In fight with symmetry

I want to do some mirror modeling with a character. So i have deleted half of the character, and try to get Symmetry to work. But honestly i am lost here. Is there a guide somewhere?

How can i turn on / off symmetry, what`s the hotkey for it? Means further, how do i remove the mirror part with turning it on or off too? Do i need to delete the mirrored part all the time by hand? What`s the workflow here?

As told, i have deleted one half of my character. How do i add a face at the created hole in the middle of my character now? Is this even recommended for mirror modeling?

Hi Tiles,

Symmetry is not something I have used much, but can help to get you started.

Look under "Edit-> Options-> Shortcut Symmetry Options". You can enable and set symmetry axis.

Under "Geometry-> Symmetry Cut", you will find 4 options

1: Remove Negative(weld) [Ctrl+Q]
That will remove (looking from front view) the left hand side(negative in X) of the mesh, copy/mirror the right side(positive in X) and weld them together.

2: Remove Positive(weld) [Ctrl+W]
That will remove (looking from front view) the right hand side( positive in X) of the mesh, copy/mirror the left side(negative in X) and weld them together.

3+4 repeat the above, but do not weld the mesh


The mesh will then be in symmetry mode for editing. You can toggle symmetry on/off using the little icon top left.



There are other options/tools, but have not looked at them fully yet.

Thanks Steve, this will get me started

You may also like to look at Geometry > Calculate Symmetry Topologically. The mesh does not need to be 100% symmetrical. And you don't need to remove one side of the mesh.

The Geometry > Resymmetry tool may also be usefull to you.

Hi Tiles, You are welcome.

It is something I need to play with more. So will find time later and post my findings to thread.

Thanks, those are good tips

What i still search is a way to remove the mirrored part without the need to untick symmetry, to select all mirror faces and to delete them manually. Think of complicated geometry like the mouth. I usually turn off the mirrored part for that.

I do not know a way to delete the mirror side without disabling symmetry.

What you could do. While in symmetry (polygon selection mode), "Selection-> select Symmetry Subobjects" and select the positive or negative side, disable symmetry, then delete. Work on the side you have, when done, press "Ctrl+W" (or "Ctrl+Q" (depending on which side you have)) and the mirror/symmetry will be remade (as long as you have not moved(set it away from it original position/orientation) the objects pivot)

Yes, that`s the cumbersome way. A hide mirrorpart function would be great. Second best idea is to select the mirror part and simply hide it. Sometimes you overlook the simplest things. But as told, i would prefer a hide or remove symmetry part button

You can select symmetry side, then press hide (I thought you wanted to delete)
The "Hide" icon is at the top left, next to the symmetry icon (with "unhide" next to that.)

I want both when possible. But hide does the trick to reach cumbersome geometry

I want both when possible.

You can set up a shortcut combination. As example here I have set streamline "shift+S+LMB" which selects left half of symmetry then hides it. Repeat shortcut combination to show.



Does that help at all?

Definitely. Merci

That`s a great example to show the power of customized streamline tools!

I wish i could create a button and a toolbar with my own icons that way too. Ah, wishes