ZBrushCentral

Help with Alpha Make 3D

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

I’ve had zbrush for like 4 years but I’m still a bit of a noob. I use it for one thing mainly but got a request to try something else - so of course i’m stuck now lol.

I need to make a series of simple shapes with that are flat on one side. I thought maybe the using the Alpha -> Make 3D would be an easy way to do so. I’ve run into a a problem trying to flatten one side though - perhaps someone can give me some tips:

I selected the STAR (Alpha 10) from the alpha palate
I left all the defaults (including DblS) and pressed Make 3D
I put the object in Edit mode and pressed the Make PolyMesh Button
I tried to flatten one size of the resulting shape by choosing Deformation -> Flatten on the Z - but it doesn’t seem to be working as expected (the back edges of the star flatten but the center of the star stays puffed out).

On my second attempt:
I selected the STAR (Alpha 10) from the alpha palate
I left all the defaults except DblS which I turned off and pressed Make 3D
I put the object in Edit mode and pressed the Make PolyMesh Button
This results in the shape being created without any back surface.

Under Tools -> Geometry I tried to Fill Holes button - but it created an octogon behind my start shape connecting all the points.

Under Tools -> Geometry i’ve figured out the Mirror & Weld on Z has the same result as enabling the DblS button (more or less). But using the Deformation -> Flatten tool has the same uncooperative effect.

I was able to mask off the size of the star I wanted to protect flatten then used a smooth brush to even it out but ideally I’d like the one side to be perfectly flat.

Anyone know why the Deformation -> Flatten Z tool isn’t working as expected or have another tip on how I can accomplish this?

Thanks in advance,

Fi

#2

alpha 10.JPG

#3

Thanks a bunch! Works a charm!

#4

As an aside, your step 3 also fixed my Deformation -> Flatten problem. I didn’t realize part of the Make 3D process was applying a mask to the object. Once I cleared the Deformation -> Flatten worked as expected. Cheers!

#5

Your welcome, and yes I knew that that was your problem but I thought I would show you an alternate and quicker way to do it. Also. if you ever Extract, make sure you clear the mask on the extracted object. You can usually see the mask in the Subtool submenu. Happy ZBrushing!!:slight_smile: