# Retopologize meshes

> Generates a simplified mesh from selected occurrences. Commonly used in retopology workflows to create clean, optimized geometry for further processing such as baking materials or generating LODs.

API function: [algo.retopologize](/asset-transformer-sdk/2026.4/api/python/algo_functions.md#retopologize)

Use this feature to create a lightweight representation of a complex mesh by reducing the polygon count.

This feature is suitable for colliders, levels of detail (LODs), and devices with limited graphics power.

![](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-sdk/media/images/remeshfieldaligned.png)

### The algorithm

This algorithm is based on [Instant Field-Aligned Meshes](https://igl.ethz.ch/projects/instant-meshes/). It will produce a new mesh, containing either only quadrangles (if pureQuad is checked) or triangles and quadrangles.
The target triangle count is indicative and will not create exactly the input number.

> **Tip:**
>
> If the resulting mesh has lots of holes or missing parts, try running the algorithm again with a higher target triangle count. It can be reduced afterwards using the [decimation](decimate).

One major advantage of this approach is that the final mesh will automatically align to the structure of the 3D model.

### Precision

The precision parameter will increase the fidelity of the output mesh, at the expense of some more polygons and more processing time.

> **Tip:**
>
> Decreasing the precision will require more RAM to process, so keep track of your RAM usage when using this parameter.

### Limitation

This algorithm does not handle surfacic meshes correctly. For surfacic meshes, consider using the [proxy mesh](proxyfrommeshes) with the surfacic parameter checked, or the [dual contouring](dualcontouring) that will automatically handle the surfacic parts.