How to Create Low Poly 3D Models

Low poly 3D modeling is increasingly popular in the area of computer graphics and digital art. Using a few polygons, this innovative and visually appealing technique produces 3D objects with a minimalistic and geometric design and many designers, game developers, and artists like it because of its unique approach and wide range of uses.

This article provides a thorough introduction to low poly 3D modeling, giving you all the knowledge you require to start practicing this 3D modeling technique. You will get to know of the core ideas, tools, and techniques you need to create great low poly models. But before that, let’s have a look at low poly modeling in details.

What is Low Poly 3D Modeling?

A low polygon count is a distinguishing feature of the 3D modeling approach, which is used to build geometric and minimalist 3D objects. The abbreviated term "poly" stands for "polygon," which describes the several flat surfaces that make up a 3D model. In low poly modeling, fewer polygons are purposefully used to create an object, giving it a more simplistic and stylized appearance.

Low poly models are created with just a few polygons, often between tens and several hundred, as opposed to high-resolution or realistic 3D models, which strive for complex features and rounded curves. This limiting of polygon count allows for faster rendering and real-time performance, making low poly models good for applications such as video games, virtual reality experiences, architectural visualizations, and also 3D printing.

Low poly modeling commonly emphasizes sharp edges and flat surfaces, giving the finished product a geometric and angular appearance. To create the overall form of an object, artists combine simple shapes like triangles, squares, and polygons. Low poly models might not have many fine details, but they make up for it with their simplicity and striking appearance. The style has a special attraction that can bring about a sense of creative abstraction or nostalgia.

Benefits of Low Poly 3D Modeling

Low poly 3D modeling has a lot of benefits that make it popular and useful in a lot of different industries. Here are some of the most notable benefits:

Performance optimization: reduced poly models are perfect for real-time applications like video games and interactive simulations since they are lightweight and have a reduced polygon count. They render more smoothly and load pages more quickly because they need less computational resources. This optimization makes it possible for a more engaging user experience, especially in areas with limited resources.

Workflow Efficiency: When compared to high-resolution modeling, the creation of low poly models can be a faster and more efficient procedure. 3D Artists can concentrate on the general form and composition while spending less time on specifics and challenging texturing because there are fewer polygons to handle. This effectiveness enables designers to iterate more quickly or produce a larger volume of work.

Retro and Nostalgic Appeal: The low poly aesthetic often evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of early video games and pixel art. Low poly designs have become more popular in modern art, advertising, and graphic design as a result of this attraction. Low poly models' attractiveness and simplicity can build a special connection with their audience.

Getting Started: Essential Software for Low Poly 3D Modeling

It's crucial to have the appropriate software and equipment when beginning with low poly 3D modeling in order to realize your creative ideas. The following are some of the main software widely used in low-poly modeling:

1. SelfCAD

SelfCAD is a powerful 3D modeling software made for creating both simple and complex low-poly models. It offers a variety of tools, like the easy to use selection modes that are useful in selecting parts of your design and modifying them. There are also others like extrusion for extruding faces, tools for moving, rotating, scaling, and smoothening surfaces and when all of them are combined one is able to create interesting low-poly designs.

2. Blender 

Blender is a popular free 3D modeling program that you can use to design low polygon designs. It includes a complete range of tools, including polygon modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, and texturing. The large community of the software makes it easier for you to learn the program as you can always get help from other artists when you face an issue. 

3. Autodesk Maya

Autodsk Maya is both a 3D modeling and animation program mostly for professionals. It offers sophisticated capabilities for UV unwrapping, texturing, polygon modeling, and sculpting. Artists can efficiently and accurately create sophisticated low poly models using a variety of Maya's features.

4. Cinema 4D

Popular for its user-friendliness and effective workflow, Cinema 4D is a 3D modeling and animation program. It provides a range of low polygon modeling-friendly capabilities, such as polygon modeling, sculpting, UV editing, and texturing. Artists who place a high priority on a simple and user-friendly interface choose Cinema 4D.

