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 representation of any surface of an object (inanimate or living) in three dimensions via specialized software by manipulating edges, vertices, an ...

process where an object's

polygonal mesh In 3D computer graphics and solid modeling, a polygon mesh is a collection of , s and s that defines the shape of a polyhedral object. The faces usually consist of triangles (triangle mesh), quadrilaterals (quads), or other simple convex polyg ...

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 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 In mathematics, topology (from the Greek language, Greek words , and ) is concerned with the properties of a mathematical object, geometric object that are preserved under Continuous function, continuous Deformation theory, deformations, such ...

to render and perform with good results.

References

3D computer graphics {{Compu-graphics-stub