ZBrush Tip: Detail-Preserving DynaMesh Merge Workflow

When merging kitbashed parts or fixing seams, DynaMesh with Project enabled preserves your sculpt’s crisp details while fusing volumes into a clean, watertight mesh.

1. Prepare the model
   • Duplicate your working SubTool (SubTool > Duplicate) as a safety copy.
   • Merge parts into one SubTool (SubTool Master > Merge or SubTool > Merge Down). If Merge Down is greyed out, delete subdivision levels first.
   • Optional but recommended: Tool > Deformation > Unify to normalize scale for predictable DynaMesh Resolution behavior.
2. Set up DynaMesh for detail-preserving merges
   • Go to Geometry > DynaMesh.
   • Turn OFF Groups to truly weld volumes together (leave ON only if you need separate shells per PolyGroup).
   • Turn ON Project to preserve existing surface detail during the re-mesh.
   • Resolution: start at 256–512 for mid-sized assets; increase only when you need more detail.
   • Blur 0–2 to soften voxel aliasing; Polish OFF for organics, ON for slight hard-surface cleanup.
3. Execute the merge
   • Ctrl+Drag on canvas to DynaMesh. Inspect intersections; repeat after any Move/Inflate seam prep.
   • If thin parts collapse, slightly Inflate (+2 to +5) then DynaMesh again.
4. Troubleshoot projection artifacts
   • Spikes or sticking? Hide or delete internal, overlapping shells before DynaMesh (Visibility isolate, Delete Hidden).
   • Micro chatter along seams? Temporarily disable Project for one pass, Smooth the seam, re-enable Project, DynaMesh again.
   • Detail loss? Nudge Resolution up one step; keep increases incremental to avoid heavy meshes.
5. Post-merge refinement
   • For production topology, run ZRemesher (Keep Groups/Adapt as needed), then Subdivide and use Project All to recover micro detail.
   • Store a Morph Target before polishing; use the Morph brush to restore original character where projection softened forms.

Why this workflow works:

• Project during DynaMesh preserves high-frequency detail without a separate projection step.
• Turning off Groups ensures true volumetric fusion, avoiding hairline splits later.
• Iterative, low-to-high Resolution keeps meshes responsive and prevents unnecessary densification.

Pro tips:

• Before merging, add a light Inflate along part intersections to give DynaMesh material to weld.
• Keep Sculptris Pro OFF during DynaMesh passes to avoid mixed tessellation behaviors.
• Use Mask by Cavity before a final Polish pass to protect recessed detail after the merge.

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