ZBrushCentral

How can I mask only the front face?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

I’m masking a section of the surface of my model, then using “extract” in the sub tool menu to create geometry on the surface (which I’m using to make thin tabs to position parts after printing when the larger model is glued together).

This works well, except that the masking creates a symmetrical mask, with the mask on both the front facing and rear facing surfaces.

Symmetry is turned off, and turning on backface masking doesn’t fix it. I always get a mask on the front and the back of the model.

Since the topology isn’t symmetrical, the mask on the rear side isn’t in the appropriate place.

How do I mask only the front surface? I have this issue with all masking brushes, not just the rectangle brush.

Thanks, in advance!

#2

Backface masking should work, but you have to activate it specifically for the masking brush. So hold down Ctrl, and while the masking brush is active, switch backface masking on.

Otherwise if that still doesnt solve your problem you will have to hide the backfacing geometry before masking, which could be easy or complicated depending on the geometry.

#3

deleted…brain fart…sorry:o

#4

I do check to make sure “backface masking” is on for the brush by holding down “Control” when activating it. Doesn’t work. I’m curious to know why.

But the idea of just hiding what I don’t want masked is quick enough to be a practical solution.

Thanks!

#5

I couldn’t speculate on why backface masking wasn’t working without seeing your mesh. I’m guessing the surfaces are extremely close together.

It may be helpful then to group your rear facing polygons into a single polygroup so you can hide them easily with a single click.

#6

Backface masking will only work for the Mask Pen with the Dots or Freehand stroke. So you have to set the DrawSize large and draw over the mesh like that rather than dragging a rectangle from the outside.

#7

Hey, Marcus,

That worked!

Thanks so much.

Best…

Rob