Retopology for Beginners in Maya

In this Maya modelling tutorial, learn how to get started with retopology using the very handy quad-draw tool. With it, you can do all forms of retopology, from environments, characters and creatures to props. It's used by artists in all fields, including gaming, high-end VFX and commercials.
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[@anvekarakash]

tab + middle mouse button = select loop Tab + left click drag + extrude control + shift = delete control + hover = add loop Shift + left click = relax/Smooth

[@TaylorShuffle]

Thanks God.

[@kreoxs8388]

Thanks

[@upprrdimensions892]

Thx

[@randomnetizen6700]

thengssss

[@sridharm1372]

tq bro

[@johnthunder962]

Saving my degree since 2019.

[@satjoysat]

You do animation or vfx .

[@johnthunder962]

@@satjoysat Game art ( modeling, UV's, texturing, rigging, importing to game softwares)

[@satjoysat]

@@johnthunder962 I want do that

[@satjoysat]

@@johnthunder962 can you tell me the price of maya auto disk.

[@johnthunder962]

@@satjoysat I don't recommend you buy it, you can download a pirated version and learn there. When you get into a company they'll most likely have a maya license.

[@kylekenney1907]

I have to say, of all tutorials I have ever seen, this one is the best made. Well done!

[@SirEpifire]

Coming from always needing separate retopo tools back when I used Softimage to now; this is absolutely incredible! I tried running auto retopology from Maya on some sharp rock sculpts but the system could never adapt enough to meet crisp hard edges of the original highpoly, while retaining mid poly resolutions. Appreciate your guys' explanation on these tools!

[@zackakai5173]

Trying to model a torso harness/vest thing for a character mesh and this is proving SUPER useful for getting the basic shape of the mesh down. Thanks for the tutorial guys!

[@llewtree3013]

It’s also really useful to turn the symmetry on preferably in the x axis whilst modelling, it can save a lot of time, it’s found in the same tab as quad draw just above it a lil ways up.

[@nemjef121]

This simple tool is a brutally vital step in my workflow. It saves literally double digit hours of work and it only took me like 5 minutes of a video to learn how to do it. Insane.

[@sebbef]

It's crazy how useful this is, also it makes the process a lot more fun and less labor!

[@samy7342]

YES I was taught to do this in 3d max in an extremely boring and tedious way but the fact that this tool exists is amazing

[@anishoe9287]

Fantastic video guys! I've used the quad draw tool but I found it wasn't as fast as I thought it would be. I learned so many new tricks through this video. Thanks!

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks a lot, Annie! We're really glad you enjoyed it. We just posted another retopo video on doing a head, should you be interested :)

[@Alexandros_Pan]

one of THE BEST, EASIEST AND MOST EXPLANATORY videos i've seen! GOOD JOB! You just won 3 subscribers, keep it up!

[@joehardy7115]

I wondered why you guys stated in another video why Maya is your goto for re-topologizing, now I know. This looks crazy fast once you get comfortable.

[@seencapone]

This looks like it would be a great way to quickly model tailored clothing for your character, too

[@puzzlemagnet1957]

doesnt do a very good job for folds , if yout clothing is flat with no folds, then yes

[@GreekFireWarrior]

Great video! Recently using Maya's Retopology. Had no idea about the hotkeys until I saw you show where they are in the video. Super handy stuff!

[@HappyHimitsu]

Just noticed your tutorials here and wanted to thank you guys for being so clear and concise (also, not a complete bore to listen to!). Keep up the great work, you have another subscriber! :D

[@FlippedNormals]

Thank you :D

[@awhellyeah543]

I am amazed that this did not feel like a 14 minute video . very useful information! I think having a second person in the video that you speak to helps!

[@GeoJJx]

Thank you so much for this! I recently learnt about retopology but my experience with the tool hasnt been the most efficient thus far, your advice on working big instead of granular is so true for most of modeling aspects! :D

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks! I really that to be true for most things too: work big and only add details once the main shapes are working :) Glad it helped! /H

[@larspacktaus]

Very good tutorial. Perfect length and work speed. Nice to listen to also. Thank you!!

[@FlippedNormals]

Great, thank you!

[@michaelsulesky7221]

This is a great video!! Really looking forward to future parts!

[@MrDeadLord]

Extremely useful! Didn't know Maya have so useful stuff inside! Thanks you!

[@Karpour]

Wow, I just found your channel and already learned so many useful things! Thank you for putting all of this on KZbin!

[@FlippedNormals]

No problem at all! We'll keep making new content every week, so stay tuned :D

[@furlerer]

Wooow, I had used the quad draw very briefly once, but had no idea it was this featured! Great stuff guys, subbed! :)

[@ValrixV81]

Guys this is such a great tutorial, and its free. I am waving goodbye to 3d coat for retopo now!

[@McAliotsam]

THANK YOU! So awesome! Now Maya is the main topology tool that I will use! Thank u again!!!!

