ZBrushCentral

A way to sculpt with reference? (answered)

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hello.

Is there a way to have a model (for sculpting) on front of a refernce image?
I tried croping and filling the canvas with the reference image and then sculpting but the mesh seems to be intersecting the image (as they are in the same Z position), so half of the mesh is behind the image.
I also tried creating an plane with the appropriate texture, moved it to the back (in the Z axis) but when i dropped it, it was again at the same Z position as my object.
I don’t want to move (via transpose) my model to the front as it will be used as a morph target in 3ds max.

Thanks in advance

#2

Hopefully Image Plane 4 will be released soon which makes this easy. In the meantime:

For this method you need to have your reference image the same size (or proportions) as your canvas. You also need to have ZAppLink installed.

  1. First set up your model. Draw it on the canvas and enter Edit mode. Don’t worry about positioning it.
  2. In the Document palette, press the Front button in the ZAppLink Properties menu. This stores the model position. Don’t worry about the position, it will be set later.
  3. Turn off Edit and clear the canvas (Ctrl+N).
  4. Select the Flat Color material.
  5. Press Document>Import and select your reference image.
  6. Re-select the material you use on your model.
  7. Your model should still be selected in the Tool palette. Click and drag downwards anywhere on the canvas. Don’t worry that you won’t see your model!
  8. Turn on Edit mode.
  9. Now press the Front button in the ZAppLink Properties menu again. This will bring your model into view. You can clear the button and reposition if you want.

HTH,

#3

Wow. That is a little bit complicated. Makes me wish for image plane 4 too!.LOL.
Thanks for the help, i’ll try it.

#4

Image Plane 4 has been released: http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?t=096435