# retopology [Retopology](https://conceptartempire.com/retopology/) is the process of rebuilding a complex model into a simpler version. [[sculpting tools|Sculpting]] a model requires using tons of faces and subdivisions to get quality details. A high-poly model may look good but is difficult to animate and can cause even high-end computers to slow down. A simpler mesh version is much better for animation and game design and can speed up workflows. ## automated processes [Learn about these from a YouTube video by Maya Learning Channel.](https://youtu.be/yNBGbLyzeKU) ### remesh This is good for when your mesh gets overly complicated and has geometric issues. This evens out the polygons in the selected area. This is also a good way to add extra faces for more detail in different sections of an object that doesn’t have many subdivisions. Using the pulldown menus use **Mesh > Remesh**. ### retopologize This is an automated process with several options in the tool settings. Using pulldown menus, choose **Mesh > Retopologize** and pick the little window icon. [There are a number of options.](https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2023/ENU/Maya-Modeling/files/GUID-8B176ACA-FBEA-4756-B55E-130AD3E75BA9-htm.html) Your faces will become triangles. This process can take some time so be prepared to wait. It can also do wonky things so be prepared to undo and adjust settings and try again. --- ## Quad Draw Tool for manual process Select complex geometry and make it live by clicking the little curved magnet icon in the main menu. This makes it so you can’t select the mesh but you can use it as a reference while creating new geometry. Use [Quad Draw tool](https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya-lt/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2017/ENU/MayaLT/files/GUID-20DEA0B6-C090-49EA-98AE-172F1C382A05-htm.html) to draw in new geometry. Found in Modeling Toolkit, through pulldowns for **Mesh Tools > Quad Draw** or **Shift-Right-Click > Marking Menu**. Click on the model to add new vertexes which you can then use to add new faces that follow the geometry of the high-poly object. [There are a bunch of combinations of mouse buttons and keyboard keys to get different controls for the Quad Draw tool.](https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya-lt/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2017/ENU/MayaLT/files/GUID-ED28E6BC-6141-491C-8C1B-2AE6FC813284-htm.html) - **Left-Mouse-Click** - add vertex points - **Left-Mouse-Drag** - move faces around on surface - **Shift-Left-Mouse-Click** - add a face based on the surrounding vertex points and existing faces - **Shift-Left-Mouse Drag** - Relax the geometry in an attempt to equalize face sizes - **Ctrl-Left-Mouse** - add Edge Loops - **Ctrl-Shift-Left-Mouse-Click** - delete a face --- Learn more… - [Retopology for Beginners in Maya YouTube video from FlippedNormal](https://youtu.be/xpDWta5O3n8) - [What is Retopology? on Concept Art Empire](https://conceptartempire.com/retopology/) - [Retopology Tips for Beginners on MakeUseOf](https://www.makeuseof.com/retopology-tips-for-beginners/) --- tags: #3d #maya #resources home: [[! 3d modeling- maya]]