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Sculpt using symmetry

The symmetry tools let you reflect or mirror detail on one side of a model to the opposite side.

Mudbox provides two symmetry types:

- Tool symmetry - Sculpted features appear across the axis of symmetry as you sculpt in real time. You must turn on the Mirror property in the tools’ Properties window. For more information, see Sculpt using tool symmetry.
- Layer symmetry - Features are applied to a layer that can then be mirrored across an axis of symmetry. For more information on layer symmetry see Sculpt using layers.

Sculpt using tool symmetry

Tool symmetry lets you sculpt on one side of a model and affect the vertices on the opposite side of the model at the same time.

1. Select a sculpting tool from the Sculpt tray.

   The Properties window updates to display properties for the sculpting tool.

2. In the Properties window, turn on the Mirror property to the desired symmetry setting. For example, X, Y, Z, Tangent, and so on.
   NoteWhen a model is topologically symmetrical but posed in a way that is asymmetrical, you can still sculpt/paint with symmetry by turning on the Tangent mirror property and explicitly defining the topological axis. This aids the tool in determining the axis it mirrors across (unless it has been previously set). For more information, see Set a topological axis.

For more information on the Mirror properties, see Sculpt Tool properties.

Mirror sculpted detail

You can copy features sculpted on one side of a model to the opposite side by mirroring it across an axis of symmetry using the Mirror option.

1. In the Select/Move Tools tab, select the Select Faces tool
2. In the 3D View, select a few faces on the side of the model whose features you want to copy.
3. In the Layers window, click the Layers window menu ( ), and select the Mirror option for the desired axis of symmetry you want the sculpted features copied across (for example, X, Y, or Z.)
   NoteIf your model is symmetrical but posed in an asymmetrical manner, you can use the Tangent option after setting a topological axis. For more information, see Set a topological axis.

Swap sculpted detail between opposite sides

You can swap sculpted features between opposite sides of a model using the Flip option. The sculpting that appears on one half is exchanged with the sculpting on the opposite half depending on the axis of symmetry you select.

1. In the Layers window, click the Layers window menu ( ), and select the Flip option and then the desired axis of symmetry for the swap. (for example, X, Y, or Z.)
   NoteIf your model is symmetrical, but posed in an asymmetrical manner, you can use the Tangent option after setting a topological axis. For more information, see Set a topological axis.

Set a topological axis

When a model is topologically symmetrical but posed in an asymmetrical manner you can still sculpt/paint with symmetry by turning on the Tangent mirror property and defining the topological axis. This determines the axis the tool should mirror across (unless it has been previously set).

NoteA model is topologically symmetrical when it has an equal number of faces on each half and the relationship of the border edges on the faces of the mesh on one half match the opposite half.

1. Ensure the model is topologically symmetrical.
2. Press Page Down until level 0 is indicated as the active subdivision level.

   It is easier to select faces when the mesh is displayed at the lowest subdivision level.

3. Select two adjacent faces on opposite sides of the topological axis you are defining.
   NotePress Shift + S to select a single face at a time, regardless of tool size.
4. Select Mesh > Set Topological Axis.

A model's topological axis needs to be defined only once. The information is then stored with the model and is carried over to all subsequent subdivision levels.

NoteIf the tool cannot determine topological symmetry based on your selection, an error message appears on the status line. In this case, you can retry selecting the faces and setting the axis again ensuring you are selecting the faces at the lowest subdivision level. If Mudbox continues to indicate a lack of symmetry, the model is likely not topologically symmetrical.

Notes on using tool symmetry

- Tool symmetry may not keep the tool strokes 100% symmetrical after extensive sculpting. This is true for all live tool symmetry implementations for high resolution editing. If preserving symmetry is critical in your project, it is recommended that you use layer symmetry.
- When using tool symmetry with stencils, the primary tool and its reflection will likely scrub over different parts of the stencil image, which means the result of each stroke will be asymmetric. If preserving symmetry is important to you while using stencils, it is recommended that you use layer symmetry.

Related topics

Sculpt using layer symmetry

Sculpt Tool properties

Sculpt and paint tools