Zif Click 2.0 Beta

[Digits]

While we wait for the new Zbrush and the opening of the holy Zscript Grail hopefully you will find some use for the new Zif Click Beta.

Showantell.JPG (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:zb_insimg%28%274485%27,%27Showantell.JPG%27,1 ,0%29)


Zif Click, will let you Point and click new zsphere nodes, or draw them with a brush. It will also enable you to copy part of your model and then replicate it anywhere else, even onto another separate model. Zif Click will allow you to work with Branches of the Zsphere Tree, which means the node that you have selected and any associated Children of that node. You can Copy, Move, Rotate, Delete, Transverse or Scale that Branch independently of the rest of the model. Zif Click will also let you change the Root Node of your object. Control the Membrane, Twist and XYZ Resolution of nodes or Branches of nodes with a click of a buton or menu.


You will be able to precisely Scale, Space, Rotate and Move individual Nodes or Branches of nodes. This is very difficult to achieve with precision when creating Zsphere models by hand.



Not sure how this new interface works but be sure to get the Zip file and extract it to your Zscript Directory

Evidently my documentation is too large to upload to the forum, so visit my webpage here

Zif Click 2.0 Beta Documentation (http://www.cyber-webs.com/zbrush/scripts/ZifClick2/Zif%20Click%202%20Page.htm)

Have fun Zif Clicking!

[marcus_civis]

Brilliant! :) Thanks Digits, I've been looking forward to this.

Marcus

[aminuts]

Cool, I too have be waiting!

Thanks Digits!!

[andreseloy]

I really was wondering when you give an update of your very helpfull Zifclik¡
Thanks very much
Andreseloy

[BigAir]

Digits,

I don't know if this is the appropriate spot to ask this question, but it seems like you might know the answer. I was wondering if you have access to individual polygons, or vertices in zscript. I want a button to snap my zsphere to the nearest polygon center. It seems like I have to spend a lot of time centering them anyways, half the time. The zspheres should also be able to automatically align to the polygon so we don't have to rotate the zspheres so often. Are these requests already possible?

You write great scripts! I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do with the Z 2 update.

[cameyo]

THANKS Digit !!!
A long waiting script....:D

cameyo

[Frenchy Pilou]

... maybe that the new demo version comes for test this incredible script!
Pilou

[Digits]

I don't know if this is the appropriate spot to ask this question, but it seems like you might know the answer. I was wondering if you have access to individual polygons, or vertices in zscript. I want a button to snap my zsphere to the nearest polygon center. It seems like I have to spend a lot of time centering them anyways, half the time. The zspheres should also be able to automatically align to the polygon so we don't have to rotate the zspheres so often. Are these requests already possible? Hi BigAir

There is a zscript command

[Mesh3DGet,
Property:
0=PointsCount
1=FacesCount
2=XYZ bounds
3=UVBounds
4=1stUVTile
5=NxtUVTile
6=PolysInUVTile
7=3DAreaOfUVTile
8=Full3DMeshArea,
Optional input 1 Vertix/Face/Group/UVTile H index (0 based),
Optional input 2,
Optional output variable1.,
Optional output variable2.,
Optional output variable3.,
Optional output variable4.,
Optional output variable5.,
Optional output variable6.,
Optional output variable7.,
Optional output variable8.]
Gets information about the currently active Mesh3D tool.
Output: Returns zero if command executed successfully, any other value indicates and error.

that does give you info about the mesh, however I have not played with it and without Pixologic releasing any information about the new zscript commands offhand it doesn't look like it would produce the information that you would need.

You might try using the Control Menu -> Twist button to Twist/UnTwist a node.

Select a node by pressing 'd'
Press the Control Menu 'Load' button to read the node's properties
Press 'Twist' and enter your desired Twist Value
Press 'Current' to change the currently selected node.

Sorry I am not much help

Thanks for you replies guys, I appreciate it

[BigAir]

You might try using the Control Menu -> Twist button to Twist/UnTwist a node.

Select a node by pressing 'd'
Press the Control Menu 'Load' button to read the node's properties
Press 'Twist' and enter your desired Twist Value
Press 'Current' to change the currently selected node.

