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Mesh extract problem

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi all,

I have a mesh with multiple subdivisions, and I’m trying to create additional details on the mesh via the way of the extract tool (shoes, clothing etc). I’m using masking to create the shapes I want and using the extract tool to pop them out. That all works fine…at the maximum subdivision.

What I want, is to be able to extract parts of the mesh at the lower subdivision level so the extracted sub-tools are low poly as well, and then subdivide them when needed. When I try this, it goes all to hell, it’s not extracting them right, ignoring the mask in spots almost completely. The sub-tools are sometimes folding underneath the mesh and in some cases you can’t see them at all.

The reason I have multiple subdivisions is that I want a detailed, high poly model that I can create normal maps out of and throw those onto the lower subdivision mesh later. But I can’t seem to get any proper extracts with the mesh at the lower subdivision level, and I can’t create them at the higher subdivision either, as I need them to be low-poly later. I’m really not sure what to do or where to go from here.

#2

Which version of ZBrush are you using? Can you show examples?

#3

Hi there,

that’s the downside about using Mesh extract. No subdiv levels and a pretty high Poly count. But hey you can always retopo those extracted parts!!

#4

While initially attracted to the Mesh Extract feature I found over time that it’s better to use to the Retopology tools in Zbrush to do the same job.

With all the time you appear to be saving using extract you’re actually saving more time to just buckle down and create that geometry with retopo. In fact, once you get familiar with it, it’s pretty fast. The big benefit is that you are in control of how dense your base mesh is, it’s topology and thickness and once you get over the small learning curve, you may never go back to extract method again.

Your mileage may vary of course, this is just my opinion :slight_smile:

#5

Thanks for the replies all.

I see, that kinda sucks, the mesh extract feature is so easy to use :stuck_out_tongue:

I’ll take a closer look at retopology from now on.

Thanks guys. :smiley:

#6

Ya I agree with Extra Dimensional, zsphere retop tool is the way to go.