and expert conveyance of a complex feature and its process, comes through. THANK YOU. You are a true teacher.

[gethnoble]

subd is going to revolutionize my work in Rhino! thanks for this excellent video!

[andrewli]

Thanks for this intro video, Phil! And THANK YOU, Robert McNeel & Associates, for bringing Sub-D workflow back to Rhino after AutoDesk took it away with T-splines. I can finally retire my Rhino 5.0 because I won't need to use my old copy of T-splines anymore! This is a game-changer!

[MdMizanurRahman]

"Sub-D" and "Rhino-Inside" technology will be the game-changer in the 3D modeling industry.

[IlI]

The last time I've used Rhino was in ver 5. This is a huge game changer for me!

[PorscheMonster]

Awesome video Phil! Glad to see that the “snatch and grab” of TSplines prompted the internal development effort of a SubD utility for the folks at Mcneel. Moreover, I truly appreciate your breakdown of NURBS, mesh, and SubD object topologies!

[mdex]

Finally, a good explanation and working examples of Sub-D modelling in Rhino, nice work :)

[orbecdotti]

Very clear even for those who don't master English!

[-IYN-]

Extremely well executed video and narration. Great visual and duly spoken lesson.

[nathaniellevy]

Stitch creates an edge while Fill Hole creates a lack of an edge.

However, if one does not want the edge to be hard (ie filleted) that's when you use Crease, or in this case, remove crease.

SingleSubDFace uses edges to create a new face. (Use the flat view.)

[SuperTommyboy]

Thank you very much for sharing this. It was a great way of explaining the difference between Nurbs, poly surfaces and SubD's and I've picked up some great tips to improve my modeling skills.

[hockeypuckak]

Good basic fundamental video hope to see more!!

[johnrey]

Thank you very much man, seriously you helped a lot i started from 0 to 10.

[marcorubeo]

Very informative video....this opens a new world ! Thank You !

[betianaspinello]

Great video and excellent narration!!! Thanks for sharing Phil

[adatsewk]

Thank you so much! Learnt a lot for preparing my assignment! Thank you for your clear explanation of these tools!

[zimdollar]

Incredible tool that I've really been enjoying, and such a good tutorial to explain it. Thank you!

[colinturner]

Need more of these videos on Sub D, with models if possible, that way we can follow along. Great Video.

[larryfroot]

Excellent, clear and engaging. Thank you.

[tubilar]

At 28:04 the symmetry tool (like in T-spline) would be really useful. I hope that would be included in the final release.