Retopology for Beginners in Maya

In this Maya modelling tutorial, learn how to get started with retopology using the very handy quad-draw tool. With it, you can do all forms of retopology, from environments, characters and creatures to props. It's used by artists in all fields, including gaming, high-end VFX and commercials.

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[anvekarakash]

tab + middle mouse button = select loop
Tab + left click drag + extrude
control + shift = delete
control + hover = add loop
Shift + left click = relax/Smooth

[llewtree]

It’s also really useful to turn the symmetry on preferably in the x axis whilst modelling, it can save a lot of time, it’s found in the same tab as quad draw just above it a lil ways up.

[joehardy]

I wondered why you guys stated in another video why Maya is your goto for re-topologizing, now I know. This looks crazy fast once you get comfortable.

[seencapone]

This looks like it would be a great way to quickly model tailored clothing for your character, too

[kylekenney]

I have to say, of all tutorials I have ever seen, this one is the best made. Well done!

[nemjef]

This simple tool is a brutally vital step in my workflow. It saves literally double digit hours of work and it only took me like 5 minutes of a video to learn how to do it. Insane.

[sebbef]

It's crazy how useful this is, also it makes the process a lot more fun and less labor!

[zackakai]

Trying to model a torso harness/vest thing for a character mesh and this is proving SUPER useful for getting the basic shape of the mesh down. Thanks for the tutorial guys!

[SirEpifire]

Coming from always needing separate retopo tools back when I used Softimage to now; this is absolutely incredible! I tried running auto retopology from Maya on some sharp rock sculpts but the system could never adapt enough to meet crisp hard edges of the original highpoly, while retaining mid poly resolutions. Appreciate your guys' explanation on these tools!

[anishoe]

Fantastic video guys! I've used the quad draw tool but I found it wasn't as fast as I thought it would be. I learned so many new tricks through this video. Thanks!

[awhellyeah]

I am amazed that this did not feel like a 14 minute video . very useful information! I think having a second person in the video that you speak to helps!

[larspacktaus]

Very good tutorial. Perfect length and work speed. Nice to listen to also. Thank you!!

[GeoJJx]

Thank you so much for this! I recently learnt about retopology but my experience with the tool hasnt been the most efficient thus far, your advice on working big instead of granular is so true for most of modeling aspects! :D

[lukacoleman]

Fuk, you guys are a life saver. I have a character model due as an assignment this sunday and the tutor hasn't taught us how to retopologize properly

[nicolebry]

Lmao I’m a newb at 3D what on Earth am I doing watching videos so far above my Modeling I classes current expectations of me?

Short answer is diving in headfirst is exactly how I learn stuff the hard and fast way haha. Getting a grab bag of tips in advance from videos like this one has saved me fatal errors before in other programs and I’m hoping my luck holds out that I keep catching mistakes before they happen.

Thanks for making these videos, I just discovered y’all today. ☺️

[Alexandros_Pan]

one of THE BEST, EASIEST AND MOST EXPLANATORY videos i've seen! GOOD JOB! You just won 3 subscribers, keep it up!

[sassuskrassus]

The thing with the B key is soo good to know !!!

[McAliotsam]

THANK YOU! So awesome! Now Maya is the main topology tool that I will use! Thank u again!!!!

[MrDeadLord]

Extremely useful! Didn't know Maya have so useful stuff inside! Thanks you!

[ashleechan]

You guys have THE best vodeos!! So in depth and clear. Thank you!