ZBrushCentral

Reduce file size?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi

Is there any way of being able to reduce the file size of a sculpt? Say, reduce the geometry temporarily and then increase it again when you want to carry on…? At the moment I’ve applied Adaptive Skin to a character model’s ZSpheres and I’ve been adding onto it with the Clay Brush and defining its form. I have my files saved to my Google Drive account, but like when I used Mudbox, understandably, the more subdivisions and geometry, the more the file size will be. It would just be nice to decrease it after finishing so it doesn’t take as long to sync to Google Drive and save some space. :slight_smile:

#2

Hi @DustyShinigami

Unfortunately, Zbrush will still need to store hi rez mesh data if it exists, even if your model is at a lower level of subdivision. The best approach is to develop the discipline to not add geometry unless you need it. For instance, don’t start adding fine surface detail while you’re still working on the basic form.

Try to avoid saving especially dense meshes. Remember that it is better to work with high polycounts split over multiple subtools, than it is to work with one super dense mesh.

However, file size creep is most often the result of extra tools and subtools that are no longer crucial building up in the file.

Be sure to understand the difference between saving a Tool, and saving a Project file. If you are saving Project files through the File > Save as menu, you are saving every single tool loaded into the session, and all of their subtools, as well as a lot of other scene related information. If you only need to save the active tool, save it through the Tool > Save as menu instead.

Also be aware that saving Undo history (not enabled by default) can rapidly bloat a file size with multiple tools/subtools, so don’t do this casually.

1 Like
#3

Okay, thanks for the advice. I’ll try and bear that in mind. I have been saving Documents and Tools separately, but didn’t fully realise the difference between them. Looks like Undo History save was enabled for me, so I’ve switched it off. I do tend to make multiple saves, so I’ll try and get into the habit of saving multiple subtools. :slight_smile:

#4

I’ve just cleared all the Tools except the one I’m working on, made sure the Save Undo History was disabled, I don’t currently have any subdivisions either, and saved it under a new name. It’s gone from 57Mb to 15Mb! :smiley: