How Do I Delete a Polygon in ZBrush?

To delete a polygon in ZBrush, you typically use the ZModeler brush by selecting the polygon face and choosing the delete action.

Deleting Polygons Using the ZModeler Brush

The most common and efficient way to delete polygons or faces on your model in ZBrush is by utilizing the ZModeler brush. This brush provides specific actions that can be applied to vertices, edges, or faces (polygons).

Here's the direct method:

Select the ZModeler Brush: Ensure you have the ZModeler brush active. You can find it in the Brush palette or by pressing B, then Z, then M.
Hover over the Polygon: Hover your cursor over the specific polygon (face) you want to delete.
Access the Action Menu: While hovering over the polygon, press the Spacebar or Right-click on the face. This opens a context-sensitive menu for Polygon Actions.
Navigate to Action: In the Polygon Actions menu, find and select Delete.
Choose a Target: After selecting Delete, you will typically see different Targets available. These targets determine what gets deleted. For example, you might choose Single Poly to delete just the polygon you clicked on. The available targets will depend on what you hovered over and the current context.

As mentioned in the reference, you right-click (or hit spacebar) on the face, go to the polygon action, choose Delete, and then select from different types of targets, such as a single poly.

Understanding Polygon Targets

When using the Delete action with the ZModeler brush, the "Target" option is crucial. It specifies which polygons will be affected by the delete action. Common targets include:

Single Poly: Deletes only the specific polygon you clicked on.
All: Deletes all polygons on the visible mesh.
Polygroup All: Deletes all polygons belonging to the same polygroup as the one you clicked on.
Polygroup Border: Deletes polygons along the border of a polygroup.
Connected Polys: Deletes all polygons connected to the one you clicked on.

By using the ZModeler brush and following these steps, you can precisely control which polygons are removed from your mesh in ZBrush.