Topology

Topology is the term used for the pattern of polygons that make up a mesh. People talk about ‘good topology’ for when a mesh is well made for a particular task such as animation, or ‘bad topology’ for a mesh that may result in problems in certain situations.

How much importance you give to topology depends on what you are doing. If you are new to ZBrush and to 3D modelling then you shouldn’t worry too much about it – just let ZBrush take care of it. Topology that is good for sculpting is different to topology that is good for other things.

However, if you are involved in creating work where topology is important, such as the Games industry where low resolution meshes must animate smoothly, then you will want to know about what’s possible in ZBrush.

ZBrush has several ways that you can create new topology: