Add a “Smooth Alt” feature like in ZBrush

Feature Request
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Hi Stephane,

First of all, thank you for your incredible work on Nomad Sculpt. It’s an outstanding tool — powerful, elegant, and constantly improving. I use it almost daily, and it’s truly becoming the reference for mobile sculpting.

I’d like to suggest the implementation of a feature inspired by ZBrush: the “Smooth Alt” function. For many artists, especially those transitioning from desktop sculpting, this is a fundamental part of their workflow.

Why it’s important:

It allows selective relaxation of the mesh without volume loss, unlike the standard smooth.

  • It’s often used to sharpen forms or preserve volumes while still cleaning surface noise.

  • It’s a complement, not a replacement: having both smooth modes available (standard and alt) gives artists much finer control.

I know you have a strong vision for keeping Nomad both efficient and intuitive, and that’s what makes it special. But I truly believe that introducing a Smooth Alt (even experimental or hidden behind a gesture for advanced users) could enhance Nomad’s sculpting depth without compromising simplicity.

Thanks again for everything and congrats on what you’ve built so far.

Diego

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Any News about it? Thanks

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zbrush’s alt smooth mode is really useful because of its “rounding” effect. i think it’s based on this: GitHub - mikolalysenko/taubin-smooth: Taubin's mesh smoothing algorithm implemented in JavaScript

Nomad’s alt smooth (relax) is also very useful but in a different way. it’s also volume preserving.

ideally a software would have all 3 smooth modes, no such software exists yet

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Yes I know I implemented it a few years ago but it’s just not exposed in the UI.
It’s relative easy to do.

It’s the “density invariant” option that’s I’m not happy about though (the “stable” option). Would probably need rework.

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Hi there. I use this type of smooth heavily in my workflow on zbrush and I’m looking into switching over to Nomad on PC.

if it’s not exposed int he UI how do I use it?

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Yeah I’d love a similar feeling one as well, I also use it a lot and helps with removing bumps and lumps on remeshed or voxelized meshes by reducing the pinching effect.

@DootSnoot, you can find what @stephomi mentioned right here I believe! You just need to have smooth tool enabled. I don’t think it can replace the Smooth Alt for me, but it might have other uses I have yet to find.

smooth
smooth977×897 40.8 KB

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Stable smoothing is only for varying density, honestly it’s almost never useful.
The zbrush alt thing is actually “preserve volume” in your screeenshot.

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Ahh my mistake!
I used it before thinking it was the same, but I didn’t get great results. Using it now while I keep voxel remeshing and cleaning up the mesh it works better…

I will keep tinkering, thanks!

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Hey @DootSnoot !
I created a couple ZBrush-like brushes that made sculpting in Nomad feel very comfortable as a long time ZBrush user! As well as a more ZBrush-like smoothing experience & other tips!

You can find more info in this thread if you’re still looking at giving Nomad a go. I am planning to add more tips later down the line as I get more comfortable with Nomad.

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