When To Convert Curves To Meshes (And When Not To) In Blender

Definition of curves and meshes

Curves in Blender are defined as mathematical representations that produce surfaces and objects. They are created with control points and settings that manipulate the curve’s shape. Meshes are polygon-based objects defined by vertices, edges, and faces that create 3D forms.

Key differences and capabilities

The key differences between curves and meshes in Blender include:

Curves use less memory and are more efficient for complex smooth surfaces.
Meshes enable greater detail with polygon density and texture mapping.
Curves provide parametric editing of the entire surface.
Meshes allow polygonal modeling of separate components.

In summary, curves provide smooth organic surface definition while meshes offer detailed polygon control. Both are integral for different stages of 3D modeling in Blender.

Why Convert Curves to Meshes?

Enables certain modeling techniques

Converting curves to meshes enables techniques like:

Polygon editing of separate surface components
Adding edge loops and supporting geometry
Detail sculpting with multiresolution modifiers
Precision control with edge flow and pole positioning

These techniques provide refined shaping capabilies beyond parametric curve editing.

Allows application of materials and textures

Meshes allow assignment of materials and texture maps including:

Basic material properties like color, specularity, and shading
Procedural materials with nodal texture editing
Image maps including color, bump, specularity, opacity, and more
UV unwrapping to correctly apply 2D image textures

Converted meshes benefit from these texturing options unavailable to curve objects.

Optimizes scenes and improves render times

Converted meshes can optimize scenes through:

Reduced memory usage compared to high density curves
Application of modifiers like subdivision surface
Simplified shader requirements
Less time rendering curve definitions

Scenes with converted meshes benefit from better performance.

When to Convert Curves

Detailed organic models

Convert curves when adds details like:

Precision surface finishing with polygons
Indentations and protrusions
Curvature variation
Edge flow aligned to surface features

This strengthens shapes visible in renders.

Models needing materials/textures

Convert curves to enable materials like:

Smooth shading for soft organic objects
Photo textures for realism
Custom bump/normal maps
Glossiness/roughness properties

Textures reinforce the optical realism of models.

Finalizing models for animation/rendering

Convert curves when:

Shape modeling is essentially complete
Editing needs reduced
Applying shaders and textures
Scene optimization before animating/rendering

This transitions models from concept to finished state.

When Not to Convert Curves

Conceptual modeling

Avoid converting curves during:

Initial design stages
Experimentation with different shapes
Flexibility and speed have priority

Retain parametric freedom without density limits.

Models needing frequent edits

Don’t convert dynamic curves undergoing:

Frequent proportional changes
Responsiveness to modifiers and constraints
Re-topology to edit poly meshes

Preserve curve agility as long as possible.

Using curve capabilities like extrusion

Avoid conversion when utilizing:

Profiles duplicated along curve paths
Deformation via curve modifiers
Animation with curve constraints

Retain proprietary curve strengths as needed.

Alternatives to Conversion

Applying materials to curves

Potential alternatives include:

Vertex color or texture mapping
Freestyle line styles
Custom shadeless shaders
Surface displacement shaders

These avoid conversion while retaining appearance options.

Using curve modifiers for flexibility

Modifiers like:

Simple and complex deformations
Tapering/scaling variations
Geometry instancing
Smooth/subdivide for extra points

Supplement capabilities without conversion as feasible.

Example Workflow for Converting Curves

Step-by-step process for conversion

Typical curve to mesh conversion steps:

Finalize curve shapes, apply modifiers
Increase preview resolution as needed
Select curve object, convert to mesh
Inspect mesh topology, re-topology as needed
Apply subdivision surface modifier if necessary
Perform final polygon modeling detailing

Before and after comparison

Conversion takes the smooth surface definition of curves and transfers it to detailed polygon meshes for assignment of materials and texturing.

Curves: parametric surface definition, fast flexibility
Meshes: dense polygons, uv mapping, refine shaping, shaders

The process transitions between conceptual design and finalized modeling states in Blender.