ZBrush Tip: Production-Ready Panels: SliceCurve and Groups Split Workflow in ZBrush

Create clean, production-ready panels fast by combining SliceCurve for precise polygroup cuts and Groups Split to convert those polygroups into individual SubTools. It’s a repeatable, non-destructive workflow that’s ideal for hard-surface concepts, mech suits, and hardshell props. For licenses, upgrades, and expert advice, check out NOVEDGE at novedge.com.

Why this workflow

• Speed: Sketch panel lines directly on the mesh without leaving ZBrush.
• Control: Crisp polygroups define borders for thickness, bevels, and creasing.
• Scalability: Instantly split panels into separate SubTools for independent detailing and materials.

Step-by-step

1. Prep
   • Work at the lowest subdivision level to avoid breaking subd history. If needed, Tool > Geometry > Del Lower.
   • Duplicate the SubTool as a safety copy (SubTool > Duplicate).
   • Enable PolyFrame (Shift+F) so you can see resulting polygroups clearly.
2. Slice clean polygroups
   • Hold Ctrl+Shift and select SliceCurve from the selection brushes.
   • Draw your slice line; tap Alt while drawing to insert a hard corner; press Space to reposition the curve before releasing.
   • Use visibility to your advantage: hide areas you don’t want affected; SliceCurve only operates on visible polygons.
   • After each cut, verify new polygroups formed along the slice.
3. Refine borders
   • Polish by Features (Deformation > Polish By Features) to even panel edges while preserving corners.
   • If you plan to subdivide later, set Crease PG (Geometry > Crease > Crease PG) to keep borders sharp.
4. Split into panel-ready pieces
   • Tool > SubTool > Split > Groups Split converts each polygroup into its own SubTool.
   • Rename SubTools logically for downstream work (materials, UVs, export).
5. Add thickness and bevels (optional but recommended)
   • Panel Loops: Geometry > EdgeLoop > Panel Loops. Start with: Bevel 10–20, Elevation 0, Thickness 0.5–2 (scale-dependent), Double ON if you want a closed shell.
   • For a subdivision-friendly look: Crease PG, enable Dynamic Subdiv (D), and adjust SmoothSubdiv 2–3.
6. Retopology polish (optional)
   • ZRemesher with KeepGroups ON and SmoothGroups at 0–2 for cleaner, even quads around panel borders.
   • Reapply Panel Loops if you remesh and need new thickness.

Pro tips

• Symmetry: For symmetrical assets, slice one side then SubTool > Geometry > Modify Topology > Mirror And Weld.
• Hard-surface pairing: After slicing, HPolish or TrimDynamic at low ZIntensity to plane panels before splitting.
• Mask by PolyGroup lets you isolate and protect neighboring panels while sculpting details.
• When exporting, keep polygroups as material IDs via FBX for DCC round-trips.

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