Sorry I am not much help
You are much help! I guess that I needed to spend more time with your script. Thanks for your reply.

[TVeyes]

This is one of those zscripts that offers so much. Great work Digits, I am glad you released it. The ultimate Zscript for Zsphere control. :tu:

[chadtheartist]

Hello Digits,

I just wanted to thank you for providing this script. It's awesome! Especially the ability to change the root zsphere. You've basically made it possible to make anything you truly want with Zsphere's, and with the most control possible.

Thanks for sharing this! Maybe one day I can return the favor!

Chad

[ed_the_atom]

Hi Floyd:) ,

Firstly....... this script is an immense contribution to ZBrush, and I thank you whole-heartedly. As to why so few have downloaded what can only be described as a program...escapes me, and as to why your work here has so few posts of gratitude... stuns me.

Our ZBrush Central village of years ago has become a city.... Few here probably realise the contributions you have made over the years to the community and ZBrush. I do note the polite few amongst us who have thanked you....they too have been consistant with help, instruction etc. The world needs more people like them and yourself.

As for me, I shall finally be examining this script....... forced rest....doctor's orders. Hopefully I shall be able to come up with some examples and tutorials from your script.

Thank you.

Kind regards,
Paul

[andreseloy]

nice you see you here
the best for you in this moment¡
Andreseloy

[ryankingslien]

I absolutely must echo Ed. Thank you Digits for this. While it was cunieform writing to me at first sight, once i read your guide carefully, it made sense and I was able to demo it at a training session, with full credit to you, of course. The copying of Zsphere branches is very useful for intensely complex stuff.

Thank you for your gift!

r

[Digits]

Hey Paul, sorry to hear that you are under the weather. I hope it isn't something serious my friend.

The new Zscript Forum is a great idea and it is pretty active, but the general public probably doesn't keep great tabs on what is made available here without the Moderators putting up new stuff in the top row. Otherwise the scripts just march off the bottom row. They have been pretty good about that, hopefully I have just been overlooked :)

[juandel]

:tu: :tu: :tu: squared. i just wanted to let you know that its smooth runnings for zifclckbeta on the mac-osx + Z2, except the odd occurance here and there - nothing as severe like switching into demo-mode as it has happened frequently back with zbrush 1.55 and pre-X-os, mind you. thats what happens nowadays: the script is peacefully quitting, usually when files get huge only. some dialogue is asking for the .txt-version. no prob to save the tool and start reworking in an overall new session, though. plus: i couldnt manage to succesfully make the script one of the startup-plugins. i assume its a zipping issue, like the one that occured for some users with the ZTimeLapse-script for mac, which was resolved by uploading a .sit instead of a .zip-file containing the script and folder.

so, zifclicking for me is muchissimo fun, even more so as its more comfortable than ever. nevertheless, after all those zifclickless months, i had to start from nihil, so first results arent elaborate at all (more accid- than experim-ents :) ):

1a.jpg 1bkl.jpg spiraltreeakl.jpg

and as it happens a silly tree with too fat roots instead of branches:

mountaintreekl.jpg

more coming asap :)

- juju

[pajonate]

I am not sure am I making something wrong but I cant rotate to "branches". First, I have a brunch to rotate, than I point to one of the zspheres and press "d", and after that I will click on Rot button or Brot button and no metter which of the directional buttons I press nothing happens. Same is happening if I change the value in rot field -nothing. Where am I making a mistake?
I have 2d on and dlineon in the settings. I have tried different settings but with no success. Some help please.
For the rest of the scriop I might say it's amazing. It has a lot of potential.

:cool: Pajonate

[juandel]

hi pajonate :)

have you inserted the rotation values in the rot-window on the front UI? if so, i think thats the reason for things going wrong.

instead try inserting a rotation value in the "settings" dialogue box (its located at the very bottom of the "settings" submenu). the branch you want to rotate has to be selected. then use "brot" and one of the iolrud buttons to indicate which direction it should rotate. works like a charm over here.

hope this helps!

