Polygroups

Polygroups displayed for the DemoSoldier

Polygroups displayed for the DemoSoldier

Polygroups allow you to organize the mesh with visual grouping information. Polygroups are one way to organize your mesh. Another way is to use Subtools. Where SubTools create separate pieces of geometry, Polygroups only create separate selection areas. Your mesh is still one contiguous surface.

Polygroups are an extremely powerful way of working with your mesh. Various functions, such as the Insert Mesh brushes, use Polygroups.

There are many options for creating Polygroups. The controls are in the Tool > Polygroups sub-palette.

Working With Polygroups

You work with Polygroups directly on the surface of your model. In order for you to work with them and for them to be visible you must turn on Transform > Frame (hotkey Shift+F).

  • Show Only One Group
    Press CTRL+SHIFT and click on the mesh where that group is.
  • Show All Groups
    Press CTRL+SHIFT and click outside of the mesh.
  • Invert Your Current Group Selection
    Press CTRL+SHIFT then click and drag outside of the mesh.
  • Select More Than One Group
  1. Press CTRL+SHIFT and click on the mesh where one group is
  2. Invert that selection: press CTRL+SHIFT then click and drag outside of the mesh
  3. Press CTRL+SHIFT and click on the other groups you want to select
  4. Invert this selection: press CTRL+SHIFT then click and drag outside the model

Quick One-Touch Masking of Polygroups

Masking out particular parts of your models can be a tedious process – especially when it’s a complex model. However, if your model has PolyGroups this can become a very quick and easy process. Simply press W or click the Move button and then Ctrl+Shift+click on any PolyGroup. All other groups will immediately be masked.