So I am trying to redirect edge flow using the insert edgeLoop in zmodeler. What is the best way to stop the insert edgeLoop tool from going all the way across the geometry so that I can redirect the flow of edges? Currently I am deleting polygons ( purple polygroup) where I want the insert edgeLoop tool to stop. Is there a better way to do this?
Thanks
Hello @smurf606!
Like most other tools in Zbrush, ZModeler respects masking or hiding geometry in terms of controlling what you don’t want it to affect.
Getting it to affect all the polygons you want at the same time is slightly trickier. You can try clicking on different edges from different viewing angles, as many operations in ZModeler are context sensitive. There is no guarantee ZModeler will recognize complicated polygon paths as a “loop” though, no matter what you do. In my experience, it is that corner polygon that Insert Loop will not know how to deal with.
You may need to use a different tool, or combination of tools to achieve the effect. Inset > Region with the appropriate polygon target could work. Or you could use the Insert loop tool to insert a couple different partial loops, then clean up the geometry with Point> Stitch. Sometimes beveling an edge loop is as good as an insert loop.
The most direct way, however, to split exactly what you want in any cluster of polygons is to use the Slice Curve brush.
As always, remember that a polygon with more than 4 points cannot exist in Zbrush at any time, so Zbrush will insert points and edges to force a quad or a tri. This may require some clean-up .
thanks for the tips Spyndel!