How can you optimize polygon count of a digital sculpt using decimation tools?

1 What is decimation?

Decimation is a process of simplifying a 3D mesh by removing unnecessary polygons and vertices, while maintaining the overall appearance and quality of the model. Decimation tools use various algorithms to analyze the geometry of your mesh and determine which parts can be reduced without affecting the visual fidelity. Decimation can help you optimize your sculpt for different purposes, such as rendering, animation, or game engines.

3 How to use decimation tools in Blender?

Blender is another powerful software for 3D modeling and sculpting, and it also has a built-in decimation tool. You can find it under the Modifier tab in the Properties panel. To use it, you need to select your mesh and add a Decimate modifier. Then, you can choose from three modes: Collapse, Un-Subdivide, or Planar. Collapse mode will reduce the number of vertices and faces by merging them based on a ratio value. Un-Subdivide mode will reduce the number of faces by removing loops and edges based on an iteration value. Planar mode will reduce the number of faces by merging them based on an angle value. You can adjust these values to achieve the desired level of decimation, and apply the modifier when you are satisfied.

4 How to use decimation tools in MeshLab?

MeshLab is a free and open source software for processing and editing 3D meshes, and it also has a powerful decimation tool. You can find it under the Filters menu, in the Remeshing, Simplification and Reconstruction sub-menu. To use it, you need to select your mesh and choose the Quadratic Edge Collapse Decimation filter. Then, you can set the target number of faces or the percentage reduction for your mesh, and click on the Apply button. This will reduce the number of polygons in your mesh using a quadratic error metric. You can also use other filters, such as Clustering Decimation or Surface Reconstruction, to achieve different results.

5 What are the benefits and drawbacks of decimation?

Decimation can help you optimize your polygon count and improve your performance, but it also has some limitations and trade-offs. You may benefit from reduced file size and memory usage, as well as faster workflow and rendering time. Decimation can also make your mesh more compatible with other applications or platforms. However, it can alter the topology and structure of your mesh, reducing its quality and accuracy. Additionally, it may affect the UV mapping and texture baking of your mesh, leading to seams or stretching in some cases.

6 How to balance decimation and quality?

Decimation is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and you need to consider your goals and needs before applying it to your mesh. Depending on the purpose and destination of your sculpt, you might want to preserve more or less detail and quality in your mesh. Therefore, it is important to use decimation tools as a final step after you have finished sculpting and detailing your mesh, and before you export or import it to other applications or platforms. Furthermore, experiment with different decimation tools and settings, comparing the results in terms of polygon count, visual appearance, and performance. You should also use decimation tools selectively, applying them only to the parts of your mesh that need optimization, or that are not visible or important for your project. Finally, consider using decimation tools in combination with other optimization techniques, such as retopology, subdivision, or normal maps, to create a more efficient and realistic mesh.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?