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Yet Another ZSpheres Symmetry Question

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi folks, I am having a problem with ZSpheres.
Whenever I try to build a moel in ZSpheres, I do it with symmetry turned ON but I just noticed the symmetry stops working after I add several connected chains of ZSpheres to my model.
I tried the whole process several times - build from scratch, watch out that no ZSphere rotation is messed up anywhere on the model but I always end up with a symmetry problem.

Please, see video below.

I read many topics on the forum that were discussing ZSpheres’ symmetry problems and didn’t find a real solution to this.

In the case with this particular model, the symmetry problem appears on the fingers’ chains and is not really important because I think the model is good enough the way it is and I can use it for my project anyway.

But what if this happens again on another project where you can not get away with messed up symmetry? What if you really need it to work properly?

I have my own (stupid?) theory that this problem could be caused by the size of the ZSpheres. Maybe if they are too small, the symmetry cursor is having problems snapping to the mirrored one?
I don’t know… See the video.

VIDEO: http://vimeo.com/8737660

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#2

Do you also have symmetry turned on when drawing the zspheres for the torso? Some people think they need to turn symmetry off when they only want to add one zsphere (for the neck, head or belly for example).

Symmetry should be turned on before you add any zspheres. To add a single zsphere with symmetry turned on move the cursor until it turns green which indicates you will be adding a zsphere to the symmetry axis.

Sorry if you know this already but from your video it looks like the torso is ever so slightly off center, indicating symmetry might not have been turned on.

But as you mentioned it could possibly be the scale of the initial zsphere and thus the scale of all other zspheres which is causing the problem. Luckily I never experience any symmetry issues so I must be doing something right :slight_smile:

I once wrote a script to realign zspheres that were added with symmetry turned on. I will see if I can find it for you.

#3

Thanks.
I always model with the symmetry turned on. I just turn it on and start building, no matter if the model needs symmetry or not. The torso was modelled with symmetry too.
I think the spheres are well algined (always keep my finger on the Shift button).
If there is a script that can align suspicious ZSpheres, I would like to apply it on this model and see what happens.

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#4

My insights here: http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showpost.php?p=644420&postcount=2

Overall, I find it difficult to get perfect symmetry in Zsphere models beyond very simple setups. Solutions would include Smart Resym on the generated skin, or deleting half the generated skin and mirror-weld with Subtool master if I want perfect symmetry in my mesh.

-K

#5

^ I understand.
Seems that symmetry is just not perfect on low poly and ZSphere models.