Posing >
Create symmetrical poses

While many poses and deformations do not require symmetry, sometimes the need arises to create a pose where one or more components on either side of the model’s axis of symmetry are symmetrical with each other. You can do this using the layer symmetry feature.

NoteThe model must have its symmetry initialized by setting a topological axis before the following procedure is performed. For more information, see Set a topological axis

1. In the Object List, select the model that you want to add to a sculpt layer.

   Sculpt layers also are used to store pose data so you can think of them interchangeably as sculpt or pose layers depending on what data you save on them when they are active.

2. Select the Layers window by clicking the Layers tab and ensure the display button at the top is set to Sculpt.

   The name of the model you selected in the Object List appears in the list of layers.

3. From the Layers window menu, select New Layer or click the New Layer icon.

   A new layer is created that you can immediately sculpt on this layer.

4. Sculpt and pose the features you want on one half of the model’s axis of symmetry.
5. From the Select/Move Tools tray, select the Faces tool, then select a few faces on the half of the model that were sculpted/deformed using the pose tools.
6. In the Layers menu, select Mirror > <axis> where the axis you select (X, Y, or Z) represents the axis you want the deformation posed across.

   The sculpting is copied across the axis of symmetry and appears on the other half of the model.

Related topics

Sculpt using symmetry