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Easy question: How can I import a subtool and keep current subtool in document?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hello everyone.

So I know how to “append” a subtool onto the document while already working on another subtool. But tonight, I noticed that if I have one subtool in the document, and I want to import a subtool that I have saved somewhere on my computer… I can’t find this option? How can you add multiple subtools to the document besides the default “append” items?

Thanks.

#2

Hi Rick,

You can have any number of models in a project, either with or without their own subtools. They will all be stored in the Tool palette. A typical way to import an OBJ into your project would be:

  1. Select the PolyMesh3D Star tool.
  2. Press the Tool>Import button and select the OBJ you want from disk.

You would them switch back to your original model and append in the usual way.

You can also save or load a ZBrush model (with its subtools if it has them) separate from the project as a ZTL file using the Save As and LoadTool buttons in the Tool palette.

If you’ve saved models as OBJ or ZTL (the ZBrush ‘tool’ format you get by saving a model using the Save As button at the top of the Tool palette) then you can using the SubTool Master MultiAppend or MultiInsert options. These allow you to select those formats from disk and automatically append/insert them to your current model. With a ZTL, if it has subtools then all of them will be added to the model. This can save a lot of time. The SubTool Master plugin is in the Zplugin palette.

If you have only saved as Project files (ZPR) through the File menu then you can still do it but you need to use the Copy Tool & Paste Tool buttons at the top of the tool palette:

  1. Save the project you are working on because you will need to close it.
  2. Load the project that has the model you want to append.
  3. Make sure the model is selected in the Tool palette and press Copy Tool.
  4. Close the project and re-open your original project.
  5. Press the Paste Tool button.

The copied model will be pasted into the project and you can then append it to your original model in the usual way.

HTH,

#3

Thank you. I’m printing this out to add to my note folder.

You are great and appreciated.