How to Select and Delete in ZBrush?

Understanding Object Selection in ZBrush

Selecting objects in ZBrush is a fundamental skill that allows for precise editing of your 3D models. To select an object effectively, begin by ensuring you are in Edit mode. You can toggle this mode by clicking on the Edit button in the upper left corner of the ZBrush interface. Once in Edit mode, utilize the following steps:

1. Use the Rectangle Select or Lasso tool from the top bar to define the area of the model you wish to select.
2. Simply click and drag on the canvas to create your selection. For multi-object selection, hold down the CTRL key while clicking on additional objects.
3. To deselect an object, hold down the CTRL key and click on the selected object again.

Deleting Objects in ZBrush

Deleting unwanted objects or elements within ZBrush allows you to streamline your workflow. Follow these steps to delete an object:

1. Make sure the object you intend to remove is selected. Use the selection method described above.
2. Navigate to the top menu and click on the Tool menu.
3. From the Tool menu, open the SubTool list. Here, find the object you want to delete.
4. For deleting a single SubTool, select it, then click on Delete. To remove all SubTools at once, choose Delete All.

Utilizing the Geometry Modify Tools for Deletion

For more advanced deletion techniques, ZBrush provides geometry modification options:

1. If you want to hide certain parts of your model, hold down the CTRL key and SHIFT, then drag your mouse to create a selection. This will hide the unselected areas.
2. Once you have hidden the areas you do not wish to keep, go to Tool > Geometry > Modify Topology.
3. Click on Delete Hidden to permanently remove the hidden portions of your mesh.

Clearing the Canvas in ZBrush

If your intent is to clear the working canvas rather than delete specific objects, follow these steps:

1. Press CTRL + N to clear the current canvas. This action will erase everything currently displayed.
2. If you wish to retain the model but clear the background, you can either adjust your view or select a new tool to bring into the workspace.

Using Polygroups to Manage Object Deletion

Polygroups offer a great way to manage complex models. Here’s how you can utilize them during the selection and deletion process:

1. Select the desired Polygroup using the selection tools.
2. To delete a specific Polygroup, ensure it is highlighted and repeat the deletion process as previously described.
3. This can help in maintaining an organized workflow, especially when working with multiple closely related objects.

FAQ

1. Can I undo a deletion in ZBrush?
Yes, if you delete an object or SubTool and wish to recover it, you can immediately press CTRL + Z to undo the last action.

2. Is there a way to permanently remove all hidden parts from my model?
Absolutely. Follow the steps for hiding parts using CTRL + SHIFT, then navigate to Tool > Geometry > Modify Topology and choose Delete Hidden.

3. What is the difference between deleting a SubTool and deleting hidden geometry?
Deleting a SubTool removes an entire object from the scene, while deleting hidden geometry is about removing portions of a single object that are currently not visible in your workspace.