I have created what I call a model rather than a tool (in zbrush) and I want to combine it with a clone of it to create a new model (tool).
I’d like to be able to link them so they move as a group, or delink them so I can move and resize them independently too. I need them both combined in order to do that as their combination dictates how both relate to one another. I just can’t find a way to do this in zbrush and perhaps it’s the wrong program to do it in. One way I thought of was to create a subtool but I can’t find a way to delink a subtool in order to move it relative to the other subtools (which to me seems like an obvious function that should be available if it isn’t). This has been a really frustrating start to my zbrush learning curve.
Perhaps someone could point me in the right direction if its possible to do this.
TransposeMaster
It sounds like you need to familiarize yourself with the basics of working with polygroups. If you merge your objects into a single subtool and assign each object its own polygroup (easily done with the autogroups function), it’s a simple matter to then isolate objects for masking/hiding, etc. This will allow you to affect all, or only some of the objects in a subtool, depending on what is visible or masked.
You will want to read the following documentation, and familiarize yourself with the shortcuts within for optimal efficiency:
http://docs.pixologic.com/user-guide/3d-modeling/modeling-basics/polygroups/
http://docs.pixologic.com/reference-guide/tool/polymesh/polygroups/
http://docs.pixologic.com/user-guide/3d-modeling/modeling-basics/mesh-visibility/
http://docs.pixologic.com/user-guide/3d-modeling/modeling-basics/masking/
Transpose Master is useful for transforming complicated tools with multiple subtools, but will be overkill for minor operations. In most instances, it would be better to simply be comfortable working with polygroups.
OK. Thanks guys. I worked out just Soloing a subtool and use Transpose sort of worked (though I could only see the soloed subtool (why call an object or model a ‘tool’ ? very odd as a ‘tool’ is normally something you use to work on something else) which means I have to guess its position a bit).
I’ll try the other suggestions as its obvious I need to understand zbrush a little deeper than I’d thought in order to be able to do what I had hoped would be sort of page 1 or 2.
Still, its a great program but I can see exactly why others have had problems with it as in some areas its not what you would call intuitive.
Still, less carping, its Christmas, so happy Christmas y’all.
It’s important to understand the best application for Subtools, vs Polygroups. Subtools are best used for meshes that are completely separate objects in a tool that will be worked on separately. For instance, a backpack on a figure. Polygroups are generally best for objects that you want to have the option to work on at the same time, but also separately when necessary. For instance the arms of the figure might be one polygroup, and the legs another, but you dont want to split them into separate subtools because that will complicate the ability to work on them simultaneously. However, in some cases you may want to merge separate objects into the same subtool to be able to work on them simultaneously.
Zbrush is capable of doing things no other program can do with the same sheer polygon potential and system performance, allowing even modest systems to work with dizzying polycounts and operations bordering on magic. However, it does this by managing its objects and worldspace in very specific, and sometimes rigid, manner. If you want the power that Zbrush offers, the sooner you embrace the way it works, the sooner you can get past that and start benefiting from the unmatched potential.
Commit those polygroup, visibility, and masking shortcuts to muscle memory. They are the language of Zbrush, and how you will learn to quickly isolate objects and areas without even thinking about it.
You won’t learn a tool as powerful as Zbrush in a day. But if you work at it every day, you’ll be surprised how quickly the mystery fades and things start to seem intuitive.
Happy Holidays!
Thanks for that. Yes, I’m beginning to realize that it was a little naive of me to think I could pick it up so quickly. It does have its own way of doing things and if I want to make the most of it I’m just going to have to learn it the hard way. That said, it does seem to be worth the effort and I’m doing things now I couldn’t do a few hours ago. I am moving forward and I’m being a lot more patient. I’m going in the right direction. I still think though that Tool is the wrong word for what is really a Model.
Have a great Christmas and thanks to those that have helped and those that are going to in the future but don’t know it yet :lol:
A tool is used for a purpose. Tools in ZBrush are multi-purpose. You can paint on the canvas with them for instance 