- juandel

[Digits]

Hansl, even after being zifclickless for so long it looks like you still made it down the "Rabbit Hole", really crazy whirlings. Thank you for the feedback. Here is a new version of the beta. I have made some improvements and hopefully made it more stable for you. Check out the new "Mesh" and "Misc" buttons. Also it will select a branch much quicker now than it did before.

Unzip the Zip file into your Zbrush2\ZStartup\ZPlugs directory and ZifClick will be available when you start up Zbrush. Hopefully that is the way it is done on the Mac.

Look forward to more zifclickins.

Pajonate, Juandel should have helped your problem. It sounds like the Rotation Value is set to zero. Let me know if you are still having problems.

[Polaris30]

Cool deal!

Thanks Digits! gotta get me a fresh copy for my new Zbrush install :):tu:

[juandel]

ha! revamped and add-ons - bravissimo, Floyd! i havent had time to give the new functions a try yet (hey, i havent even doodled with more than 10% of the last versions capabilities yet), but installation as a plugin worked fine with the new version and my mac!

muchas gracias, mi amigo! :tu: :tu: :tu:

- hansl

[Svengali]

Hey Floyd,

Something weird is happening for me with the plug-in... not sure if it's me or the script. Here's what I get after launching ZifClick using the Zplugs button: a second, shorter button appears in the Zplugs menu.

As for ZifClick2, it's looking mighty good! Your ZScript wysiwyg editor is doing a great job!

Sven

[Bas Mazur]

Grrrrrr :evil:
Ok, working on a Mac G5. Made a ZSphere-branche, selected a ball, pushed copy, selected a sphere where I want the copy, pushed paste...... nothing hapens :mad:
Again, then the script get in a loop and I have to restart ZBrush.
Do I make a mistake? How this copying works? Can anyone tell me howto?
Thanks!

[Digits]

Hi Sven, ah! The second button is made by the script, I will have to fix that, thanks for the heads up.

Bas, let me know if this works

1. Set your drawsize to 1
2. Hover your mouse over a node you want to select and press "d" . This should select that node and all child nodes attached to it.
3. Press the "Clipboard" button and select "Copy" from the PopUp menu
4. Select the node you wish to paste the copied Nodes to by hovering the mouse over it and pressing "d"
5. Press the "Clipboard" button again and press "Paste". This should paste the copied nodes to your selected node.

Here are some examples of copy and paste from various peoples models. Thanks Polaris and MTB.

[andreseloy]

I have trouble to make the spiral, can you help?
Thx
Andreseloy

[Digits]

Hola Andre

I have attached a easy method of doing a flat spiral, by clicking new nodes in an every enlarging box.

Use this method with ZTaper set on and the script will increase or decrease the Z value automatically giving you more of a Cone type spiral. Play with different values of the ZIncr setting in the "Settings" Menu to increase or decrease the effect.

Hope this helps!

[andreseloy]

The interface is beutiful....

so excuse but i am loose "I have attached a easy method of doing a flat spiral, by clicking new nodes in an every enlarging box", i dont now how to star and where i make the "every enlarging box".
Excuse me for take your time¡
Andreseloy

[Digits]

Hi Andreseloy

I will try to do a step by step, you will catch on quick

1. Start off, press "NEW" to create a root sphere on the canvas
2. hover the mouse close to where your sphere is and press "Shift d" to create a new child node on the canvas where your mouse is at.

By Default and unless you change the settings Zif Click has a Snap to Grid feature that will make every new node align itself with the nearest Grid intersection. The default value is 10 pixels. This will help you create straight rows.

3. Keep "Shift d" ing new spheres going around and around your start sphere. If you need to adjust or fine tune the placement of the nodes you can select the "Move" setting and use the Arrow buttons to adjust them.

Here are some of the Short cut keys that might be useful

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS:
'd' – Shortcut – Select Node currently under the mouse cursor. This is how you select a node and associated child nodes called a “BRANCH” for further manipulation.
NOTE: Any time you select a node by using the 'd' keypress the script maps and displays all child nodes for that Parent in colors.
• Green – Selected Node's Parent Zspheres
• Yellow – Nodes that have more than 1 Child
• Orange – Nodes that only have 1 Child
• Blue - Nodes that have no Child
Thus when you select a node you are selecting a BRANCH of your Zsphere tree.
Functions such as DEL below and COPY/PASTE work with this Selected
BRANCH. Select your whole model tree by selecting the root sphere.

