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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 tool 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, 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 sculpt tool from the Sculpt tray.

   The Properties window displays the sculpt tool properties.

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 defining the topological axis. This determines which axis the tool mirrors across. 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 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 faces on the side of the model whose features you want to copy.
3. In the Layers window, click the menu button ( ), then select the Mirror option for the axis of symmetry you want sculpted features copied across (for example, X, Y, or Z.)
   NoteIf you have a symmetrical model that is posed asymmetrically, you can use the Tangent option after setting a topological axis. 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 menu button ( ), then select the Flip option and the desired axis of symmetry for the swap (X, Y, or Z.)
   NoteIf you have a symmetrical model that is posed asymmetrically, you can use the Tangent option after setting a topological axis. 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 you display the base subdivision level (Level 0).

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

3. Select two adjacent faces, one on each side of the topological axis you want to define.

   TipPress Shift + S to select single faces regardless of tool size.
4. Select Mesh > Set Topological Axis.

You only need to define the topological axis once. The information is stored with the model and carried over to all subdivision levels.

NoteIf Mudbox cannot determine topological symmetry based on your selection, an error message appears on the status line. Ensure you are selecting faces at the lowest subdivision level, then try again. 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, use layer symmetry instead.
- When using tool symmetry with stencils, the primary tool and its reflection will likely scrub over different parts of the stencil image, so the result of each stroke will be asymmetric. If preserving symmetry is important to you while using stencils, use layer symmetry.

Related topics

Sculpt using layer symmetry

Sculpt Tool properties

Sculpt and paint tools