basics: bevel
The Bevel tool may look simple, but it offers a lot
I f you’re new to CGI, it can often feel like there are far too many tools to choose from in a dizzying array of software. This series aims to break everything in CGI down to the very basics, so that every artist will be armed with the knowledge of which tool is best. In this part we look at the Bevel tool.
The Bevel function is one of the most powerful tools in the 3D artist’s arsenal.
While to many it is just the tool to give rounded edges to basic or new geometry, it can also be used to add architraves to room interiors, complex funnels to rocket engines and can help add the extra 10% of reality to a model to really sell its realism.
Some 3D applications have a variety of options for bevelling, while the default action is to create a smooth corner, or corners if a polygon is selected rather than an edge for the bevel. Alternate options can include creating a solid edge, where no roundness is applied, but more edge loops are added instead.
One of the most powerful ways to use a bevel is to apply a ‘profile’ to the bevel. A profile is a cross section, which describes a shape. The most common would be an architrave or an I section. This profile, dependant on the software, can come from a preset or be created by the artist.
When the profile is applied, the bevel takes the shape of the profile and applies it across all the selected edges to create complex geometry, such as an architectural column, with one click. This would be practically impossible to do with the Extrude tool and even if it was possible, it would take hours.
As with the Extrude tool, some 3D software packages will enable bevelling per polygon rather than by selected group, which can be a very powerful way to create complex geometry, such as the seed pods on a flower head, extremely quickly.
The great thing about the Bevel function, though, is that with the use of features such as custom profiles, the humble Bevel tool can have a different use every time that it is selected.