---
title: "Dynamic Thickness"
url: "https://help.maxon.net/zbr/en-us/Content/html/user-guide/3d-modeling/modeling-basics/dynamic-subdivision/dynamic-thickness/dynamic-thickness.html"
section_path: "User Guide > 3D Modeling > Modeling Basics > Dynamic Subdivision > Dynamic Thickness"
description: "This feature allows Dynamic Subdivision to render single-sided meshes as if they have thickness. This thickness can be added when needed and adjusted at …"
---

# Dynamic Thickness

*On-the-fly thickness for Dynamic Subdivision*

This feature allows Dynamic Subdivision to render single-sided meshes as if they have thickness. This thickness can be added when needed and adjusted at any time, instead of having to plan in advance.

![Thickness example](https://help.maxon.net/zbr/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/Thickness.png)\
*On the left, the single-sided mesh. On the right, with Dynamic Thickness applied*

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## How Dynamic Thickness Works

Set the Tool >> Geometry >> Dynamic Subd >> Thickness slider to greater than 0. You can change the value at any time. When you wish to create actual geometry that matches the rendered thickness, press the Apply button.\
You can adjust the thickness to have a smooth surface or a sharp edge with the Post SubDiv button. This changes the order of when the thickness will be dynamically applied. If the button is off when thickness is applied, the resulting mesh will be smooth. When the button is on the thickness edges are hard. Creasing can also be used to control the effect, although this will only apply to the outer edge.\
If parts of the mesh are extruded then dynamic thickness takes those areas into account, maintaining the thickness.

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## Dynamic Thickness functions

![Dynamic Thickness](https://help.maxon.net/zbr/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/Dynamic-Thickness-menu.png)\
*The Dynamic Thickness section of the Dynamic Subdiv sub-palette*

### Thickness

The Thickness slider automatically creates thickness for the dynamic subdivision. A setting of 0 turns off thickness, making the mesh will be single-sided.

### Segments

This controls the number of loops that will be automatically added to dynamic subdivision Thickness.

### Post SubDiv

This button works in conjunction with the thickness slider. With Post Subdiv enabled the thickness will be applied after the mesh is divided internally according to the SmoothSubdiv or FlatSubdiv values. This will create a crisp edge along the thickness. With the Post Subdiv disabled, the thickness will be applied first and then ZBrush will divide the mesh according to the SmoothSubdiv slider or FlatSubdiv values.

### Offset

The Offset slider controls how the thickness volume is created relative to the original surface. Positive values will create an outward volume; negative values will create an inward volume. The default value of 0 will create a thickness where 50% of the surface value is set above the initial surface and 50% of the thickness will be set below the initial surface.

### Smoothness

Controls the smoothing at edges where applying thickness might create poor topology. This can improve the result with meshes that could have a slight overlapping topology before thickness is applied.