ZBrushCentral

Boolean subtract problems

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

I’m trying to crop a model using boolean subtract. The progress bar moves, but no new model is produced.

I tried following a simple boolean subtract example from the docs (http://docs.pixologic.com/user-guide/3d-modeling/modeling-basics/creating-meshes/live-boolean/basic-process/)
following each step exactly, and I get the same problem.

If I try using Merge Down, I get an additive/union even though Subtract is selected.

Here is a screen recording of me doing it both ways (1min 30s). https://youtu.be/zGircAmgscQ Am I doing something wrong? Is there a setting I’ve got wrong?

I had this problem in 2020.1.1, updated to 2020.1.3 and same problem. I’m on the latest Mac OS.

#2

Hi @SaltyC

When using Live Boolean, as soon as you click “Make Boolean Mesh” in “Tool > Subtool > Boolean”, the result will create a new tool. Look in the Tool palette. It will have the prefix “UMesh_”

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#3

That’s great - thanks - it works. Still a bit confused why “Merge Down” doesn’t work (creates a union rather than a subtraction), but at least I have one method that works!

#4

No problem @SaltyC

The other way of doing it, if you’re not using Live Boolean involves DynaMesh…

  • Once you have your 2 sphere subtools, with the top sphere selected, turn DynaMesh on then select the bottom sphere and make it a subtraction.

  • Select the top sphere again then go down to “Tool > Polygroups” and click “Group As DynaMesh Sub”.

  • With the top sphere still selected, “Merge Down”. After it’s merged, Ctrl+drag off of the mesh to complete the boolean.

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