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Turn a precise mask into a clean, separate SubTool for clothing, armor plates, panels, and gaskets—fast, controllable, and production‑ready. If you need the latest ZBrush licenses or add‑ons, check out NOVEDGE.
Core workflow
- Define the region
- Mask the source mesh using MaskLasso or MaskCurve for crisp borders.
- Use SharpenMask/BlurMask and Grow/Shrink to refine the edge line before extraction.
- Hide anything you don’t want considered—extraction uses visible polygons.
- Preview the shell
- Go to Tool > SubTool > Extract.
- Set Thickness to the target shell depth; click Preview to evaluate direction and edge quality.
- Adjust Smoothness if borders look stair‑stepped; preview again until contours are clean.
- Commit
- Click Accept to create the new SubTool. Name it immediately for clarity.
Make it production‑ready
- Topology
- Run ZRemesher with KeepGroups on for clean, even quads that follow panel borders.
- Optionally Auto Groups to separate disjoint parts, then Merge/Bridge as needed.
- Edge control
- Use Crease PG to preserve border sharpness before subdividing.
- Add Group Loops (low values) to create support loops for chamfer‑like edges.
- Fit to body
- Subdivide once or twice, then Project All from the source mesh to “shrinkwrap” the shell.
- Enable BackfaceMask on move/trim brushes to avoid collapsing thin walls.
Practical tips
- Resolution matters: extract from a reasonably dense surface to avoid jagged borders; if needed, temporarily subdivide, extract, then ZRemesh the result.
- Thickness is scale‑dependent: verify scene scale before committing. Small models will require proportionally smaller Thickness values.
- Mask strategies:
- Use Mask by Cavity to target recessed regions for gaskets and trims.
- Convert Polypaint to Mask for fast, art‑directed panel layouts.
- Surface finish: a light Polish by Features cleans micro‑wobble without destroying silhouette.
- Non‑destructive preview: Dynamic Subdiv can preview soft edges; commit only after you’re happy with creases/loops.
When to choose Panel Loops instead
- For crisp hard‑surface panels based on Polygroups, Panel Loops offers controlled bevel width, thickness, and polish in one step.
- Use Extract for organic garments and asymmetric shells; use Panel Loops for mechanical seams and CAD‑like edges.
Common fixes
- Wavy borders: refine mask with MaskCurve, increase Smoothness in Extract, or ZRemesh with higher target count.
- Intersecting thickness: reduce Thickness or offset the shell outward with Gizmo 3D after extraction.
- Loss of detail after remesh: Project All in smaller passes and disable Smt when subdividing creased borders.
Level up your pipeline with reliable licenses, upgrades, and expert advice from NOVEDGE. For bundles and learning resources around Maxon ZBrush, start here: NOVEDGE ZBrush catalog.
