What is the best way for me to add extra edges to a model?

[alo95.costa]

I'm currently working on a 1:1 scale model of the MSE-6 "Mouse" Droid from Star Wars, and so far it seems to be coming out just fine.

There is only one itch though.

As you can see from the screenshots, I need to add some extra edges around the arc where the wheels are supposed to be located, otherwise, once I've smoothed everything, I'll get the result in the post_smooth screenshot.

What is the best way for me to add said extra edges?

[zewt · Accepted solution]

The easiest way to add edges is with the multi-cut tool.  It's often much better to use edge creasing to control smoothing, though:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/Maya/fil...

You might have problems with smoothing in general due to that huge ngon, but fully creasing around it will probably help.

[alo95.costa]

Hi zewt,

thanks for the tip. I gave it a try, but I still get this sort of black area when I smooth the shape. What should I do?

[damaggio]

Your topology and your workflow is incorrect for subdivision modeling, My advice is to watch more subd tutorials or do standard polygon modeling.

[alo95.costa]

Good evening damaggio,

the model was developed using standard polygon modeling, but I'm not exactly sure what's wrong with my topology and workflow. Could you explain what you mean, please?

[damaggio]

Well, you know now when to allow a ngon or a triangle when using subds but the rest of the topology must be efficient and not wasteful, off course is hard to get this right as a beginner but it will come with many years of practice.

You can study wireframe models to see how professional modelers tackle different surfaces.

I can give you just some quick tips here cause I can't see the whole robot mesh, please see the image attached , it will  give you some guidance.

Its very basic and can also vary from mesh to mesh or purpose.

You can also just model the necessary polygon subdvisions for what you need and not worry now about subdvision modeling which requires a lot more knowledge.( maybe something you can tackle in a few months)

[alo95.costa]

Good morning damaggio,

I gave a look at the picture you provided, and it made some of the points you highlighted much clearer. I'm currently reducing the subdivisions like you recommended.

As for the edge loops indicated in the picture, they are supposed to work as extra edges for when I smooth it (as shown in the Model_Post-Smoothness screenshot I uploaded). And that's also how I've been taught at school.

[damaggio]

You still have so many unnecessary edge loops going horizontally, they could be deleted .

Continue  on Alessandro and good luck with the rest of the modeling.

[alo95.costa]

Yeah, I was planning on cleaning the edge loops at the end of the work. But thanks for the reminder.

Also, thanks for your help.