TopoBuild SOP tools

To retopologize high-poly models, use the Topo mode feature. In Topo mode, the TopoBuild, TopoSlide, TopoSplit, TopoBrush, TopoSmooth, and TopoSkin tools can create low-poly models that are continuously projected onto the high-poly model. For information on how to use the TopoBuild node, consult the Houdini documentation.

Reprojecting onto projection geometry

In Modeler, unlike Houdini, you can use any standard modeling tool, such as Extrude or Fill. These tools typically alter the shape of the high-poly model. To correct this, you can use any TopoBuild tool, which will immediately project points back onto the high-poly model.

TopoStroke

The TopoStroke tool allows you to draw patches directly onto the high-poly surface.

PolyDraw

When Topo mode is inactive, the TopoBuild tools function similarly to PolyDraw in Houdini, meaning they do not project points onto the high-poly model and instead work in screen space.

Working in Topo Mode:

• Enter the container with the high-poly model.
• Select the TopoMode tool. It will create a Null node named HIGH_POLY_TEMPLATE ****and turn on the Template flag. Do not rename it, as this node indicates whether Modeler is running in the Topo mode. Modeler will also automatically launch the TBuild tool to create new polygons. At this point, you can start the TopoStroke tool if you want to start drawing projected patches, and the unnecessary TopoBuild node will be removed.
• Model using any tools you prefer. As mentioned earlier, if you need to project points onto the high-poly model, simply run any of the TopoBuild tools.
• Run the TopoMode tool a second time to exit Topo mode. This tool will remove the HIGH_POLY_TEMPLATE node and save the modeling results into a new Stash node.