How to Select Polygroups in ZBrush

Understanding how to manipulate and select polygroups in ZBrush is essential for efficient modeling and detailing. Polygroups serve as customizable areas that allow for easier selection, visibility control, and application of specific operations. This guide will provide a detailed step-by-step process for selecting and managing polygroups effectively within your ZBrush projects.

What are Polygroups?

Polygroups are colored areas on a 3D model that allow artists to define groups of polygons for easier manipulation. They can be used to isolate sections of a model for editing, applying different materials, or adjusting visibility settings. Polygroups can greatly streamline the sculpting process, especially for complex models.

Creating Polygroups

Creating polygroups in ZBrush can be accomplished using various methods. The following steps detail how to create polygroups from your existing mesh.

1. Select Your Mesh: Start with a mesh that you want to work on. Ensure that it has sufficient geometry for defining distinct polygroups.

2. Use the Polygrouping Shortcut: To quickly create polygroups, you can press Shift + Ctrl + P. This activates the polygroup selection mode.

3. Masking for Custom Polygroups: For custom shapes:

   • Use the Masking tools (found on the left menu) to define the areas you want to isolate.
   • Once you’ve masked the desired area, press Ctrl + Shift + P to create a polygroup from the mask.
4. Using the Polygroup Panel: The Polygroup panel provides additional options for creating multiple polygroups. Navigate to Tool > Polygroups and explore options like Group Masked and Auto Groups, which can automatically assign polygroups to distinct mesh areas.

Selecting Polygroups

Once polygroups have been created, selecting them is straightforward. Follow these steps to select and manipulate specific polygroups:

1. Activate the Select Rect Tool: Use the Select Rect tool located in the ZBrush interface. This allows for easy selection of the polygroups.

2. Select by Polygroup: Hold Ctrl + Shift and click on the desired polygroup. This will isolate the selected polygroup while hiding all others. It allows for focused editing on that particular section of the model.

3. Switching Between Polygroups: If multiple polygroups exist, you can quickly switch between them using Ctrl + Shift plus the click. This toggles the visibility of different polygroups, helping streamline adjustments or detailing.

4. Visibility Control: Use Ctrl + Shift + Click on the canvas to hide all other polygroups except for the selected one. This function is highly useful for performing operations like sculpting or applying texture without interference from other parts of the model.

Modifying Polygroups

After selecting polygroups, you can modify them to fit your creative vision. Here’s how to adjust polygroups effectively:

1. Expand or Contract Selection: With a polygroup selected, utilize the ‘Expand’ and ‘Contract’ functions to adjust the boundaries of your selection. Access these by going to Tool > Polygroups and selecting the appropriate functions.

2. Regrouping: Sometimes you may wish to redefine the polygroups. Use the ‘Grp Split’ option in the Polygroups menu to separate the polygroups into different subtools based on their grouping.

3. Color Assignments: To visually differentiate between polygroups, you can assign different colors. Select the polygroup, and under the Polygroups menu, use the Colors options to modify the color.

4. Deleting Polygroups: If necessary, you can delete a polygroup by selecting it and pressing Clear Mask, which returns that section to the default polygroup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I create polygroups from a low-resolution mesh?

Yes, you can create polygroups from a low-resolution mesh. However, having a higher resolution allows for more detailed and defined polygroups. It is advisable to subdivide your mesh for better results when creating or selecting polygroups.

2. Is it possible to paint polygroups instead of masking them?

Absolutely. You can utilize the Polygroups Painting tool, which allows you to paint directly onto your mesh to define different polygroups interactively. Access this option in the Polygroups menu and use the painting brushes to apply polygroups.

3. How do I reset polygroups if I want to start over?

To reset polygroups, simply select the entire mesh, hide all polygroups by holding Ctrl + Shift and clicking on an empty space, then use Auto Groups from the Tool > Polygroups menu to generate new groups based on your current masking or geometry.