5. 3DS Max

The entertainment sector makes extensive use of the 3D modeling and rendering program 3ds Max. It provides robust UV unwrapping, texturing, and polygon modeling tools. Low poly and high-resolution modeling are both suitable for 3ds Max, which is renowned for its adaptability.

6. Modo

A powerful 3D modeling and rendering program, Modo provides a variety of tools for low polygon modeling. Effective polygon modeling, sculpting, UV editing as well, and texturing tools are provided. The flexibility and adaptability of Modo make it ideal for a variety of modeling applications.

Common Tools Used in Low Poly 3D Modeling

When working on low poly 3D modeling projects, artists rely on a variety of tools to create and manipulate their models. Here are some common tools used in low poly 3D modeling:

• Using selection tools, artists may select and change particular model components like vertices, edges, or faces. The model's shape and structure can be modified precisely by using selection tools.
• Polygon Modeling Tools: Tools for creating and editing polygon models are used to produce low-poly models' geometry. The form and structure of the model can be shaped with tools like extrude, bevel, merge, split, and edge loop.
• Extrusion Tools: By pulling or pushing specific polygons, edges, or vertices, extrusion tools provide depth and dimension to flat surfaces. This tool is commonly used to add protrusions, features, and variations to low polygon model geometry.
• Symmetry Tools: Artists can construct and edit models symmetrically along a specified axis using symmetry tools. With the use of this tool, modeling symmetry and effectiveness is maintained by ensuring that changes made to one side of the model are immediately mirrored on the other side.
• Snapping Tools: Snapping tools assist artists in precisely aligning vertices, edges, or faces to produce exact and clean geometry. They provide the precise positioning and alignment of model elements by enabling snapping to the grid, vertices, edges, or other objects.
• Tools for rendering and previewing: These programs enable artists to see their low-poly models with applied textures, materials, and lighting in real-time. This aids in evaluating the model's overall appearance and feels as if it is being created.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Low Poly Models with SelfCAD

Launch SelfCAD

You can use SelfCAD online or you can download the version for PC or Ma. Visit the SelfCAD website and register, login and launch the software. To begin a new project, click "New Project". You will then have a blank canvas on which to build your low poly model from scratch.

What to Note about Low Poly Modeling

Before we go step by step on how to create a low poly model, there are things to note. To explain this, we shall use a model of a Low Poly hand from SketchFab, here is the link. 

Using the Import option, we are able to import it to the SelfCAD.

The model has a relatively low amount of faces, so we need to close or fill it.

To close (fill) the low poly hand, go to Tools >Fill Polygons. 

Then preview and apply. Then you model has been closed as shown:

How to Hollow Out a Low Poly 3D Model in SelfCAD

To make your low poly model hollow, on the tool bar go to Modify > Add Thickness. 

When it comes to adding thickness, you have to be extremely careful with the amount of thickness you are adding. For instance, if you adjust the values to be -5, you realize that the model will not have enough space inside, therefore it will come out (bulge out) causing deformation: 

If you adjust the values, for example to +5, deformation will again occur, as there will be no spaces between the “fingers”:

However, adjusting the right values such as -1 in this case fits well. 

It is therefore to note this carefully. 

How to Make Low Poly Models Smooth

There are two ways to make your low poly hand smooth. First, in the Selection Tools on the right side, activate the Smooth Icon Tool and it will make your model smooth. 

Secondly, you can activate the Round Objects Tool found at the top bar, in the Modify Tools. 

Adjust the smoothness to what you prefer. In this case 3 is most suitable.

Then deactivate the Solid Tool in the Selection Tool on your right-hand side.

That is how you can make your low poly model smooth. 

Creating Low Poly Model from Scratch

Here is the video that explains step by step how to create the low poly hand using SelfCAD:

You can start the process using a primitive shape like a cube and work around it until you generate your intended design.In this project we are going to use a Cube. Go to 3D Shapes > Cube. Adjusting the parameters as follows; 

To get the thumb finger, we will need to select and extrude. Use the select tools tools to select faces and use extrusion tool to extrude as shown below.

To add four fingers, we will select and extrude the parts shown below.

