Set a reference mesh for Quad Draw

A reference mesh is the model you want to retopologize. If you don't set a reference mesh, the Quad Draw tool automatically snaps to the grid.

To set a reference mesh

  1. Select the object you want to use as your reference mesh.
    The reference mesh can be a polygon mesh, NURBS surface, GPU cache node, construction plane, or smooth mesh preview mesh.
    Tip: If multiple objects are live, all of the objects act as a reference mesh and Quad Draw can be used on any live object.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Click the Make Live icon in the Status Line.
    • Right-click the object, and then select Make Live.

    The mesh(es) becomes live, and the Quad Draw tool can snap to its surface.

  3. (Optional) Select the reference mesh, and then select Object > X-Ray On/Off in the Modeling Toolkit menus.

    The reference mesh becomes transparent, making new topology easier to see.

  4. Start to drop dots. See Drop dots with Quad Draw.

Related topics

Parent topic: Retopologize a mesh with Quad Draw