TIP:Use Only Zbrush and DOS to make Custom Icons.

[Polaris30]

TIP: This Tutorial is a quick way to save a bitmap from Zbrush and turn it into an Icon. It will be a windows XP Icon file so you can assign it to any shortcut, forlder, or program that you want Now you can use Zbrush to make your windows look Sexy!!!

Hi all!

For all you that know how to change the file extension on a file, need to go no further...

TO make Icons with Zbrush, all you have to do is change the .BMP file extension to .ICO (ICON).

For the Novice, this will be some fun! I made quick diagram... it is quite simple.
FIrst we need to locate your command prompt shortcut.

Press the windows start button and select Search for files or folders.




next is quite simple!





Thats It!

Just make your Icon in Zbrush, Export it, jump into dos, rename it!


You can tweak windows to let you view and change your file extensions... without going into DOS

I suggest NOT to do this.... you will only need to do this once in a blue moon.... windows will make you type file extensions for every file you save if you change this.

Anyways! Hope this helps

Have fun!

[Polaris30]

BTW!

Windows XP suports masking. so you can make transparent parts on your Icon.

I am not sure how to do this without help of an Icon editor....
Here is a very good free one!
http://www.coffeecup.com/freestuff/

I have been useing it for about a week now, and it is quite nice...

just load your bitmap ,jpeg, or icon, and you will be allowed to choose a color for the masking.

Possible Icon sizes for Win XP is 16X16 32X32 64X64 48X48 and 96X96

I have No idea how to use the Big Icons, I think you may need microsoft plus or special software for this.

anyways... Have fun Customizing your desktop, and file sysytem

[Polaris30]

Here is a better tool that is free also.... easy to take your Zbrush made Icons and add transparency to them... bigger Icon size also , this new package supports up to 64X64 plus has a way to make cursors and simple 1bit patterns (for anoying wallpaper that usualy gives people headaches)

http://www.axiomx.com/PixelToolbox/index.htm

it has some fun features and drawing tools, and filters.... main thing is that it makes transparent backgrounds.... also makes custom "Hot spots" for Very custom cursors....

and the coolest feature, it allows imports and exports Via clip board... this is cool if you want to use PSP or photoshop to touch up things.

Z brush makes some very nice low resolution stuff... I am getting some great results