However, when using Extrusion Tool, there are things to consider. For example, if you try to select two faces for example, and try to move them using Move Tool, it will deform the object by removing edges and faces. Look at this: 

However, in order to scale the faces and get each finger separated, you need to follow the steps below.

Extruding Fingers from the Cube

Use the selection tools to select the faces infront then go to Modify > Extrusion Tool. 

Then by default, Cut Intersection is normally activated. For successful use of Extrusion Tool, you have to activate the Allow Duplicated Faces. 

When the ‘Allow Duplicated Faces’ Tool is activated, it automatically deactivates the ‘Cut Intersection Tool’. Next step, is to split the faces individually. Select the Scale Tool, and at the Advanced Settings, activate Individual Transformation. 

The purpose of the Individual Transformation Tool here is to ensure the selected faces are split individually and not as a group. When you scale down, this is what you get: 

The main problem is that inner faces are also formed. This means it won’t work well and to solve this, we will use a new cube without the height segments. In the 3D Shapes, select a Cube again and in the parameters ensure we have no Height segment. Select the front faces again and activate the Extrusion Tool. In the Extrusion Tool settings, ensure you activate the Allow Duplicate Polygons. 

To split each face without any deformation, we will use the Scale Tool and in the advanced settings, ensure that Individual Transformation Tool is activated. Then scale down the selected faces forming the basis of the four “fingers”

How to Split the Faces of a Mesh

To split the faces, select the Modify Tool Bar, and choose the Edit Details option.

Then at the left side we have more options on Add Details. You can either add the details manually by clicking Add button or do it automatically by using the Automatic Loop Finding. 

And then at the object, you can see the sections formed in the selected faces. The face has been split into two.

Then to extrude that section alone to form the thumb, activate the Face selection to select the face as shown below:

Use the Extrusion Tool to extrude the selected face outside. 

Then to form your fingers well, it will include a combination of operations such as Selecting the extruded faces, Moving, Rotating, Scaling, and Smoothening surfaces. Selecting and moving a face:

Rotating the face:

Then to inflate the palm side, on the left tool panel, activate Face Selection, to highlight the faces as shown:

Then at the Modify Tools, choose the Inflate Tool and drag the Gizmo vertically:

How to Select & Scale to Create a Low Poly Model

Low poly 3D modeling usually involves a lot of selection and scaling. Therefore, it is important also to learn the selection technic. For example we want to Scale this entire loop:

Loop Selection

To scale that part, you have to select the edges. This is done by activating the Edge Selection Tool and then click on the Settings Icon so that the settings pop up on the left side of the workspace. Then activate the Loop Selection option.  

As you can see above, the Loop Selection does not highlight all the edges. The yellow line indicated by the blue arrow shows the selected edge and the part circled by the blue line shows the edge that is not yet selected. This means only the selected edge will be Scaled. This way, this type of selection in the Low Poly modeling is not much suitable. 

The best way to do this is by doing the selection manually as follows. Activate the Wireframe Tool. Then you can see the edges as an X-ray of the model. 

There are two ways to do the selection. Selection by dragging in the Right to Left direction. 

Selection in the Right to Left direction results in all these frames selected. It selects everything in its path. This is contrary to what was expected. We only needed the middle frames in order to Scale them. This will bring us to doing the Left to Right Selection. Drag select from the left side to the right as follows:

When you select by dragging left to right, only the middle required loop is selected

 

Then you can successfully use Scale Tool to scale your selected loop. When scaling Low Poly model, you can either just use the Gizmo to Scale on one side, as shown:

However, if you want to Scale the loop in both sides, you just activate Symmetry. Symmetry allows you to use the Gizmo to scale the model proportionally as follows:

How to Edit Details of Low Poly Designs

SelfCAD software is the best software for Low Poly Modeling when it comes to adding loops, compared to other programs. This is how to add loops. As an example, we want to add a loop here:

Select the Modify in the tool bar above, and choose Edit Details. Then activate the Automatic Loop Finding and just using your cursor point where you want to add the loop. 

