The ZModeler toolset is composed of five primary sections, including those that control how the brush interacts with the model.
ZModeler actions adapt to the element under the cursor, offering specific functions for Points, Edges, Polygons, and Curves. Each component's unique actions sit within the left canvas toolbar.
It is essential to highlight specific topology elements before performing a ZModeler Action. While some actions may appear similar across different topology types, their behavior can vary significantly. For example, the Bridge Action behaves differently when applied to edges versus points—bridging two openings versus connecting individual points with an edge.
Actions define the function performed, such as extruding, inserting edges, deleting faces, or bridging gaps between polygons. Selecting an action determines the operation that ZModeler executes on the model.
Learn more in the Actions & Modifiers section.
Targets specify how an action is applied. For example, an action can affect a single polygon, an entire flat surface, a loop, or all visible polygons. Targets provide control over which parts of the model the action will influence.
When a Target requires a multi-click process to apply an Action, the cursor displays instructional information to guide you through the process.
Targets are another critical component to applying Actions and Modifiers, which define what is affected. Learn more in the Targets section.
The ZModeler Curve Actions menu appears when a curve exists on the surface. These actions add, adjust, or remove curves to refine topology, guide deformation, or influence other modeling processes. Curve Actions help shape surfaces and control edge flow by dynamically modifying curve-based elements.
Apply a curve using ZModeler's Polygon Actions, Edge Actions, Point Actions, or Curve brushes, such as the Topology brush.
Modifiers define how selected Actions and their Targets behavs. Not every action has modifier options, but they allow for additional customization when available.
Learn more in the Actions & Modifiers section.
The Ctrl/Cmd, Alt/Option, Shift, and Spacebar modifiers refine interactions by introducing additional control during an operation. For example, some Modifiers determine whether an operation is interactive (drag-based) or predefined with numerical parameters.
An action's Modifiers and keyboard modifiers function similarly but apply differently. For example, the Bridge Action has Modifiers for different curve presets (such as circular or rounded corners). At the same time, the keyboard modifiers determine whether the shape creation is interactive or parameter-based.