How to Delete Mesh in ZBrush?

Understanding Mesh Deletion in ZBrush

Deleting mesh components in ZBrush can enhance your workflow by allowing you to manage your models more effectively. Whether you’re looking to remove unwanted elements from your sculpt or to simplify the geometry, knowing the right techniques is essential. Here’s a detailed guide on how to delete mesh in ZBrush, complete with step-by-step instructions.

Deleting Unmasked Geometry

To remove unmasked areas of your mesh, follow these steps:

1. Masking the Selected Area: Begin by masking the portion of the mesh that you want to keep. You can do this by holding down the Control key and painting over the area that should remain visible.

2. Hide the Unmasked Geometry: Navigate to the Tool palette and find the Masking section. Within this section, locate the Visibility options and click on HidePt. This function will make the unmasked geometry invisible.

3. Access Geometry Options: Scroll to the Geometry section in the same palette.

4. Modify Topology: Click on Modify Topology, and in the dropdown menu, select Delete Hidden. This action will permanently remove the obscured portions of your sculpt, refining your model to the desired shape.

Clearing the Viewport

Occasionally, you may want to clear the viewport to work on a new perspective or to declutter the canvas. To do this:

1. Navigate to the Viewport: Make sure you are in the working window of ZBrush where your sculpt is displayed.

2. Hit the Clear Button: You can either utilize a clear shortcut or navigate through the Document menu and select Clear. This will remove all visible elements from the viewport, allowing you to start afresh.

Deleting SubTools

If you’re working with multiple SubTools and wish to remove a specific one, follow these steps:

1. Select the Target SubTool: From the SubTool palette, click to highlight the SubTool you intend to delete.

2. Initiate Deletion: Simply press the Delete key on your keyboard. This action will remove the selected SubTool, ensuring other SubTools remain unaffected.

Deleting Hidden Geometry

For more controlled deletions, particularly of hidden or unnecessary geometry, here’s what to do:

1. Selecting Geometry: Hold down CTRL and SHIFT, then drag a selection around the areas you wish to hide.

2. Inverting the Selection: While holding the selection, press the ALT key before releasing the mouse button. This will allow you to invert the selection.

3. Deleting Hidden Parts: Go to Tools > Geometry > Modify Topology, and select Delete Hidden. This will erase the selected hidden sections and tidy up your model.

Additional Techniques for Deleting Geometry

• To remove ZSpheres, hold down the ALT key and click on the ZSphere you want to delete directly.
• For more complex models, consider using the Close Holes option found in the Modify Topology menu if you want to seal any unintended holes after deletions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I undo a deletion in ZBrush?
Yes, ZBrush features an undo function that allows you to cancel your last action. You can press CTRL + Z to undo your most recent changes.

2. Is it possible to recover deleted geometry?
If the deleted geometry was not saved before the action, it cannot be recovered. Always keep a backup or save iterations of your work to prevent loss.

3. How can I check which parts of my model are hidden?
You can use the Show Mask feature to visualize masked areas. Hold down the CTRL key while dragging over your model to see what is currently masked and hidden. This way, you can ensure you are deleting the desired segments.