'SHIFT d' – Shortcut – Place a new node on the Selected Node with the mouse.

Pressing 'SHIFT d' will activate the mouse cursor. Place the mouse cursor over the spot on the canvas in vicinity of the node that you have selected and click. The new node will be attached to the Selected node. The new node then becomes the Selected node and the user can continue adding nodes by pressing “SHIFT d” and moving the mouse around.

CTRL 'd' – Shortcut – will move the currently selected node to the spot that you have selected with the mouse.

So the workflow goes like this: 'd' to select a node, SHIFT 'd' to place a new node or CTRL 'd' to move the selected node.

'f' – Shortcut – Move Selection forward thru selected branch nodes.

'b' – Shortcut – Move Selection backwards thru selected branch nodes.

CTRL 'b' – Shortcut – Select Parent of currently selected node. This is useful to break out of the current Branch. Example: To reach a node that is hidden behind other nodes select the node that you can see. This will select that branch. To reach the hidden node press CTRL 'b', the hidden node will become the active node.

SHIFT 'b' – Shortcut – Manually select the Branch associated with the currently selected node. In the example above, after selecting the hidden node press SHIFT 'b' to select the whole branch.

ALT 'b' – Shortcut – Use the Fwd/Back shortcuts to move the selected node with in the branch. Press Alt 'b' to select all nodes in the branch up to that position. Any function that acts on this branch will only effect those nodes.

Hopes this helps. once you figure out how to add nodes it should be easy for you.

[SpaceMan]

Digits:cool:

On your tips for making spirals can you do this kind of celtic spirals as a one image (or one zsphere)

[pajonate]

Hi Andre,
take a look at this screenshot.

ZIF CLICK.jpg (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:zb_insimg%28%277097%27,%27ZIF%20CLICK.jpg%27, 1,0%29)

SnapON value let you put the zspheres aligned one with the others, ZtaperON with value for Zincr together will bring every zsphere closer to you if the value is negative and vice versa. For flat spiral set the value to 0. TaperOn with Tincr will reduce next zsphere you'll draw for the percentage entered (-5=5% smaller). I was confused when I tried to create your request for a 3d spiral, because I was not using 2DON setting, having in mind that I need a 3d spiral and activating that button as it says on the screen shoot will restrict all the zsperes to be created on XY plane. But, what can I say, for some reason it works the other way, when you have it on, than together with ZtaperOn you can get 3d spiral.

Anyway, start the script, press "New", press "Init", set the settings dialog as shown, place zspheres by pressing Shift+D before each placing od a zsphere (when a spiral is in question, kind of boring task), and if you at some point lose the redness on your last zspere you can't continue adding new ones until you go with the mouse over the last one a press "d" while over it.

It is a great script, but it needs some refinement. Also, try the manuals to
get more familiar with it.

Spaceman, the next image was created with this script. I have created the first part (1/3 of the design) then copied it and pasted it. It took me few minutes to finish it so far (it was flatten with tool>deformation>flatten>z axis). I didn't have time to make it more closer to your designe, but I am sure it is possible. Now it's 2:30 am and I have to get some sleep, if I don't want to fell down on my tomorrow's meeting.

test 2.jpg (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:zb_insimg%28%277100%27,%27test%202.jpg%27,1,0 %29)

:cool: Pajonate


(http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:zb_insimg%28%277097%27,%27ZIF%20CLICK.jpg%27, 1,0%29)

[Bas Mazur]

Digits
I made the mistake to click on a node. Using the 'd' it works!
Great script, I hope ZBrush wil implant it in a next release.
Maybe under the name Zif D.
Thanks for the reply!

[Bas Mazur]

Does this has to do with a limit of nodes?