[@CFNexus]

I did not know you can add soft selection to the smooth tool. Will try it at work. Thank you.

[@ciavyn]

This is fantastic--thank you so much for doing retopo. It's the one thing that seems a bit "secretive" in the modeling information online. ;)

[@viOletStarX3]

Thank you so much for the video! It’s incredibly helpful and super easy to understand!

[@MrFallac]

I love this tool. I am totally addicted to it. So useful for so many things, not just retopo. Like belts and straps. omg this is the ace no1 720noskopezomg belt tool (can set offset under live constraints). and it is fun to use.

[@ashleechan22]

You guys have THE best vodeos!! So in depth and clear. Thank you!

[@FlippedNormals]

Thank you Ash!

[@starboi2099]

7:22 Most satisfying part

[@TheKillingTreeTT]

@Sean Winkfield I came

[@emmanuelchacon8900]

You guys are the best! I love you dynamic duo vibe.

[@smarsh7779]

Wonderful, easy to follow and very clear.

[@lukacoleman3902]

Fuk, you guys are a life saver. I have a character model due as an assignment this sunday and the tutor hasn't taught us how to retopologize properly

[@FlippedNormals]

Really glad to help :D

[@nicolebry1120]

Lmao I’m a newb at 3D what on Earth am I doing watching videos so far above my Modeling I classes current expectations of me? Short answer is diving in headfirst is exactly how I learn stuff the hard and fast way haha. Getting a grab bag of tips in advance from videos like this one has saved me fatal errors before in other programs and I’m hoping my luck holds out that I keep catching mistakes before they happen. Thanks for making these videos, I just discovered y’all today. ☺️

[@architgupta3d]

That's a really nice lucid video, thanks a lot!

[@bunekolover]

very helpful, u guys earned my sub!

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks! Glad it's helpful

[@sassuskrassus3166]

The thing with the B key is soo good to know !!!

[@XanStephP]

So helpful and clear! Awesome!

[@ericdalpiaz410]

u re my gods guys , ty for all ur vids!!!! they re so amazing , ty ty ty , keep the great work *-*

[@jackj147]

This was extremely useful. Thanks for posting!

[@FlippedNormals]

Thank you! We have another retopo video too, which you might like: Retopoing a Head. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3-Xo3prpq2Knc0

[@thejosephchrist]

I had no idea about the strips you can make. Thats a great way to make fast straps and such.

[@FlippedNormals]

It's quite handy for sure! :)

[@thanhlai1721]

this video are helping us a lot! thank you !!!

[@lelebzrr2230]

i really apreciate your help with dowloanding this software

[@featheredmusic]

Thank you for the great tutorial! I was wondering is there a way to SNAP the new created vertices to the vertices of the live mesh?

[@Fenkreg]

useful as always; could you please the way how to handle when you have created topology for head and shoulder, how to cennect them; my first experience ws pretty messy at this point..

[@user-rw8co4mw8s]

really good guid. Thank you guys!

[@benjaminjaiyen798]

Thanks for the demonstration! I feel better about retopo in maya now. Been doing it in ZBrush XD and now doing it maya! Thanks

[@FlippedNormals]

Awesome! Maya is pretty awesome for it.

[@teynix3389]

Very cool tutolial!Thank you!

[@Birendraart97]

Very nice features and tricks I didn't, know before watching this

[@Hhhhhh-es3hm]

It’s a kind of old video but so helpful for me, thanks!

[@kitheaxeman]

That's a perfect channel ! Keep it up guys !

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks a lot!

[@jevlin]

Man, it was so useful! Thank you so much for making it.

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks a lot!

[@smolder6366]

where has this program been all my life *-*

[@awakendreams2536]

I'm pretty new to Retopology but this was really helpful! I did have a question, when it comes to adding something that isn't in the original mesh can you add this during the quad draw stage? I know using the live snap magnet means you shape from the original mesh. However, I was wondering if something came up and you wanted to add an extra piece, where in your process would you make this addition?

[@manoellecavalcante3301]

My brain is overheating

[@yaqili8157]

Thank you! This is extremely helpful!

[@AFE-GmdG]

Nice Tools! Wait for an implementation of these in Blender :)

[@nicolasQQ]

Can't wait for the next video!

[@FlippedNormals]

Same! They are really fun to do.

[@NickYT90]

Nice! I'm still learning a lot about 3D. Trying to understand where this fits into a workflow and what it is used for.

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks! I hope that our videos will help you get a good understanding of 3D - and that my comment on the other video to you helps too :)

[@artvisionproduction4773]

Thanks guys, that was super beneficial to me :)

[@luizademoraes8453]

Good tutorial! I have a question: What do you think about the Mesh>Conform tool for retopology? Thanks!

