ZBrushCentral

Multiple polygroups (for multiple selection masks)?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Is there a way to have multiple polygroups (for loading multiple selection masks) to be associated with one mesh within a document and or tool? And if so, how?

Thanks.

#2

If your model has UVs, you can save any kind of polypaint/polygroup/masking information as a texture, to be reapplied at a later time, and converted into polygroups, polypaint, or masking.

#3

Even if you deform the mesh (without adding or deleting vertices, correct)?

#4

Yes.

#5

Thanks Scott.

Are you the book writer “Scott”?

#6

No.

:slight_smile:

#7

Hey Scott,
Do you ever lose your polygroups when combining the various polygroup types together? Say you use a mask visible for one part of the mesh on one layer. Make a new layer, import an alpha as mask and create polygroup from that etc etc, do your polygroups ever get jumbled?? It looks like random squares and such in my previous polygroups. Throwing me for a loop when trying to seperate out layers of cloth on a single subtool i.e. shirt with a vest over it etc.

#8

Perhaps I am misunderstanding you. You are trying to use layers to support multiple polygroup sets on the same model ? It is not my understanding that Zbrush layers have ever been able to do that.

As for getting “jumbled” when adding polygroups, I encountered this in 3.5 when using the “Polygroups from Polypaint” function to assign updated polygroups after I had existing polygroups already assigned to the mesh. They would become jumbled as you describe. I found I had to press “group Visible” to “clean the slate” in between using this function to get a clean polygroup assignment each time.

It was explained on the boards that polygroups are additive now or some such, and will add to the existing groups, forming new groups out of the difference between polygroup applications, for some reason. I don’t know if this is the same behavior you’re experiencing, but it sounds similar.

#9

Thanks for the response scott. Yes, the jumbling you are talking about is what ive experienced. I only make a new 3d layer to actually lay in my inflates/deflates to various pieces of hte mesh…aka inner shirt, outer shirt, vest etc. I was trying to use polygroups basically as a selection set for each piece but the polygroups became jumbled on me. Ill try to follow your tips and see if I can’t get this issue sorted. Thanks.