Deformers:
Deformers allow for a model to be manipulated with a variety of effects, changing an entire selection in a manner that warps the mesh drastically. These can be used to pinch, taper, twist, bend, add complexity to or remove complexity from models: they operate on an axis and this axis can be changed, warping the model in different manners as a result.
Deformers can be found in the "Tools" tab, with the "Deformer" section of the tab having all the sliders necessary to manipulate the model. These sliders also show what axis the deformer is set to: X, Y or Z. The selected axis are highlighted, and pressing a deselected axis will select it in turn. The deformers then function as sliders, with the effect being heightened the further the slider is drawn.
The "inflate" and "spherize" deformers when used on a sample head model. Note that deformers abide by masks and will not influence masked selections.
The deformer selection also shows a "polish" slider. This adds geometry to the mesh influenced by the deformer, allowing for deformed regions of the model to become sculptable. A slider, the potency of the polish operation can be customised.
The "bend" deformer creates a tear-like form down the centre of the mesh. This shows where the mesh has been pulled apart, with the mesh stretching drastically. This would not be easy to sculpt, as the mesh itself is warped. The "polish" function adds geometry to this region and makes it much easier to manipulate.
I utilised the deformer tools to create a simple model of a pufferfish. I used the "inflate" function to heighten the swelling around the cheek and side regions of the model, then using the Smoothing tool to blend the altered region in to the surrounding mesh.
Polygroups:
Polygroups can be used to split up a model into multiple different selections, creating multiple masked regions that allow for different areas of a model to be manipulated. This manipulation is exclusive: one polygoup can be altered whilst another remains unchanged. Polygroups are made from one model, though these different selections - even as they are manipulated and altered - remain parts of the same model.
The "Drawpolyframe" tool creates a polygroup on a model. The shortcut for this is SHIFT+F. When this is used, the model turns red and the mesh becomes visible. This is important as when further polygroups are added, they will bear different colours.
Polygroup selections function similarly to masks. As such, when adding a selection to the polygroup, masks are used. To add a selection, paint a mask over the area and press CTRL+W. This adds the mask selection to the polygroup, adding a new selection that can be manipulated. This new selection bears a colour different from that which it borders to visibly show where different selections lay.
Multiple Polygroup selections can be created on one model.
Pressing CTRL+SHIFT+Left Click allows for a specific polygroup selection to be selected. This then automatically masks the deselected areas of the model. Brushes, deformers and the transpose tool can be freely used on this selection.
This allows for large areas of a model to be divided into multiple masks, allowing for complex manipulation of specific areas of a model that do not endanger other parts of a model. For example, on a character model, polygroups may be used to separate the arms and the torso: in such an instance,the torso could be manipulated whilst the arms remained unchanged. This could help in making sure that complex alterations to a model are none-destructive, not damaging the wider model on the whole.
Clipping tools are comparable to booleans used in maya, being used to carve and remove substance from model meshes. These tools function like selections, functionally deleting the selection from the model. This also creates a polygroup at the trimmed area.
-clipping tools act like booleans
-trims and slices, trims remove mesh and create a polygroup at the trimmed area.
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