To bake high-poly details into a low-poly 3D model (avoiding a high poly count), use tools to transfer texture data (normals, ambient occlusion) from a high-poly source to a UV-unwrapped low-poly target.
- Baking captures fine details (scratches, wrinkles) into 2D maps. This makes low-poly models look detailed without extra polygons. Key maps: Normal (depth), Ambient Occlusion (shadows), Curvature (wear). - You need two aligned, UV-unwrapped models: High-poly (for details) and low-poly (for performance).
For beginners, try Blender’s built-in bake feature. Align your models, unwrap the low-poly’s UVs, set the high-poly as the source, and generate maps—easy detail without high poly count.