That is how to create a loop. Another way to add the loops is by Selection. Select the two edges as follows:

Then on the Modify Tool, choose the Edit Details option and use the Drag option. Then drag the selection in the direction showed by the red arrow, and that is how you would have created your loops. 

If you use the Drag Tool without selecting and edge, it will form triangles which makes it hard to continue making more loops. Through the combination of all those operations highlighted above, such as extrusion, scaling, moving, rotation and all those tips, it will help you in low poly modeling. 

Application of Low Poly 3D Modeling 

Many different sectors and creative disciplines use low poly modeling in their work. Here are a few common low-poly modeling applications:

• Video games: Real-time rendering in both 2D and 3D games makes extensive use of low poly models in the gaming industry. Fewer system resources are needed for low-poly models, which results in smoother performance and quicker loading times. They are perfect for retro-styled, independent, and mobile games. Low poly models are a quick and easy approach to making aesthetically appealing gaming components that can depict characters, locations, objects, and vehicles.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Low poly modeling is ideal for VR and AR experiences where real-time rendering and interactivity are critical. Low poly models may be created smoothly due to their optimized polygon count, which improves the virtual worlds and augmented environments. In VR and AR applications, low poly models are often used for interactive simulations, architectural visualization, and educational experiences.
• Animation & motion graphics: Low poly modeling is a common tool in these fields. Low poly models' distinctive appearance and simplified geometry can provide original and aesthetically engaging animations. Keyframe animation and other techniques like rigging can be used to animate and give life to low polygon people, objects, and environments.
• Architectural visualization: To provide scaled-down representations of structures, landscapes, and urban settings, low poly models are used in architectural visualization. Low poly models give users a visual representation of the space and structure, enabling architects and designers to display their thoughts fast and effectively.
• Product Design and Prototyping: It enables designers to quickly see and iterate on concepts by allowing them to build simplified representations of real-world items. Low poly models can be used to make prototypes for CNC machining or 3D printing.
• Illustration & graphic design: Low poly models are used by artists to produce abstract and stylized images for book covers, branding, and other types of visual communication. Low poly art's geometrical and minimalist characteristics can provide graphic design projects with a distinctive and captivating feature.
• 3D Printing: Low poly models are simpler to translate into printable formats because of the lower number of polygons, and printing takes place more quickly due to the simplified geometry. Low poly models are utilized in a variety of 3D printing applications, including the creation of toys, prototypes, and specialized items.

These are just a few instances of how low poly modeling is used. It is a popular option in many creative industries because of its adaptability, effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal when real-time rendering, stylized images, and optimum performance are important considerations.

Inspiring Examples of Low Poly Art

A few creative examples of low-poly art are provided below:

1. "Low Poly City" by Tim Smits: This piece of art features a bright low poly cityscape with angular structures and vivid colors. The sculpture has a distinctive and stylized appearance due to the use of straightforward shapes and acute angles.

2. "Low Poly Animals" by Maxim Goudin: Beautiful low-poly animal images by Maxim Goudin perfectly capture the essence of numerous creatures. The animals are brought to life in a humorous and artistic way through the use of bold colors and simple shapes.

2. Kieron Lewis' "Low Poly Portraits": Beautiful low-poly photos by Kieron Lewis capture the soul of his subjects using simple geometric patterns. These portraits are simple yet intricately detailed, creating works of art that are both intriguing and evocative.

2. "Low Poly Characters" by Gustavo Viselner: Gustavo Viselner uses a low poly art technique to reproduce well-known characters from films, television series, and video games. The combination of angular forms and vivid colors gives well-known characters a new and original interpretation.

2. "Low Poly Landmarks" by Tamas Gaspar: Impressive low poly recreations of well-known locations from all over the world are produced by Tamas Gaspar. The visually appealing geometric structures capture the distinctive characteristics of these places in a detailed yet simple way.

Final Word

Low poly 3D modeling is a fascinating and versatile technique that offers a unique visual style with its simplified geometry and angular forms. We have discussed the foundations of low poly modeling, its advantages, necessary software and tools, and its different applications in this article. You can follow the steps that we have highlighted to create your own designs.

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