--- title: "Mask By Topology Options" url: "https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/html/4_palettes_tool-7-masking-mask-by-topology-options.html" section_path: "Palettes > Tool Palette > Masking > Mask By Topology Options" description: "A set of parameters to create and edit masks based on the model's topology, draft angle, polygroups, creases, and more." --- # Mask By Topology Options A set of parameters to create and edit masks based on the model's topology, draft angle, polygroups, creases, and more. ![Image: 2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-mask-by-topology-options.png](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-mask-by-topology-options.png) Palettes > Tool > Masking --- ## Flip By Posable Symmetry When a model has symmetrical topology, Flip By Posable Symmetry mirrors a mask from one side to the other, allowing mask flipping even if the model is posed asymmetrically. [Video: 2024-4-tool-palette-masking-topology-options-flip-by-poseable-symmetry-example.mp4](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/Resources/Videos/2024-4-tool-palette-masking-topology-options-flip-by-poseable-symmetry-example.mp4) > **Note:** Pressing Flip By Posable Symmetry analyzes the model's topology and mirrors the mask across symmetrical vertex points to the opposite side of the model’s center line. > **Tip:** Use this feature if symmetry sculpting is misaligned after posing the model asymmetrically. ## Use Posable Symmetry To fix broken symmetry for sculpting or painting after posing, go to Transform Palette > Symmetry Options and tap Use Posable Symmetry to realign brush symmetry with the asymmetrical pose. [Video: 2024-4-tool-palette-masking-topology-options-use-poseable-symmetry-example.mp4](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/Resources/Videos/2024-4-tool-palette-masking-topology-options-use-poseable-symmetry-example.mp4) ## Mirror By Posable Symmetry Copies and mirrors the active mask to the model's opposite side along the symmetrical centerline. Mirror By Posable Symmetry lets you mirror a mask painted on one side, aligning it with brush symmetry for further editing. [Video: 2024-4-tool-palette-masking-topology-options-mirror-by-poseable-symmetry-example.mp4](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/Resources/Videos/2024-4-tool-palette-masking-topology-options-mirror-by-poseable-symmetry-example.mp4) > **Note:** For instructions on fixing brush symmetry for asymmetrically posed models, see the Use Poseable Symmetry section above. > **Note:** ZBrush for iPad Mirror By Posable Symmetry works the same way in ZBrush desktop. Learn more in the external ZBrush desktop [Mirror By Poseable Symmetry](https://help.maxon.net/zbr/en-us/Default.htm#html/user-guide/3d-modeling/painting-your-model/polypaint/mirror-by-posable-symmetry/mirror-by-posable-symmetry.html) section. --- ## Create Alpha Generates a grayscale image from the mask applied to the model and assigns it as the selected alpha in the Alpha Palette. > **Note:** Create Alpha requires the model to have UV coordinates. > **Tip:** Create Alpha saves a mask as a grayscale image, allowing it to be reapplied to the model later. --- ## Mask By Feature Applies a mask to the border (border edges), groups (polygroups), and crease (creased edges) individually or to all targets. ![Image: 2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-mask-by-feature-buttons-header.png](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-mask-by-feature-buttons-header.png) > **Note:** Each Mask By Feature type listed below can be applied individually or in combination. > **Tip:** Mask quality depends on the model's resolution; a higher vertex count produces sharper masked edges. ### Border Masks all geometry border edges that are disconnected or unwelded. ![Image: 2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-mask-by-feature-border-example.png](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-mask-by-feature-border-example.png) > **Note:** This example demonstrates creating a geometry border by hiding part of the surface with selection brushes, revealing a masked edge when full surface visibility is restored. ### Groups Masks all borders where separate polygroups meet. ![Image: 2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-mask-by-feature-groups-example.png](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-mask-by-feature-groups-example.png) ### Crease Masks all edges that are creased. ![Image: 2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-mask-by-feature-groups-example.png](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-mask-by-feature-groups-example.png) > **Note:** Creases are applied and edited from the Palettes > Geometry > Crease menu. Learn more in the [Crease](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/html/4_palettes_tool-3-geometry-crease.html.md) section provided in this guide. --- ## Mask By Draft A set of parameters to generate a mask based on draft angles. ### Draft Angle Adjusts the draft angle relative to the camera view. > **Note:** Tap MaskByDraft to apply. ### SetDir Set Direction updates the draft angle's pull direction relative to the camera. > **Note:** Tap MaskByDraft to refresh the mask after using this function. ### InvDir Reverses the draft angle. > **Note:** Tap MaskByDraft to refresh the mask after using this function. > **Note:** Mask By Draft in ZBrush for iPad functions the same as in ZBrush desktop. See the external ZBrush desktop [Mask By Draft](https://help.maxon.net/zbr/en-us/Default.htm#html/user-guide/3d-modeling/ready-for-print/mask-by-draft/mask-by-draft.html) section for more information. --- ## Go To Unmasked Center Centers Gizmo3D and the Transpose Line on the unmasked areas of the model. ![Image: 2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-go-to-unmasked-center-button.png](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4-tool-palette-geometry-masking-go-to-unmasked-center-button.png) > **Note:** The Go To Unmasked Center button is a cloned feature in the Gimzo3D controller's options. > **Note:** Learn how to use Go To Unmasked Center in the [Gizmo3D Essentials](https://help.maxon.net/zbp/en-us/Content/html/5_sculpting-modeling-painting_gizmo3d-essentials.html.md) section provided in this guide.