Setup for Retopology in Uniform

This is how you can use retopology features in Uniform. Typically, retopology is used to create low-poly versions of high-poly meshes. You can also use these features to create base meshes for cloth, hard-surface panels, or other accessories for your models.

For this explanation, we will use the Classic profile. You can follow along by searching for the tools in the gallery or creating a custom UI for faster access.

As the high-poly mesh, you can use any scene created in Uniform or import a new GeoMesh object from an .OBJ file. To import a mesh for retopology, open the Add panel, scroll down to the GeoMesh section, select High Poly Mesh Import, and choose an .OBJ file in the file picker.

Whenever you want to begin retopology work, open the global overrides list and select the retopology preset. This configures all tools—such as moving or smoothing vertices—so they snap to the high-poly mesh surface. From these modules, you can also adjust the retopology overlay wires and the distance to the surface for newly created vertices.

To create a new low-poly mesh for retopology, use the Quad Build Mesh tool. Click and drag over the high-poly mesh to adjust the orientation and size. The newly created mesh will already be selected, parented to the high-poly mesh, and share its position and orientation.

After this step, you can select the PolyBuild tool. By clicking and dragging from edges, you can create new triangles and quads. Hold down M0 to smooth the topology or M2 to move vertices with a soft falloff.

You can use other tools, such as inserting loops, sliding loops, or merging vertices on the retopology mesh. These tools function the same way as they do when modeling on a Polymesh object.

Alternatively, you can use the CozyBlanket pencil tool for the same purpose. This tool allows you to create and edit topology by drawing directly over the model. It can automatically generate quad grids and strips faster than the PolyBuild tool. A detailed list of all gestures supported by this tool for retopology is available on the CozyBlanket website.

If some tools do not pick vertices correctly, adjust the occlusion threshold in the global override list to match the detail size of the retopology mesh. Ensure all wire edges are visible through the high-poly mesh.

Another approach is to start the retopology mesh with a contour that wraps around the high-poly mesh using the New Contour tool. Drag a line across the high-poly mesh to create a contour with the specified vertices. The width of the poly strip is determined by the cursor radius.

To extend the contour, use the Extend Contour tool. Continue drawing lines across the high-poly mesh near a boundary of the low-poly mesh to extrude and snap new vertices.

If your high-poly mesh is symmetrical, you can add a Symmetrize PolyMesh overlay to your retopology object. This bisects your retopology mesh and automatically creates the symmetrical half, allowing you to preview the full topology more effectively. To apply the symmetry and obtain the final mesh, open the object’s evaluator, locate the PolyMesh editor module, and select Apply as PolyMesh.

Once you finish using retopology features, remove all global override modules by clicking the Clear Modules button. This removes the viewport overlays and restores the default behavior for all tools.