ZBrush Tip: Group by Normals: Fast Polygrouping and Topology Control

Accelerate selection and topology control with Group by Normals. This command auto-creates Polygroups based on face-angle changes—ideal for hard-surface segmentation, paneling, and clean remeshing. If you need the latest ZBrush or add‑ons, check NOVEDGE for deals and bundles.

Where to find it

• Tool > Polygroups > Group by Normals
• Angle slider: sets the edge-angle threshold that generates new Polygroups
• Preview groups quickly with PolyF (Shift+F)

Quick workflow

1. Clean the mesh: run a light Deformation > Polish By Features pass to clarify edges and reduce micro-noise.
2. Set Angle and click Group by Normals:
   • 10–25°: tight separation for sharp bevels and chamfers
   • 30–60°: general hard-surface segmentation
   • 90–135°: broad sections on stylized or soft surfaces
   • 175–180°: minimal grouping on organic forms
3. Inspect with PolyF. If you see tiny stray groups, slightly raise Angle or smooth/decimate to remove micro-facets and try again.
4. Optionally consolidate small areas:
   • Hide unwanted bits and use Polygroups > Group Visible to merge them into neighbors.
   • Manually paint selections and press Ctrl+W to assign a single Polygroup.

Why it matters

• ZRemesher control: After grouping, use ZRemesher with KeepGroups on (and Smooth Groups as needed) to preserve hard transitions and get cleaner edge flow.
• Panel Loops: Geometry > EdgeLoop > Panel Loops will create precise, beveled panels along Polygroup borders—perfect for sci‑fi plates and armor.
• Crisp subdivision: Geometry > Crease > Crease PG protects Polygroup borders through subdivision for razor-sharp edges.
• Targeted sculpting: Brush > Auto Masking > Mask By Polygroups isolates strokes within a group for confident detail passes.
• Selective operations: Ctrl+Shift+Click a Polygroup to isolate it; split sets with SubTool > Split > Split to Parts.
• Fast ID masks: Fill each Polygroup with a flat color, then create a texture/ID map for downstream texturing.

Pro tips

• Pre-bevel strategy: If your bevels are too soft to register, run Trim or HPolish to define planes, then Group by Normals.
• Edge support: Geometry > EdgeLoop > GroupLoops can add supporting loops along Polygroup borders after grouping.
• Avoid fragmentation: On scanned or noisy meshes, decimate lightly or relax (Tool > Deformation > Relax) before grouping.
• Multi-subtool consistency: Apply consistent Angle values per subtool to keep panels aligned when you later use Panel Loops or Crease PG.
• Print and game assets: Group by Normals before Decimation or retopo to preserve selection sets and protect silhouette-defining seams.

Troubleshooting

• Separated shells will naturally become different groups; weld or close gaps if you want continuity.
• If ZRemesher rounds edges, reduce Smooth Groups or re-run Group by Normals at a tighter Angle and try again.

Sharpen your workflow with these steps and revisit Group by Normals any time you reintroduce edges or refine forms. For upgrades, plug-ins, and volume licensing, explore NOVEDGE and their ZBrush offerings at this link.

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