Adding symmetry to your retopology workflow lets you quickly apply new topology to both sides of your reference surface. Mirror your original mesh across an axis, then duplicate your new topology to use symmetry with the Quad Draw tool.
To mirror your mesh
- Delete half of your mesh using one of the following methods:
Tip: Before deleting half of your mesh, ensure that Delete cut faces is enabled in the Cut Faces Options window.
- Create a symmetrical mesh. See Create symmetrical polygon meshes.
Your original mesh is now two separate meshes.
- Start to retopologize your mesh.
Note: If you created your original mesh in ZBrush or Mudbox, it is recommended that you delete half of your mesh before you begin the retopology process.
To duplicate new topology
- Select your new topology (polySurface1).
- From Maya's main menu, select Duplicate > Special >
. - In the Duplicate Special Options window that appears, ensure that Geometry Type is set to Instance.
- Click Duplicate Special.
A new polygon surface called polySurface2 is created.
- Select polySurface2 and scale it to the opposite side of the mesh by doing one of the following:
- In the Channel Box, set Scale X to -1.
- Use the Scale Tool to bring the duplicated polygons to the other side of the mesh.
Now that you've duplicated your polygon surface across the mesh, any changes you make to polysurface1 will automatically be applied to polySurface2.