3D Terminology

3. The way 3D components are connected together and flow around the 3D object.
4. Use an algorithm to take polygon geometry and smooth it automatically.
8. Used for very smooth objects because they don't require as many points to get the same look as a polygon geometry would.
10. The process of creating rounded edges on a mesh.
13. When 3 or more edges are connected together, the face is what fill in the empty space between the edges.
14. The process of adding graphics to a polygon object.
15. The most commonly used geometry type in 3D. Used for all types of objects.
16. Flat material type that yields a smooth look without highlights.
18. Used to determine the direction light will bounce of your 3D geometry.
19. Creates a new face of the same size and shape as the selected face.
21. Defines how a surface reflects light.

1. Takes into account surface curvature, amount of light and camera angle to get accurate shading and highlights.
2. The process of converting 3D geometry into a 2D object.
3. Grey scale textures that use black and white values to signify areas of transparency or opacity on an objects material.
4. Describes the entire material on an object, how the light is reflected, how it’s absorbed, translucency and bump maps.
5. Reflects light more accurately than Phong. Good for metallic surfaces with soft highlights.
6. Copies of objects that derive all the information from the original object.
7. Displays a list of every tool used on a 3D object in the order that you used them.
9. A bump map gives the illusion of depth or relief on a texture without greatly increasing render time.
11. A component of a polygon defined by 2 vertices at their end points.
12. Creates the illusion of detail without having to rely on a high poly count. For example, a character can be detailed into a sculpting program like ZBrush, and all the information can be baked onto a normal map and transferred to a low poly character, giving the illusion of detail without increasing the actual poly count for the model.
17. A series of edges connect across a surface with the last edge meeting up with the first.
20. Smallest component of a polygon model. It is a point in 3D space.