[andreseloy]

i will try it¡

I will comment later my zifclick experience¡

Andreseloy

[Bas Mazur]

Tried ZifClick! It's a great script!! But half way the branches it stops (see my post before). So the other branches I had to do without copy and pasting. Is there a limit?javascript:zb_insimg('7129','ZifClickTree.jp g',1,0)

[juandel]

thats one wonderful zspheretree, Bas! :tu: :tu: :tu: of how many zspheres does it consist?

as for your limitation question: i dont know :D in the past i have created zifclicktools of at least 800+ zspheres without a problem. but after reading these considerations by Bonecradle and sshark (http://www.zbrushcentral.com/zbc/showthread.php?t=24143) i gave it a quick try by storing a twisted stroke and setting the number of zspheres to be drawn to a single rootsphere to 250. this seemed to work (well, i didnt count the zspheres manuallly). when i tried to apply the same stroke with 300+ zspheres, zifclick quit (and, if i remeber correctly, even the almighty stable Z2 got a bit confused). this, of course might be due to me being too optimistic to be able to assign that many zspheres to the stroke i had done. however, in the thread in question Bonecradle comes up with a possible workaround by assigning a different "root"sphere, so this might help you to complete your tree in another session.

without doubt, Digits will come up with a better explanation soon :)

keep zifclicking!

- juandel

[SpaceMan]

Pajonate:cool: :tu:

Thanks for taking the time to see if zifclicks can create the celtic spirals.

When you get some sleep let me know it the steps are the same as you posted for Andre thanks for the tip "it was flatten with tool>deformation>flatten>z axis":cool:

[Bas Mazur]

Juandel,I did not count the spheres. But every split the branche make there are 5 spheres. I should like to make more branches but I think I'm reaching the limit. The tree is a willow, typical from Holland. Once in the 2 or 3 years farmers cut the brances and use it for many things like making campshed. Thatswhy there is a big bulb at the top of the tree. I made some nice thistels and I want to place them in a typical Dutch landscape, thatswhy I made the tree.

[juandel]

cant wait to see your Dutch landscape, Bas! this kind of willows with cut branches could be found over here along small rivers in large numbers when i was young as well - sadly, most of them fell victim to the inundations-project frenzy that started in late 1960s. nowadays they start reconstructing the old rivertracks as they found that mother nature had provided better means to minimize highwater harms, but it will take quite a few years until the willows are back :(

btw, you can read out the number of zspheres by loading the zspheretool and hovering the cursor above its icon in the tools palette (i forgot to do so when i made the limitation-check). the zifclickstatus line provides further information (number of zspheres in a branch etc.)

- juandel

[Bas Mazur]

Tried ZifClick! It's a great script!! But half way the branches it stops (see my post before). So the other branches I had to do without copy and pasting. Is there a limit?javascript:zb_insimg('7129','ZifClickTree.jp g',1,0)

[Digits]

Thanks Bas for the feedback. Zif Click should work with a model of 1024 nodes but currently a single branch of nodes can only have 50 children. This might be your problem perhaps. I will do some tests, I think I have an idea that will eliminate that limitation, stay tuned.

[Bas Mazur]

Thanks Digits! This declares why, my tree has 2358 spheres, yeah that's a lot :D
If you want I can e-mail this tree to you for experiments.
Thanks for reply!

[sirquadalot]

Hey Digits, you are one cool cat! Thank's for this awesome script! I can't wait for Pixologic to release the SDK, just to see what you can do with it!

[Digits]

Thanks guys

Bas, I will take you up on that offer, using your tool will definetely help me test the boundries of my script.

[Bas Mazur]

Digits, I need your e-mail adress to send this tree.
Send a mail to
b.mazur@inter.nl.net

[Moochie]

Oooo. How wonderful! Thank you Digits! Looks fantastically useful. :tu:

[LeeJay]

This looks to be a terrific script. I can't wait to start playing with it. Thank you Digits!

[MacGregg]

Digits,
I seem to be missing something with the install :confused:. I have done what you indicated in a previous post which is to unzip the zip file to the ZStartup\ZPlugs folder. This places a folder called ZifClick2 at this location, but NO .zsc file is placed in the ZPlugs folder so ZBrush never sees it at launch. With ZCurves you have a ZCurvesBooter.zsc script so I was assuming I would find the same thing for Zif Click2, so I can only assume you intended all the files to be placed in the ZPlugs folder and not in a subfolder ZifClick2. Is that so or am I missing something obvious:qu: :o

I can launch it as a Script just fine, I just wanted it as a Startup Plugin.

