ZBrush Tip: Crease Polygroup Borders for Predictable Hard‑Surface Subdivision

Keep crisp edges under control by creasing and uncreasing along Polygroup borders for predictable subdivision and clean hard-surface results.

Core controls (Tool > Geometry > Crease):

• CreasePG: Crease all Polygroup borders in one click. Ideal after generating Polygroups or using Group Loops.
• Uncrease All: Clears every crease on the current SubTool—great for quick resets.
• Crease Level: Sets the subdivision level at which the crease “lets go.” Example: Crease Level 2 with 4 Subdivisions gives a controlled, chamfer-like roll after the second level.
• Crease Tolerance: Angle-based auto creasing; higher values catch more edges. Pair with “By Features” to focus on borders, Polygroup seams, or sharp edges.

Fast setup workflow:

• Create meaningful Polygroups (Masking > Group Masked/Visible, Auto Groups, or PolyGroup by Normals).
• Run CreasePG to tag every group border.
• Set Crease Level below your planned SubDiv count (e.g., Crease Level 2, subdivide to 4).
• Preview with Dynamic Subdiv (Tool > Geometry > Dynamic Subdiv). Use SmoothSubdiv 3–4 and optionally enable QGrid for even tighter hard edges. Adjust Coverage to taste.

Precision editing with ZModeler:

• Hover an edge, press Spacebar: Edge Action: Crease or Uncrease.
• Targets such as Edge Loop Complete or PolyLoop make it fast to tag entire loops while leaving other seams soft.
• Combine with temporary visibility (Ctrl+Shift) to limit edits to isolated areas.

Uncreasing strategies (avoid over-constraints):

• If pinching appears, lower Crease Level or selectively uncrease the offending loop with ZModeler.
• Use Uncrease All after topology changes (ZRemesher, Mirror&Weld), then reapply CreasePG so creases match your current Polygroups.
• Prefer selective uncrease over global softening; it preserves form where you need it most.

Hard-surface polish tips:

• Before subdivision, run Group Loops (Geometry > EdgeLoop) to add supportive Polygroup loops; then CreasePG for instant, production-ready seams.
• For a machined look, combine creases with QGrid. Keep Coverage low for razor edges; increase it slightly for a milled bevel feel.
• On export for baking, maintain creases only for subdivision preview; the final low poly should rely on real supporting edges or baked normals.

Common pitfalls:

• Too many creases = brittle surfaces. Crease only the design-defining edges.
• Dynamic Subdiv can mask issues; confirm at true SubDiv levels before committing.
• Topology operations often strip creases—reapply systematically.

Quick recipe:

• Define Polygroups logically (panels, trims, cutlines).
• Click CreasePG, set Crease Level 1–2 below your final SubDiv.
• Preview with Dynamic Subdiv; adjust QGrid/Coverage for desired hardness.
• Uncrease specific loops to soften transitions where needed.

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