ZBrushCentral

Create multiple subtools in one project?

ZBrushCore Usage Questions
#1

I’ve seen videos of making multiple subtools within ZBrush. Is there a way where I can make multiple subtools that I can eventually combine together within ZBrushcore? If so, what’s the best approach?

Thanks in advance.

#2

There are lots of different ways to create subtools in ZBrushCore. It depends on what you want to do and what your end goal is. And you only need to worry about merging subtools if you intend to export your model to some other program. For a good introduction see this video from the ZClassroom:

https://pixologic.com/zclassroom/lesson/chapter-9-working-with-subtools

#3

Yes, I’ve watched that video. And like that soldier model, I want to be able to create models with multiple shapes like that, where I can treat each subtool separately without merging them into one Dynamesh. I’m trying to wrap my head around my choices with ZBrushcore so I can get the most out of it.

The fact that I can import a mesh, am I safe in assuming I can import multiple meshes into one project and make each mesh a subtool of the one scene? Like the soldier? The idea is to speed up the process by creating base pieces/meshes in Modo and import them as OBJ’s into ZBrushcore as subtools and build a model, similar to the soldier model in the video. Is that possible?

Sorry if I’m repeating myself. I want to understand the best way to work within ZBrushcore.

Thank you for your help.

P.S. I have set this post to receive instant emails when replies are made, but I haven’t been getting email notifications for this thread. I happen to poke my head in tonight and saw that you replied.

#4

Yes you can import multiple OBJ files and add them as subtools. A good step-by-step would be:

  1. Select the model you wish to add a subtool to.
  2. Click Tool>SubTool>Append and pick the PolyMesh3D Star from the pop-up. The Star is added to your model as a new subtool.
  3. Select the Star subtool and click Tool>Import. Select the OBJ file you want.

Doing it this way should ensure that the OBJs you import are at the same relative scale and position as in Modo.

#5

Sweet. Thanks a lot, Marcus.