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I've got a model that's using a subdivision surface modifier for most of its shape. Unfortunately when I apply the modifier it adds so much topology: enter image description here

Lowering the amount of subdivisions changes the shape of the windows to much. I was wondering if there was a way to make it keep the topology of the on cage setting so it looks more like this: enter image description here

Is this possible or are there better ways of doing this?

Edit:

enter image description here

enter image description here

(Only edited windows on the front right of the plane)

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  • $\begingroup$ You've got to think more iteratively. You almost never use one subsurf modifier from blockout to final mesh. You start with a lower amount to get the main shapes worked out, then once you reach the point where that resolution isn't fine enough then you apply one stage and move into higher detail. $\endgroup$
    – Jakemoyo
    Commented Jun 7 at 0:47

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As far as pictured in the second image, your windows consist of only 4 Vertices. Maintain the shape they have with a high stepped SubD, you'd need to add at least 4 more vertices to each window, one per edge. Afterwards use the Looptools- Addon to give them a perfect circle shape.

enter image description here

As you see, a 2x subdivided Plane with windowlike holes, just like yours.

to keep the shape they inherent, I added loopcuts to add the required 4 extra Vertices to keep an overall quad only mesh, but it works as well if you just want to add the Vertices. I then selected al the windows (make sure that you're in Edge Select Mode so you can do all at once), right clicked Looptools>Circle. enter image description here

In Object Mode with decreased SubD resolution the windows still have the same shape as before. enter image description here

Notice that due to the extra Edge Loops, your mesh may get a bit inconsistent at those parts, that's because of the cylindric shape your model has. To adress this, just duplicate your mesh before all of the previous steps to use it as a Shrinkwrap Modifier target for your lowresolution Mesh afterwards. You can immediatly apply this modifier.

In general topology is key when working with SubD. To keep the overall shape of the Cockpit as it is when using a 3x SubD, you have to change the topology a bit. To round the edges, mark them with Bevel Weight and add a Loopcut around it (Select all the sourrounding Faces and inset them) . Add a Bevel Modifier with Limited Method set to Weight and approximatly 2 Segments before the SubD.

I got these Results from doing this (Left: Before, Right: After): enter image description here If you want the edges to be less sharp, just change the Bevel Amount of the Modifier.

The Topology looks like this (Again, Left: Before, Right: After): enter image description here just in case I added the blend file.

Edited: The direct Cause for the weird shading is the autosmooth modifier. I'd suggest you just use Shade Smooth

With Autosmooth: enter image description here

Without: enter image description here

I hope this helps

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  • $\begingroup$ This Does Help But I do Have Stuff More Complex then the side windows such as a cockpit. But I will definitely use this in the future $\endgroup$
    – CowToesies
    Commented Jun 7 at 1:50
  • $\begingroup$ This actually works perfectly For the cockpit as for the windows I now get shading issues on some but not others (I've never used Looptools), Am I doing something wrong? Your help has been great, I would attach a screenshot but I can't $\endgroup$
    – CowToesies
    Commented Jun 7 at 19:54
  • $\begingroup$ You may just add the screen shot to your question :) or upload an updated blendfile $\endgroup$
    – Niklas Friedrichs
    Commented Jun 8 at 1:03
  • $\begingroup$ Done, you're awesome! $\endgroup$
    – CowToesies
    Commented Jun 8 at 13:12

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