ZBrush Tip: Organizing ZBrush SubTools with Groups Split

PolyGroups are more than visual selections: they can become a practical foundation for organizing a complex sculpt into independent SubTools. ZBrush’s Groups Split command separates a mesh according to its existing PolyGroups, making individual parts easier to transform, sculpt, hide, duplicate, or export.

Before splitting, inspect the model with PolyFrame enabled by pressing Shift+F. Every differently colored PolyGroup will normally become a separate SubTool, so accidental or fragmented groups can produce an unnecessarily long SubTool list.

• Open Tool > PolyGroups and create or correct the required groups.
• Use Group Visible when visible polygons should become one unified PolyGroup.
• Use masking, visibility controls, or selection brushes to define cleaner boundaries.
• Check for tiny, unintended groups around seams, thin surfaces, and hidden geometry.
• Save an incremental project version before changing the SubTool structure.

Once the grouping is clean, select the source SubTool and choose Tool > SubTool > Split > Groups Split. ZBrush creates a new SubTool for each PolyGroup. Depending on the model and command options presented by the installed ZBrush version, you may also be asked whether open boundaries should be closed. Enable closure only when capped parts are appropriate; clothing shells, panels, and layered surfaces may need to remain open.

After the split, review the result immediately:

• Turn on Solo mode and inspect every new SubTool for missing polygons or unwanted caps.
• Rename each SubTool while its purpose is obvious—for example, Helmet_Shell, Helmet_Visor, and Helmet_Trim.
• Place related pieces inside a SubTool Folder to keep the project manageable.
• Check shared borders at high magnification. A split changes organization; it does not automatically create ideal thickness, welding, or production topology.
• Verify subdivision levels and sculpted detail before deleting the original source mesh.

A safe production habit is to duplicate the original SubTool first. Keep that duplicate hidden as an intact backup, then run Groups Split on the working copy. This makes it easy to recover the original arrangement, reproject details, or repeat the operation after improving the PolyGroups.

Groups Split is especially useful for armor plates, mechanical assemblies, teeth, accessories, garment panels, and models imported as one combined mesh. However, avoid splitting merely for temporary access. If the goal is only to sculpt one region, Ctrl+Shift visibility controls or PolyGroup masking may be faster and preserve a simpler scene.

The key is to treat PolyGroups as a planning system rather than random color regions. Clean groups produce predictable SubTools, clearer naming, safer transformations, and smoother export workflows. For ZBrush licensing, upgrades, and professional software purchasing options, visit NOVEDGE’s Maxon collection or browse the ZBrush products available from NOVEDGE.

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