Model Prep

  • Clean Edge Flow – T-Vertices - Avoiding T-Vertices in Your 3D Model is part of creating good topology for subdividable models. Learn acceptable methods to avoid T-verts as well as unacceptable methods that will not pass a CheckMate submission.
  • Coincident Faces - In a 3D model, coincident or coplanar face is when two or more faces or polygons occupy the same space and represent the same surface. These types of faces cause rendering problems, particularly a distracting, flickering effect in animation...
  • Real-World Scale - Real-world scale is essential when creating scenes. It ensures that all components interact without creating conflict or confusion that would otherwise interrupt the scenery. If a model is not properly scaled it can interfere with its surroundings…
  • Clean Geometry - After you finish your model, you'll need to take a few moments to verify that the geometry is clean. Clean geometry means…
  • Quad-Based Topology - When modeling, a common question artists ask is whether to use quads-based topology or triangle-based topology. Although both methods are acceptable, we recommend that you limit your use of triangles in order to avoid potential issues…
  • Tris, Quads & N-Gons - When modeling in 3D with polygons, it is important to construct all of your models using quads and triangle. A triangular polygon is referred to as a tri or triangle, and is a simple three-sided...
  • Poles - A pole is a set of edges that merge into a single vertex. Avoiding poles with six or more edges on a curved surfaces is something that you should incorporate into your modeling workflow...
  • Coincident Vertices - Coincident vertices are separate, individual vertices in a single 3D object that occupy the same location in space. Essentially, the vertices are overlapping. This sort of issue can come up when combining multiple elements or along the edges of…
  • Isolated Vertices - In a 3D model, an isolated vertex is a vertex that is not attached to a face. Isolated vertices sometimes result from complex modeling processes or from importing models from CAD applications…
  • Non-Overlapping UVs - TurboSquid customers prefer non-overlapping UVs when unwrapping a 3D model. Find out why-- and how to avoid overlapping UVs-- in this overview, which is a requirement for some CheckMate Pro models.
  • Crease Value - Artists often use the Crease Modifier or an Edge Weighting tool to select edges and vertices in order to create the effects of sharp creases and holding edges. While this is a convenient shortcut, using the Crease Modifier increases…