Hard surface modeling focuses on creating artificial objects such as cars, buildings, or furniture. This type of modeling is more forgiving and flexible than organic modeling used for designing living things. Hard-surface modeling implies working with flat surfaces rather than multiple curves and folds of the human body or clothes. This modeling implies a set of techniques that allow working with flat surfaces, sharp edges, and angular shapes.

However, some designers prefer defining the hard surface model by its mesh construction; it doesn't matter whether it's human-made or organic.^[1]