01 Modeling Basics: Triads and Polygroups in Unreal Engine 5 6

Introduction to Asset Creation in Unreal Engine

• Transition from using pre-built assets to creating custom assets within Unreal Engine using modeling tools.

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🔹 Basics of 3D Modeling

• Vertex: A point in 3D space.
• Edge: A line connecting two vertices.
• Face: A surface formed by three or more edges.
• Triad: Face with 3 vertices (triangle).
• Quad: Face with 4 vertices (rectangle).
• N-gon: Face with more than 4 vertices.

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🔹 3D Modeling in Unreal Engine

• Unreal Engine uses real-time rendering, unlike offline rendering in software like Blender or Maya.
• All models are internally converted to triangles (triads) in Unreal for performance.

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🔹 Project Setup

• Download assets: houseplan_images.zip and SathvikOffice.zip.
• Set up a new Unreal Engine project and level named modeling_practice.
• Save new models to a folder called "my_created_models" for persistent use across levels.

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🔹 Enabling Modeling Tools

• Enable plugins:
• Modeling Tools Editor Mode
• Static Mesh Editor Modeling Mode
• Restart Unreal Engine after enabling.

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🔹 Using the Modeling Interface

• Access Modeling Mode via Shift + 5.
• Categories include Create, Transform, Deform, Model, UVs, Bake, etc.

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🔹 Primitive Modeling: Box Example

• Options:
• Static Mesh: Saved to disk, reusable.
• Volume: Invisible mesh used for triggers or physics.
• Dynamic Mesh: Exists only in current level, temporary.

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🔹 Understanding Units

• Default Unreal units are in centimeters (1 meter = 100 cm, 1 foot = 30.48 cm).
• Use Google or calculator to convert real-world sizes.

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🔹 Creating Site Area

• Use box primitive with dimensions 12.19m x 18.28m (converted to cm).
• Adjust thickness (e.g., 1 ft = 30.48 cm).
• Save and rename mesh with Unreal naming convention: SM_SiteArea.

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🔹 Vertex, Edge, Face Selection Modes

• Use icons to edit models at vertex, edge, or face level.
• Wireframe and polygroup mode help visualize and group geometry more intuitively.

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🔹 Conclusion

• This session covered the basics of 3D modeling using Unreal’s built-in tools.
• Upcoming sessions will explore the full "Create" menu in depth and begin constructing the building step-by-step.