How do you choose the appropriate level of detail for your models and textures?

1 What is level of detail?

Level of detail (LOD) is the concept of using different versions of a model or a texture depending on the distance, angle, or importance of the object in the scene. The idea is to reduce the complexity and size of the assets that are less visible or relevant to the viewer, and save computational resources for the ones that are more prominent or detailed. LOD can be applied manually or automatically, depending on the tools and methods you use.

2 Why is level of detail important?

Level of detail is important for several reasons. First, it can improve the performance and speed of your rendering, especially for large or complex scenes with many objects. By using lower resolution or simpler models and textures for distant or occluded objects, you can reduce the memory usage, bandwidth, and processing time of your graphics pipeline. Second, it can enhance the realism and immersion of your scenes, by avoiding aliasing, popping, or distortion effects that can occur when using high resolution or detailed assets for small or faraway objects. Third, it can create a sense of depth, scale, and focus in your scenes, by emphasizing the objects that are closer or more important to the viewer, and de-emphasizing the ones that are further or less relevant.

3 How to apply level of detail manually?

One way to apply level of detail manually is to create multiple versions of your models and textures with different resolutions or complexities, and switch between them based on the distance or angle of the object from the camera. This can be done using tools such as Blender, Maya, or Photoshop, where you can adjust the polygon count, mesh topology, texture resolution, or compression level of your assets. You can also use naming conventions, layers, or groups to organize your assets and make them easier to manage. Then, you can use scripts, logic nodes, or triggers to control when and how to switch between the different versions of your assets in your scene.

4 How to apply level of detail automatically?

Another way to apply level of detail automatically is to use algorithms or techniques that can generate or adjust the models and textures on the fly, based on the distance, angle, or importance of the object in the scene. This can be done using tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Substance Painter, where you can use features such as LOD groups, impostors, mipmaps, or adaptive subdivision to create or modify your assets dynamically. You can also use parameters, sliders, or presets to customize the level of detail settings for your assets and optimize them for your target platform or device.

5 How to choose the appropriate level of detail?

When deciding the level of detail for your models and textures, consider the purpose, style, and scope of your project, the limitations and capabilities of your hardware and software, as well as the expectations and preferences of your audience. Generally speaking, use higher level of detail for objects that are closer, larger, or more important to the viewer. Objects with more details, variations or textures should also have higher level of detail. Similarly, dynamic, interactive or animated objects should have higher level of detail than static, passive or fixed objects. When it comes to realism, naturalness or complexity, opt for higher level of detail. Finally, objects that are more visible, exposed or lit should have higher level of detail than those that are hidden, occluded or dark.

6 How to test and evaluate your level of detail?

Testing and evaluating your level of detail is an essential part of your workflow to identify and fix any issues or errors that may arise from using different versions of your models and textures. Previewing and rendering your scene from different angles, distances, and lighting conditions can help you detect any visual artifacts, glitches, or inconsistencies. Additionally, measuring and comparing the memory usage, bandwidth, and processing time of your scene with different level of detail settings can help you detect any performance bottlenecks, lags, or crashes. Lastly, it's important to ask for feedback and opinions from other people such as peers, clients, or users to check for any satisfaction, preference, or expectation gaps.

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?