Draw curves to guide retopology

As part of a computed retopology operation, you can draw curves to guide the operation. This is completely optional. If you try an automated Retopologize a mesh operation and extract an unsatisfactory mesh, drawing curves can help to construct a more ideal retopology solution.

With a curve network drawn on top of the mesh, you can further specify whether the curves define the basic direction of edge flow (soft constraints), or whether you intend them to plot a specific edge (hard constraints).

To create curves that guide a retopology operation

1. (Optional) Run an automated retopology operation first (with no curves) to determine where the computed retopology solution doesn't meet your requirements.
2. Add curves to the mesh that define where you want the basic direction of edges to flow, or where you want edges on the resulting mesh.

   If you tried an automated retopo operation first, add curves in areas where the computed retopology flow is unsuitable.

   • Draw 3D curves on a mesh
   • Create precise 3D curves based on an axis plane
   • Modify the shape of a curve
   • Relax or smooth curves
3. (Optional) Do the following to define which curves act as hard constraints for the operation and which act as soft constraints.
   • Open the Retopologize window by selecting Mesh > Retopologize > New Operation (or select a previously saved operation.)

     For a new operation, all curves drawn on the mesh display in orange. Before you make any specific constraint assignments, all curves are treated as soft constraints.

   • With the Retopologize window open, right-click curves and select Hard Constraint or Soft Constraint from the marking menu that appears.

     As a general rule, use hard constraint curves to define the major feature areas of the mesh (where edge creation is required). Use soft constraint curves where you merely want to give some direction on the edge flow.

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