Thanks,
Gregg

[Digits]

Hi MacGregg

Looks like you uploaded the file from the beginning thread which had no booter. I had updated the script on the second page.

Here is another link which is the updated version of the script

This should get you goin!

[MacGregg]

Hey Digits,
Thanks, it is often difficult to tell in these forums what download is the latest version. This one is smaller and is named beta so I thought it was an older version.

This looks like a really cool plugin, great job!!:tu::tu::tu:

So, is this version 3:qu: ("Zif Click3" Folder name;))

Thanks again,
MacGregg:D

[ludikastyle]

Don't wanna seem offensive but is there a way to change the "skin" of this amazing plugin? Not that I don't like the author's but I would prefer a cleaner one matching the ZcolorScheme, I think there should be a kind of bitmap in the plugin's folder...
BoringGrayFederaik :))

UPDATE: umphf, forget about this one, just had a look @ the plugin folder and it's loaded with .psd files :)))
DumbFederaik :)

[Insanity]

hmm, i just want to change the root sphere from the head to the chest and apparently I cant figgure it out, after the script runs its still the head. What am i doing wrong?

Edit never mind, 1: I had the wrong version 2: I didnt select it properly, I was selecting it the old way by clicking, not pressing D

[spaceboy412]

Any chance this works or can be updated for z3?

[Digits]

Hi Spaceboy412

I haven't been able to install ZB 3 on my computer, a situation that hopefully will be resolved soon... I hope.

I suspect that the script will need some changes to make it work but you might just give it a whirl and see what happens.

I am looking forward to experimenting with the new version of Zbrush and Zscripts especially if Pixologic releases the SDK that we all have been waiting so long for.

****Crosses Fingers****

[shhark]

Hey Digits,

Any word on a Zif Click script for ZB3?

shhark

[NoobVee]

i always got errors when loading this zscript.. sometimes there is no buttons :confused:

[spaceboy412]

Noobvee if you may have read this was made for ZB2 and never updated and therefore doesn't work properly, most likely due to changes in zspheres and i believe a lack of SDK. Personally i never understood why this functionality wasn't hardcoded into Z3.1.

[NoobVee]

i wish that newest version for zbrush 3.1 release.. i don't want to create all the zsphere from scratch.. i just want to copy particular zsphere and paste them and attach :P

[Digits]

i wish that newest version for zbrush 3.1 release.. i don't want to create all the zsphere from scratch.. i just want to copy particular zsphere and paste them and attach :P

Yes zscript for zspheres is broken in a way that makes my type of programs inoperative. I do hope they address the problem with a future update whenever that may be. It would surely re-spark my interest in programming again.

Thanks for your interest

[spaceboy412]

hey digits, i just gave this zifclick 2 and 3 a quick test and the copy/paste function so far seems to be working at least better than it did in 3.1 one hitch though is that evertime you select a node with the "d" button and do a copy or paste you need to go back into the zscript palette and hit reload to be able to select a new node. i didn't try the other functions but i think maybe they fixed some of the issues with 3.1.
any chance of updating it or do you know why it needs to be reloaded each time to select a node?
i also want to say thanks for these plugins in the past, and i have a strange feeling some of the new zsketch functions are based on your old zifworm etc plugins, i never really understood them too well though.

[Digits]

Hi Spaceboy

I have checked those scripts for functionality and there as you have found out there are issues. I'm hoping to have some time and inspiration to sort out all the changes and get the scripts working again. Based on what I have seen testing my ZCurve script that there may be still some problems with zscript programming of zspheres.

Have anyone else been able to test whether those problems were addressed in the new update?

[spaceboy412]

i would test zcurve but never really understood it to be honest.

I really like zifclick, mostly for copy/paste and rerooting. if you do update it is there anyway to have those buttons in the script interface instead of a note popup? mostly because if you were doing it a few dozen/hundred times like adding leaves or branches then thats an extra click to pull up that menu each time.

[NoobVee]

wait! there is a Zif Click 3? where can i find it?