Maya 2015

Lecture Details

To understand edge normals it is important to first understand gradients. Edge Normals define to a 3D engine how light will travel across an edge. Hardened edge normals can tell the 3D engine that once light attempts to travel from one face to another that there will be a sudden abrupt change in light values. While softened edge normals will inform the 3D engine that when light travels from one face to another across the softened edge there will be a gradual change in light values.

When working with edge normals be sure to keep in mind that certain concepts should be considered regarding how light reacts with object surfaces in real world scenarios. The idea behind edge normals is to attempt to mimic that real world effect. For instance, a ninety degree angle would not have a soft edge as there would be an abrupt change in light from one surface to another. While a ninety degree angle can have the edge softened there is a risk of the model producing deformed lighting that doesnt really look right. It is commonplace that a modeler will attempt to only soften edges that are over one hundred degrees in angle.

Edge normals can be used to completely redefine how an object looks. Well placed edge normals can make all the difference in how well presented the object is with the surrounding light. Poorly placed edge normals can often ruin the appearance of a model. It is a good idea that when setting up edge normals you always take into consideration how the light would react with the object in the real world. Again, the idea of edge normals is to mimic how light reacts with similar surfaces and edge angles to that of the real world.

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