Edge loops are loops cut across a row of polygons. In most tools edgeloops can be created by using a loopcut tool. Clean models use very few triangle faces or ngon faces as these create a very difficult to use mesh (inhibit edge loop creation, a important aspect of effectively and cleanly building and modifying a mesh). the best way i can explain what an edge loop is by drawing a diagram to show you what is going on.
Edge loop cutting is a staple technic for creating and fine tuning a mesh... It makes your creation process much faster and more manageable then it would be without. I would recommend that anyone who is learning to model, research this technic. hopefully the attached will clarify things a bit. Now... as far as modeling goes i use a specific stratagy when tackling a model... i use what is called stick modeling for areas like heads of creatures/people/anywere that requires alot of detail and box modeling for basic shapes of uncomplicated things like arms/torso/leggs (excluding hands and feet, i stick model those as well.) when creating a model with a stick modeling technic it is important to be aware of your loops just as you would any other tech... Keep triangles to a minimum. Triangles are really only a last resort (I have a few in my models but not many. Usually i keep them in areas that wont move at all during animation or just naturally occur (like in the tips of sharp teeth or claws or the tip of a tail.) This all may sound a little strange when you thing about it: "Dont directx and other similar engines only process triagles??" This is true but in the cases of exporting to a .x or any other similar format the exporter usually converts this for you and ,in fact until then, the process of creating is much more manageable using quads given the standard creation practices of most modellers. Anyway very winded i know but if this doesnt help I would suggest you consult a good modeling tutorial on youtube or a similar place that focuses on edge ring/loop manipulation/relationships. Like maybe this one.
http://www.youtube.com/user/squirc#p/u/18/xls25e08sSg
I know this isnt what your modeling but it shows you the basics of what edgeloop creation is and what its useful for. It also may not be in the same program your using but it is a pretty universal technic you just have to figure out how it works in your perticular modeling program. For example i use blender. To create an edge loop i hit ctrl r (2.5) or ctrl e (then select the loopcut tool in 2.49 or earlier) and then select the edge ring that i want to cut, line it up how i want it and click to cut it. This is only possible if the model has good edge ring and loop flow, and makes the modeling process alot faster.
Weew
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