ZBrush

How to Delete Faces in ZBrush?

Understanding Face Deletion in ZBrush

Deleting unwanted faces in ZBrush can enhance your model by streamlining its structure. This guide provides you with comprehensive steps to effectively delete faces or hidden areas of your model.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Faces in ZBrush

Step 1: Mask Unwanted Areas

Begin by identifying the portions of your model you wish to delete. Activate masking by going to the Tool palette and selecting the "Masking" section. Use the masking brush to cover the areas that you want to keep visible. This step is crucial as it protects the parts of the mesh you don’t want to delete while highlighting the ones you do.

Step 2: Hide Unmasked Areas

Once you have masked your desired sections, navigate to the "Visibility" palette. Click on "HidePt" to obscure the unmasked portions of your sculpt. This action allows you to focus solely on the visible masked areas for further editing.

Step 3: Access Modify Topology

With the unmasked regions hidden, you may proceed to the "Geometry" submenu. Locate and click on "Modify Topology." In this dropdown menu, there are various options for refining your mesh, including deleting hidden faces.

Step 4: Delete Hidden Faces

In the Modify Topology options, find "Del Hidden" (short for Delete Hidden). Selecting this option will permanently erase the faces that you have concealed, removing any unnecessary geometry and refining your model’s shape.

Step 5: Review and Refine

Take a moment to inspect your model to ensure the desired faces are deleted and that the overall geometry appears as intended. If any unwanted alterations were made, use the Undo function (CTRL + Z) to revert the last operation.

Additional Options for Face Deletion

If you prefer a more direct approach to removing specific polygons instead of using the masking method, you can simply do the following:

  1. Select the Face: Switch to Face Select mode, then directly click on the faces you want to delete.
  2. Use the Delete Key: After highlighting the face(s), press the Delete key. A prompt will appear asking for confirmation; select "Faces" to proceed with the deletion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I recover deleted faces in ZBrush?
Once you have deleted faces using the "Del Hidden" option, the changes are permanent unless you use the Undo function immediately. Always double-check before finalizing any deletions.

2. Is it possible to delete multiple faces at once?
Yes, you can mask multiple faces at once or select them in Face Select mode before using the Delete functionality. This allows for efficient editing of larger areas of your model.

3. What should I do if I accidentally delete the wrong faces?
If you delete unwanted faces, use the Undo function (CTRL + Z) immediately to restore your previous state. If too much time has passed, you may need to rely on saved versions of your model.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.