Maya: How to Create Quad Spheres and Capsules - The Better Choice for Modeling

Why should you use quad-based spheres instead of triangle-based spheres?

Quad spheres are better due to balance between efficiency and flexibility.

Here is why:

• Even Topology: Quad spheres use 4-sided polygons (quads) arranged uniformly. This topology is easier to work with as it eliminates poles that standard triangle-spheres give you. Also even topology of quad-based spheres work better with animations/deformations.
• Subdivision-Friendly: Quads work better with subdivision. You are able to increase subdivision detail without introducing artifacts
• UV Mapping Ease: The quad layout works better when unwrapping for texturing. You get cleaner seams and less stretching compared to triangle-based spheres.
• Edge Flow: Quads align better with contours, like body anatomy or mechanical joints. This helps when rigging or sculpting, as edges follow the form, reducing manual cleanup.
• Optimization: Quad spheres work better with decimation or retopology for low-poly meshes, balancing detail and performance without losing shape.

Let's deep dive into making a quad sphere in Maya - and how to make quad based capsules which are perfect for sci-fi based environments and props.

Video Tutorial

Wrong Ways

Wrong Way #1: You could create a sphere but this gives you a triangle-based sphere. It creates poles at the top and bottom of the sphere, makes it more difficult to UV, doesn't provide good even topology. Although not "bad" to use just not as flexible or efficient as quad-based spheres.

Wrong Way #2: You could create a cube and Subdivide it by using Smooth with Divisions of 2 or more. But this doesn't create a perfectly rounded sphere.

Quad Sphere Option #1: Sculpt Deformer

Step 1: Create a polygon cube with desired number of edge loops.

Step 2: Apply Sculpt Deformer to the Cube, Deformer > Sculpt (found under Animation Menu Set).

Step 3: Depending on the size of created cube, increase the Sculpt Deformer size by scaling the Deformer.

Step 4: Delete History on the now quad sphere.

Step 5: Set all edges to Soft Edge to remove any hard edges you may have on the sphere.

Quad Sphere Option #2: Bevel Fraction

Step 1: Create a cube without any additional Subdivisions.

Step 2: Bevel the entire cube with Fraction of 1 and add many Segments.

Step 3: Delete overlapping edges in the center due to Fraction of 1 putting them on top of each other.

How to Create a Quad Capsule

Step 1: Create a quad sphere using the above options.

Step 2: Select the bottom half of the faces on the quad sphere.

Step 3: Hold Shift and Extrude the faces down.

Step 4: You could also delete half of the faces on the quad sphere and then Reverse the left over faces to invert the capsule and create an interesting shape to start modeling from.

Maya Modeling Made Simple

Quad spheres beat triangle spheres every time. But there is a lot more you'll need to know if you want to master modeling with Maya. Check out the "Maya Foundation Home-Study Course" for learning the modeling skills at home!

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