New! Alias Subdivision tutorials

We’re thrilled to share new video-based Alias Subdivision (Subdiv) tutorials with you. We spoke with Randal Ellwood, our Principal Content Experience Designer, about what they are, who they’re for, how you can access them.

These videos introduce the Subdivision Workspace and basic subdivision principles. They also share tips on how to incorporate more specific Subdiv tools into your workflow to refine your model, as well as demonstrating the basics of hybrid modeling – i.e. combining NURBS tools and Subdiv models.  

Alias Subdivision tutorial videos overview

These tutorials are a series of short 2 – 4 mins. video tutorials that walk you through the fundamentals of Alias Subdiv tools.

The tutorial series starts with an explanation the key differences, and similarities, between Subdiv objects and NURBS surfaces. This is important for understanding their true uniqueness and flexibility.    

Note: The .wire files used in the tutorials are available for download so you can follow along.  

The series also explores how to start a Subdiv model by shaping primitives or by extruding from curves, as in creating a conceptual design from sketches. 

You’ll learn which tools are most frequently used in subdiv modeling and how best apply them in your base workflow. For example: Extrude, Insert Edge, Bridges tools are key to this tool set, as well as taking advantage of the Subdiv Align tools to maintain proper CV layouts.   

We describe unique tools, such as Retopo and Crease, so that you can access them quickly and use them effectively.

The series also provides an introduction to hybrid modeling: using the Alias Surface tools on your Subdiv models.  

Alias SubDivision tutorial videos list

1. Introduction to Subdiv modeling
2. Build from Subdiv primitives
3. Building Subdivs from curves
4. Building with Retopo
5. Extrude, Insert and Bridge
6. Bevel and Crease
7. Cut, Weld and Extract
8. Symmetry
9. Transform, Selection and Display
10. Align, Planarize and Smooth
11. Trimming subdivisions
12. Hybrid modeling

 Who Alias Subdiv tutorial videos are for

• New Alias users who want model Subdivs, as well as experienced NURBS modelers who have yet to get their hands dirty with Subdivs.  
• Users familiar with Alias Subdiv modeling can get Kerry Kingston’s perspective on the Subdiv toolset and techniques.     

How to access Alias Subdiv tutorial videos

• Access them online in the Alias 2025 Help here: https://help.autodesk.com/view/ALIAS/2025/ENU/?guid=wn-alias-learning-2025.  
•  Download offline versions of the Alias 2025 Subdivision Modeling Tutorial Files from the Alias Sample File page.  

Randal Ellwood works as a Principal Content Experience Designer on the PDMS-ACX User-Experience Design team. Currently, he leads the help creation and delivery efforts for Alias.

Stay tuned for more tutorial sand learning resources, industry stories, and product updates.

You can also check out our Autodesk Automotive on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Alias and VRED YouTube channels, and follow us on Facebook.

Sharpen Your Skills

Alias and VRED Learning Editions are free for non-commercial use. Learn more and start your journey today.

Alias Learning Edition

VRED Learning Edition