High poly modelling and low poly modelling are part of the vocabulary of the polygon modelling technique. The essential idea behind the technique is to merge 2D polygons to form 3D models. While polygons describe any small and closed geometric space comprising of vertices and faces, it is the triangular shape that is largely used in the polygon modelling technique.
A regular sized 3D object can be made up of thousands on polygons which come together to form a mesh constituting the surface of a 3D model. The terms high poly or low poly simply point to the polygon count of a 3d model (the number of polygons required to form a 3Dshape). The more the poly count, the higher is the smoothness obtained and the better is the accuracy of the 3D model in question. A low poly count on the other hand uses up less computational power and is quicker at rendering.
Differentiating Between High Poly and Low Poly
High poly and low poly describe the polygon count of a 3D model, with high poly models possessing a higher polygon count. This allows them to display more detail, making them appear smoother and more photorealistic. Low poly models on their part boast a lower polygon count, which makes their appearance simpler and more basic.
Let us look at the differentiating properties in some detail-
Work Flows
High poly models provide great details, but take longer and cost more. Low poly models on the other hand can be made faster and entail a lower cost.
Complexity
High poly models are clearly more complex than their low poly models on account of the very large number of polygons used in creating them. Besides, 3D modelers may be required to verify a high poly model for gaps, signs of chipping and any visible gaps. This is not the case for low poly models, as there are fewer polygons to exercise control over.
Detailing
High poly models exhibit more details because they use a relatively much higher number of polygons. This allows for the display of much finer details and a smoother appearance.
Advantages of Low Poly 3D Modelling
User-friendly
Low poly 3D models possess the advantage of being quite easy to use. One can load, view and edit them quite effortlessly on ccount of their low polygon size and relatively simple mesh.
Ideal for real-time engines
As low poly 3D models have no need for high computational power for rendering these are ideally suited for things like gaming and animation. As these require quick on the fly rendering low poly 3Dmodels can efficiently step up to the plate and do the job.
Can be deployed in the metaverse
Low poly models are ideal for helping create incredible AR and VR experience. This is possible because the computer can estimate how to manipulate 3D models in a virtual environment in double quick time. This allows users to manipulate them too in real-time with practically no time lag.
Drawbacks of Low Poly 3D Modelling
Poor Visuals
The problem with low poly lies in the fact that it contains fewer geometrical shapes to render a 3D object with any modicum of realism and ends up created models that are lacking in detail. That inevitably leads to not very impressive visuals in comparison to high poly models.
Manual Addition of Effects
Low poly modelling is intrinsically low resolution in nature, necessitating the manual addition of 3D effects. Everything from reflection and refraction to shadows and other effects has to be added manually, making the process very cumbersome.
Advantages of High Poly 3D Modelling
Life-like 3D Representation
High poly 3D modelling can help create visuals of outstanding quality. These are highly detailed and accurate boasting very life-like in their appearance and stand up to the closest scrutiny with regard to their realistic outcomes. This makes high poly 3D modelling idea for rendering high-quality videos and images.
Helps Create Cross-Section
High poly models can help display the cross-sections of an object quite vividly. It can, for instance, enable one to dissect an object and zoom in for an in-depth observation. This ability of high poly modelling can be put to great use across industry and organization functions.
Drawbacks of High Poly 3D Modelling
Takes a Lot of Time
The high poly model is known to be quite time-consuming when it comes to rendering and calculation. This is on account of the fact that the processor has to manipulate a host of elements to arrive at an outcome.
Resource Heavy
High poly models are quite complex when it comes to deploying them for 3D rendering. This is on account of the fact that one needs to deploy high-configuration devices to view and edit the models created by them. This requires both creators and users use the right kind of devices just to access the 3D models created using the high poly modelling technique.
Polygons Suited for eCommerce Product Modelling
When creating 3D models of products for use in e-commerce, the model in question needs to conform to certain standards to be acceptable to a merchant. These include visual accuracy, mesh quality, as well as texture quality. The model should deploy as much geometry as is necessary and one should ensure that it is built to real-world scale.
When used the right way both low poly and high poly product models can help augment the e-commerce process in a major way. However, when it comes to low poly vs high poly, the latter does seem to have more going for it. That is because high poly can help create photorealistic 3D representations of products pertaining to any industry that requires a high level of detail for function that range from prototyping to promotions. Among the sectors that could find this useful are architectural modelling, eCommerce catalogue creation, prototyping furniture and toys and soon.
On the other hand, several eCommerce businesses use low poly models to provide users with real-time interactive experiences. This can be done by enabling them to rotate as well as flip products to obtain a 360-degree view of products and their constituent parts. Besides, low poly models are extremely versatile and can be put to innovative uses like creating interactive ads and smartphone compatible AR apps. These can also be deployed to create interior design configuration or even put to use in the Metaverse. What’s more low poly models are highly practical as well as you can create interactive experience that are compatible with most devices and platforms.
