Freestyle > Performing Resolution and Subdivision > Example: Differences Between Subdivision and Resolution
  
Example: Differences Between Subdivision and Resolution
Difference in mesh complexity
Subdivision
Resolution
Create a shape as shown below.
Create a shape as shown below.
Subdivide the shape once. There are more vertices and faces on the control mesh.
Apply resolution level 1 to the shape. There are more vertices and faces on the control mesh.
Turn off the mesh display. The underlying surfaces are subdivided along with the control mesh.
Turn off the mesh display. The underlying surfaces remain unchanged.
Difference in permanency of mesh changes
Subdivision
Resolution
The shape is subdivided once.
The resolution level 1 is applied.
Control mesh is modified.
Virtual control mesh is modified.
Because there are eight faces created after subdivision, all four vertical faces are sliced.
After existing the Resolution mode, the vertical face is sliced.
The changes made in the subdivided shape remain after modifying the same mesh.
The mesh change made in Resolution mode is lost when the same mesh is modified after exiting the Resolution mode.