[@mmmuck]

I like to determine my target poly count then divide by 4 until I get to the lowest res to work the fastest. So if I'm aiming for 10,000 polys on the head, I'll make it 2500. If it's still too slow to work in divide by 4 again. So your base in retopo would be 625. When you then smooth, it's easier to tweak and add details and your work is 4 to 16 times faster.

[@gabyx76]

Wow, very good quality "tutorial". Subbed !

[@crimsonBen]

@11:28 i dont know if it did come with an update, but you could have used "Mesh -> Conform" and set the offset width and apply, that will generally do the same i guess

[@JoshFryer]

Incredibly useful! Thank you!

[@FlippedNormals]

Fantastic, cheers!

[@nganpickery1485]

Really good stuff guys!

[@arifnbd]

Thank you so much!!!! i tried once topogun..but, doing it in Maya is for comfortable...Thank you for the video!!!

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks! Maya has got a lot better over the years. I also started off in Topogun many eons ago, but Maya has got pretty good!

[@hyperanomaly1513]

Much needed tutorial

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks! Appreciated.

[@vishalnagpal501]

thanks this is really help me to recognize to retopology tool

[@whome5810]

Excellent video! Thanks! :)

[@timbossart1637]

Thanks for your work !

[@RahulKumar-if9wt]

you said "it's not the ideal process" then what is? please elaborate

[@uuuuu1111]

Exactly the video I needed, it's as if the youtube algorithm read my mind.

[@umeshkhanal9945]

awesome tutorial

[@crimsonBen]

hey guys, is it possible to select an edgeloop and move it around? just like after you extend a loop you also can move the loop around, but not afterwards anymore :/

[@tsuna47]

Suuuuper useful, thank you so much :D

[@Farrukh3D]

Very nice work :)

[@XanderZ0ne]

Of all the years I've been using Maya, bruh, never knew you could use the farkin TAB key!!! I'm arr ee tee arr dee ee dee.

[@MichaelHurdleStudio]

Well done. Thank you.

[@sankettonde8351]

when i try to drag a component, all the quads move along with it. how do i move just one vertex?

[@AnnkurKumar]

hi , nice video. in which version I will find retopology feature. I am using Maya 2022.

[@abhijeetpatel5624]

Best tutorial it help me a lot

[@theconstantine1159]

You guys are great!

[@blairzettl3933]

Life saver. Thank you.

[@rachelcool95]

If you have a mesh with different materials, would you have to group the pieces of the same material and retopologize them separately? Kind of material by material?

[@ctfan]

So I've a question with quad draw. Had to use it recently on a photogrammetry model. But some of the verts ended up being snapped to the internal part of the mesh instead of the external even though I was most definitely working from the exterior. It's not a matter of a lack of subdivisions either. Have any of you guys experienced something similar and what was your workaround? Please and thank you. =) Am on Maya 18

[@PandorasLuckbox]

When you drag out geometry at around 9:20 you don't have to use small squares, how can resize them with the middle mouse button.

[@jagannathpanda8121]

really useful video.thank u sir.

[@Eldoro82]

One thing ive been struggling with when i retopo this way, if its hard surface mesh, id prefer a clean and straight edges, but its so hard to control via this method!

[@manpreetsingh-jt5vr]

Can you plz tell about how to bake these micro details in low poly model Love your channel ❤

[@boulaawny4420]

Can i now use Sculptris Pro in ZBrush to create my own creature/character , then doing some Retopology whether in Blender/Maya/ZBrush to make UV Master be apled to my model again after making good topology ?

[@UrassisHurtn]

I am now transitioning to Maya from Max on my own accord because I find it to be way better for characters, and watching this confirms it even more, its light years from the max tool which is just so wooden and stiff :D

[@annaiden3393]

How should i do retopo of a body if it is covered by clothing? Should i do it at all? or how to be in this case? Maybe i have to delete this parts?

[@nathunterstudio8391]

how do you hide the wireframe overlay back without hide the wireframe we work on front pls ?

[@nitrork]

I'm kind of confused, after you retopo the mesh, why don't the changes seem to apply to the base mesh? It seems like when you reselected the whole mesh (highlighted green) it still displayed the old , messy topology, and you were selecting your retopo mesh independant of the original mesh? Do the changes need to be applied some how?

[@cribpunch]

how do you get blue quads? I'm on maya 2017 and they're all grey and snap below my surface a bit

[@diegouribe587]

it worked. Thankss sooooo much.

[@realnerdzonly3270]

Ty for this wisdom

[@lahyte_5925]

How do I center my object with the x,y, and z axis at 0,0,0? When I imported my model, it's on the right of the map (the grid on the bottom?), but it says it's at 0,0,0. It is definitely not at 0,0,0 though?

[@sayantanbiswas1337]

Sub'd for this video. Fantastic!

[@GurbachanSingh-di4co]

Sir i recently downloaded maya 2018 and when i launch it a black screen appears in place of working grid... how to solve this issue..?