Which type of substrate allows for the creation of molded impressions?

Molded impressions occur when a material takes on the shape or pattern of another object. Soft substrates are particularly conducive to this type of impression because they can deform easily under pressure. When a softer material, such as clay, wax, or similar substances, is pressed by an object, it can capture detailed outlines and features, resulting in a molded impression.

In contrast, hard substrates are less likely to yield impressions, as they do not easily deform and consequently cannot replicate the shapes of objects pressed against them. Textured surfaces could potentially create some forms of impressions due to their surface features, but they are not primarily focused on the capability to capture molded details. Flat surfaces, while they can record impressions of objects that may have a flat or raised feature, generally do not allow for the intricacies that come with softer materials. Thus, soft substrates are the most suitable for creating molded impressions, making them the correct choice in this context.