How do I change the number of polygons in Maya?

To change the number of polygons in your Maya mesh, the primary method is to use the Reduce tool. This tool allows you to simplify your model, which is often crucial for optimization or when you need a less detailed mesh.

Using the Reduce Tool to Change Polygon Count

The Reduce tool is your go-to when you need to decrease the polygon count of your object. This can be beneficial for various reasons, such as improving performance in real-time applications or simplifying a high-poly sculpt for animation.

Steps to Reduce Polygons

Here's how to use the Reduce tool:

1. Go to Mesh > Reduce
2. Open Reduce Options window: Clicking Reduce opens the Reduce Options window. "You can adjust the polygon count reduction's percentage to get more or less polygons." This is where the magic happens!
3. Adjust the reduction percentage or target: In the Reduce Options window, you have several parameters to control the reduction. "You can adjust the polygon count reduction's percentage to get more or less polygons." This percentage determines how aggressively the tool will reduce the polygon count. You can either specify a target number of polygons or a percentage reduction.
4. Click Apply: Once you're satisfied with your settings, click "Apply". Maya will then reduce your mesh based on your specified criteria.

Understanding Reduction Options

In the Reduce Options window, you will find settings to control how the reduction is done. The percentage setting lets you specify a percentage reduction of the polygons. For example, setting it to 50% will aim to reduce the mesh to roughly half the original polygon count. Alternatively, you can use a target number.

(Be careful : if the percentage is too high, it can damage the mesh.) Excessive reduction can cause the mesh to lose detail or even distort. It's often best to experiment with smaller percentages and then progressively increase them. Consider backup copies!

Considerations When Reducing

• Mesh Quality: Aggressive reduction can negatively impact your mesh's topology and detail.
• Targeted Reduction: If you need a very precise target, reducing in stages and inspecting the model between each "Apply" is wise.

Category: Maya Modeling