How to Model a Low-Poly Tree

Practicing is the best way to get better at 3D modeling.

Thanks to the ready availability of publishing and modeling tools, more and more people are experimenting with creating their own video games and mods for existing games. Enthusiasts create their own custom levels, maps and creatures. Making a successful video game includes creating realistic terrain that doesn't take up too many of the computer's resources. Modeling a low-polygon tree is a good exercise for the novice 3D modeler.

Instructions

1. Examine a reference picture of the type of tree you'd like to make. Not the shape of the leaves, the density of the branches and the basic outline of the tree. Find or make an evenly lit tile of the tree's bark texture and a leaf cluster on a transparent background, and import them into your 3D program.

2. Create a tube polygon for the trunk and add the branches, using your reference photo as a guide. Deleting the end caps of the tubes will save you some polygons. Stretch and tweak the shapes as necessary; you should aim for an imperfect, natural shape.

3. Add the bark texture to your tree trunk. Adjust the scale and wrapping as necessary to prevent stretched out sections. If desired, import a human figure into the scene to ensure you have a natural-looking scale.

4. Arrange the leaf textured planes around the trunk. Don't attempt to completely cover all of the branches, since trees naturally have gaps in the foliage. Remember that players will view the tree object from a certain angle, so rotate your camera around to player height to check the effect.

References

• Scotchtapeworm3d; Tutorial: Realistic Medium Poly Tree; Bryan Tenorio; 2010
• Andy Zibits' Web Page; Creating dense, attractive, low-poly (200-300 triangles) trees without the "card" look; Andy Zibits