I thought ZBrush just computed the subdivided vertices and put them into the next level mesh, but just adding a subdivision level makes the original softer. It’s very obvious with simple shapes.
What’s happening, is level 1 somehow recomputed from its own subdivided mesh and why?
Thanks.
The mesh is smoothed when it is subdivided. This results in a slight shrinking and the base mesh is adjusted to compensate. You can turn off the Tool>Geometry>Smt button before subdividing which will mean there is no smoothing at all. For most purposes though you will want smoothing. If it is important to retain your base mesh without changes you can import it at level 1 after you’ve finished sculpting for creating displacement/normal maps.
Thanks. This behavior can lead to strange things: if you import (or switch morph target) to replace the level 1 of a mesh, then go up a level, naturally level 2 will be affected by its modified level 1. But then if you go back to level 1, it will in turn be modified: just “having” a level 2 will modify it …