Topology Local Subdivision

A workflow to subdivide a local area of a mesh without breaking its overall topology.

Prereqs:

• Speedretopo (optional)
• F2 tool
• Loop Tools

Align a 2 by N grid around the area to be detailed. Keep the mesh lines flowing smoothly. Relax edges if needed.

Delete faces.

Extrude border edge inward,

Adjust vertices to fit the border around the object in a rectangle shape.

Sub each edge twice.

Space each side of the border. (ALT+LMB+SHFT each edge)

Use F2 to create a grid within the rectangle. Activate automerge.

Delete outer faces (faces only)

Extrude mid vertices.

Connect vertices (F)

Full grid completed.

Align middle edge to the centre of the object

Align all vertices to object. NOTE: Each needs to be placed manually with “snap to face” on to ensure alignment against the mesh.

Redistribute outer vertices.

Inspect object in flat mode without reference to spot big creases.

Select faces of detailed object. Inset (i), outwards (O) and create outer edge.

Final flat result.

Final smooth result

Final subsurf result

Subsurf wider