ZBrushCentral

ZSphere and Matcap Problems?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

So I’ve just very recently started using ZBrush, and I’m learning it at a decent rate. However, I have two reoccurring problems that can get pretty annoying.

First off, when I use Zspheres, often the “main” sphere doesn’t show up when I hit “A” The linked Zspheres will show up fine, but the original one I started with doesn’t show up. Oddly enough, when I make models with quite a few Zspheres lniked to the base, this doesn’t happen. Anyway to fix this? (I think I described this like crap, so attatched are two photos.)

Secondly, I’ve downloaded a few custom matcaps from the library to use on a sword model. I load them into ZBrush via the material bar, and everything works fine, until I close Zbrush and open it next time. When I reopen, all my loaded matcaps are completely gone and I have to reload them. This keeps messing up models I save, because when I try to open it on a second sitting, the program can’t find the textures, and my model discolors. Do I really have to reload matcaps/alphas everytime I open the program, or am I missing something?

Sorry for the long post, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Attachments

zsphere.JPG

zsphere2.JPG

#2

You’re missing stuff. :slight_smile:

Seriously, though:


  1. The root ZSphere (the first one you draw on the canvas) is a placeholder. It has no geometry of its own. This allows you to create meshes with a closed end or leave it open depending on whether you cap the root or not.
  2. Materials are not saved as part of your model. All that the model remembers is the particular material index number – and even then, only if you’ve used polypaint to apply the material to the model. (Color>Fill Object while Draw>M is active.) When you start a new session, ZBrush launches with the default materials. You will need to load your materials into the original material slots again (so that the index numbers are the same as when you saved) before they’ll display on your model. One easy way to do things is to make snapshots of the front and back of your model. (You need to make sure that all materials that you’ve used are visible on the canvas.) Then save the document as well as your model. When you start a new session, load the document, then load the model. Clear the canvas (with Ctrl+N) and draw your model. Because materials that are used on the canvas are saved with the document, this is a quick and easy way to get things back in a new session.

#3

Ah! I hadn’t thought of that, and it’ll definitely be easier then what I’m doing now. Thanks for your help!