Simplification of locally refined gradient meshes

Abstract

Gradient meshes are powerful vector graphic primitives known for producing smooth and detailed color transitions. However, their fixed rectangular topology complicates editing, as adding detail in one region introduces control points across the entire mesh. To improve editability and better support artist workflows, we propose a simplification method for gradient meshes based on local refinement. Our method transforms a traditional, globally-refined mesh into a locally-refined one by iteratively merging adjacent faces and eliminating redundant data while preserving visual quality. We achieve this by rasterizing the mesh and applying established visual quality metrics to ensure consistency with the original. Additionally, we offer artists control over the simplification process by introducing an error threshold, allowing them to balance the level of simplification with visual fidelity. Finally, we conduct a thorough comparison of various mesh simplification strategies to analyze the trade-offs between simplification quality and speed so as to inform users to the optimal one that they can use to obtain the desired trade-off.