{"id":166055,"date":"2023-01-03T16:29:48","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T08:29:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=166055"},"modified":"2023-01-10T10:08:32","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T02:08:32","slug":"low-poly-3d-models-all-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/low-poly-3d-models-all-you-need-to-know","title":{"rendered":"Low-Poly 3D Models \u2013 All You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

Interested in making your own low-poly 3D models? Learn how to do it using two of the most popular 3D software: Blender and Sketchup.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Early Steps<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
A Minecraft landscape. Source: Francois_Bellay \/ Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

With the technology available today in the video game industry, we are used to seeing\u00a0life-like images in each game that comes out.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because the graphics resources, like processors and graphics cards, evolved so quickly over the years, allowing the game developers to make more complex models\u00a0to achieve better results.<\/p>\n

But back in the mid-\u201990s, when the first 3D video games began to hit the market, it was common to see characters and scenarios\u00a0formed out by straight and hard edges on our computers or game consoles. To us now, they look awkward and unrealistic. What we didn\u2019t know then was that those simple shapes we were seeing on our screens would later become\u00a0what we now call \u201clow poly\u201d models.<\/p>\n

A polygon is a 2D shape made out of straight angles and lines that, when placed together, are able to create 3D shapes.\u00a0 Polygons are an essential part of every 3D model and as you can see, the higher the polygon count is, the more detailed and smoother the object will be and vice versa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Low Poly as an Art Expression<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
A low poly tiger. Source: Manuchi \/ Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

What began as a technological constraint later became a form of artistic expression.<\/p>\n

Many designers and digital artists around the world began to use low-poly art due to its capacity to synthesize the geometry of any organic object. They did this by reducing the mesh to get a really attractive finish and highlighting a minimalist style.<\/p>\n

Nowadays we can see these low poly images\u00a0in a lot of advertising campaigns, illustrations and also video games. If you want to see an example of some incredible 3D low-poly images, feel free to visit the\u00a0web page of the 3D illustrator Thimothy J. Reynolds<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Believe it or not, you can apply this cool effect to any 3D model you want just by using different CAD software tools. In this case, we\u2019re going to show you how to do it by using Sketchup Pro plugins and Blender modifiers. We\u2019ll use a simple Pokemon model\u00a0created by Diego Vicentin to show you the process, so let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Making your own low-poly models in SketchUp<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
A low-poly heart in Sketchup. Source: Genaro Ponce \/ All3DP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

One of the biggest differences between Blender and Sketchup is the number of polygons they can handle. Blender is able to work with a larger amount of polygons in an easier way, so if the 3D model you\u2019re working with is a complex one, like a detailed character, we recommend you skip to the Blender section below.<\/p>\n