Documentation

Introduction: Thank you for choosing the QuadPen Retopology Tool for Blender 3.5. This documentation aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the tool's functionality and guide you on how to use it effectively. By following these instructions, you'll be able to optimize your retopology workflow and create clean topology for your 3D models.

Installation: To install the QuadPen Retopology Tool, follow these steps:

1. Once you download the 'QuadPen_v1.zip' file..

2. Open Blender 3.5 or higher

3. Go to Edit > Preferences.

4. In the Preferences window, select the Add-ons tab.

5. Click on the "Install" button and navigate to the downloaded QuadPen Retopology Tool file('QuadPen_v1.zip')

6. Select the file and click "Install Add-on."

7. Enable the QuadPen Retopology Tool by checking the checkbox next to its name.

8. The tool is now installed and ready to use & will appear in the viewport toolbar panel(N)

Using the QuadPen Retopology Tool:

1. Activate the QuadPen Tool:

   • Open the 3D Viewport in Blender.

   • In the toolbar, locate the QuadPen tab & click "Start" to begin

2. Drawing Quads:

   • Left-click (LMB) on the surface of your model to draw quads. The tool will automatically generate quads based on the surrounding geometry.

3. Controlling Segments:

   • While drawing, you can control the number of segments by using the middle mouse button (MMB). Scroll up or down to increase or decrease the number of segments.

4. Straightening/Re-Routing:

   • To straighten or re-route guides, hold the Alt key and click on the desired guide or vertex. This action will straighten or redirect the selected element.

5. Snake Guides:

   • To manipulate guides smoothly, use the Ctrl key while drawing. This will enable the snake feature and provide more precise control over the guides.

6. Smart Merging:

   • Use the Shift key to activate the smart merging feature. This feature automatically merges nearby vertices/edges by clicking on the first vertices(v1)/edge(e1) and dragging the mouse over the second vertices(v2)/edge(e2). You can release the LMB to confirm merging. Note: You can leave the shift key held down while doing this to instantly merge vertices and edges.

7. Quad Relaxing:

   • Select the guides or vertices you wish to relax, then press the R key to activate the quad relaxing operation. This will redistribute and optimize the placement of quads for a more uniform surface.

8. Quick Loop Cutting:

   • Press the C key to activate the loop cutting operation. Hover the mouse over a guide and left-click (LMB) to add a new loop cut. While hovering you can scroll up and down to control loop cut count/segments.

9. Exiting Modal:

   • You can exit the tools modal state by hitting the ESC key. If you want to jump back in make sure you selected the model you are working on and click "Start" again.

We hope this documentation helps you understand and utilize the QuadPen Retopology Tool effectively. Experiment with the various features, adjust settings to your liking, and enjoy the enhanced retopology capabilities it provides. For additional support or questions, please contact me: animationsvfx@gmail.com

Happy retopologizing!