Optimizing 3D models
Last updated
Last updated
Optimization is the process of making a 3D model as small and refined as it can be. Examples of optimization include the following:
Remove unnecessary geometry.
Simplify over-complicated geometry.
Reduce texture resolution to the bare minimum acceptable visual quality.
Reduce the number of polygons and triangles within the geometry of a shape.
Reduce the number of materials. E.g., create a texture map atlas.
Merge collocated vertices.
Reduce your 3D models to the minimum amount of geometry. Remove any surfaces that will never be seen, such as the interior of buildings that you will only view from the outside or hidden components within a device. If possible, create a textured shell.
Consider the density of the detail in your 3D models and whether it will be appreciated. For example, the two 3D models of a laptop shown in Figure 2 have significantly different levels of complexity. The choice of which model you use would depend on where you intend to place it.
If a model is used as peripheral decoration in a location, such as shown in Figure 3, then users may not notice any difference between the two levels of geometric complexity. However, if the object is used as a focal point in a scene, such as shown in Figure 4, then the additional complexity may be justified.
Make your textures as small as they can be without sacrificing the aesthetics too much. Consider how users will view the textures. For example, a billboard may be a large object, but if users will only ever view it from a distance, you can use a small texture. In contrast, if you want the label on a medical vial to be readable, you will need to use a higher resolution image.
Use tiling textures where appropriate. For example, on large surfaces that have either a repeating pattern, such as brick walls, or random variation, such as grass or gravel. A suitable size for a tiling floor texture is 512 px by 512 px.
Ensure that texture images have dimensions that are a power of 2. For example, 64, 128, 256, or 512 pixels. If you supply an image with a width or height that isn’t to a power of 2, it will be rescaled. This may result in undesirable changes to the texture and reduced performance.
There are several software tools that you can use to optimize your models. 3D modelling programs such as Blender, Maya, and 3D Studio Max come with built-in optimization tools. You can also buy plugins to reduce and optimize your 3D models. For example, Simplygon (https://www.simplygon.com/).
