Problem with Polygon to Subdiv conversion roundness
 

Calling fellow Mayans for assistance.

I am Modelling for the first time, so forgive my lack of knowledge and terminology.

I am lowpolygon modelling a car for a friends hobby game. The plan is to start modelling using polygons then convert to subdivs for added smoothness, while keeping the total polycount quite low.

Polygon Model
So far I'm "done" with the basic shape and ready to convert to subdivs.

http://dark.clansoft.dk/~alpha/images/car_polys.jpg


Converted to Subdivs
The problem is that I get too much roundness around the windows while I want that roundness for the wheelhouses.

http://dark.clansoft.dk/~alpha/images/car_subdiv.jpg


How do I counter this effect on the side windows? They remind me more of boat windows now :(
And what is the problematic called so I can search for more information on the net.

Would splitting up the model in layers help? I mean put the roof and wheelhouses on separate layers and then convert them to subdiv's separately?

Any suggestions welcome. Have a nice day.

its just smoothing the windows just like the rest. The trick is to anticipate this. ei making corners more exaggerated because the smoothing affect will smooth it out of tight angles..

for the windows I would suggest having more polys around them. would make it more stable.. first try splitting your poly faces.. put another edge close to where you have the window opening. Like this.

beveling helps.

http://forums.simplymaya.com/attachm...=&postid=31448

Looking at mikes image.. taking notes..

Thank you guys for taking the time to respond and explain.
I think I understand the steps before converting to subdivs better now. Anticipation, Planning ahead and bevelling.

If I understand Mike correctly, 4-sided polygon geometry converts better to subdiv than planar surfaces?
My window bars are indeed just planar now.

Next weekend is dedicated to experimenting with these techniques.
Ve hafe veys to make zou bevel :-)

No, it has nothing to do with the number of sides. The beveled triangle pictured has 2 6-sided polys. The point of the image is that a slight bevel at sharp points will maintain that point better than if it were not there.

Here's another example more in line with your image.