PolyPen is a multifunctional tool that combines numerous functions for working with topology. It allows cutting and inserting loops, stitching edges and points, creating bridges, filling holes, moving components, and aligning loops—all within a single tool. PolyPen simplifies topology management, making mesh modeling faster and more efficient while providing full control over geometry.

When activated, PolyPen automatically creates a subnetwork, where nodes are added after each operation. This allows the use of Parm Slider directly within PolyPen, making polygonal operations even more flexible and powerful.

The workflow involves hovering the cursor over the desired component (point, edge, or face) and performing actions via click or drag using LMB or MMB. Different operations are triggered based on keyboard modifiers. For example, dragging the mouse with LMB held down allows you to cut components with a line, while clicking LMB on a component deletes it.

Symmetry

PolyPen utilizes various nodes for topology modification, and for convenience, it includes a Symmetrize button and a RMB menu option. This allows for geometry symmetrization without leaving the tool. The Symmetrize tool from the Symmetry radial menu performs the same function when PolyPen is active. Transformation tools, such as moving, moving along normal, and sliding, work symmetrically without needing periodic symmetrization.

Soft Radius

Activating the Soft Radius option in the RMB menu or the top viewport toolbar allows for smooth movement of components within a specified radius. The radius can be adjusted using the mouse wheel or by holding MMB and moving the cursor left or right. Soft Radius affects the movement of components with Ctrl+LMB, moving a component along the normal with Ctrl+MMB, and moving a loop along the normal with Ctrl+Shift+LMB.

PolyPen Operations Description

• LMB Drag (without modifiers):

  • Cuts components with a line.
  • Welds two boundary points.
  • Welds two points of an edge.
  • Connects two points on curves.
  • Creates a bridge between boundary edges.
  • Fills a hole with a face when pressed on a boundary ****edge and released in empty space (not over geometry).

• Ctrl+LMB Drag — Moves components in screen space.

• Shift+LMB Drag — Slides components, automatically welding edges snapped to one of sides.

• Ctrl+Shift+LMB Drag — Slides an edge loop or point along its edges.

• MMB Drag — Adjusts the soft radius. The mouse wheel performs the same function.

• Ctrl+MMB Drag — Moves components along the normal.

• Ctrl+Shift+MMB Drag — Moves an edge loop along the normals.