ZBrushCentral

Image plane / spotlight questions

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

So I like working with a reference sheet as close to my work space as possible, So I like the concept of how the Image plane options work.

Sad thing is while I can toggle the opacity on the model itself I can’t seem to toggle the opacity of the image plane itself.

I’m wondering if there is a way that I can adjust this option.

Alternatively, I love the new spotlight feature, but I’m wondering if there is a way that I can load my reference sheet into spotlight but have it appear BEHIND the model, so I can easily toggle it on and off.

Thanks.

#2

How are you setting up the image plane? If it’s a SubTool of the model, simply turn on Transp and turn off Ghost. (Both are on the right Shelf.)

Check out the ImagePlaneX and ImagePlaneCube models found in the Tool > ImagePlane folder in LightBox. Each has a texture template that you can put your reference images on and then apply to the image plane model.

#3

Hmm, Handy, But not exactly what I’m looking for.

I tend to use the “Image Plane” plug in in older versions:

http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?t=46396

But now it seems to be integrated into zbrush itself under the texture palette.

It allows me to essentially load in a reference sheet with tons of reference and have it linger in the background. I tend to like this method better then the straight ortho references because I can pull multiple angles including 3/4 angle reference and I personally find it a better way not to be a slave to the reference.

It works by essentially dropping a plane with a texture behind the model, but you can then adjust the positioning of the model itself to have it line up with your reference. Thus meaning that as you rotate your model, your texture sheet will always remain in the same position in the background.

I love this way of interacting with the reference more then the more traditional image plane x’s or boxes, but I can’t find a way of toggling this image plane off without clearing the layer, and re-loading the reference image in.

Spotlight has this toggle where I can easily toggle the visibility of the images on and off and has a great system of bringing in images and arranging them, but I can’t find a way for me to drop these said images “behind” my working model, and use lightbox more as a way of organizing reference pieces rather then texture overlays.

I’m just looking for a method that can have me work with a static reference sheet, but with the ability to toggle the said reference sheet on and off.

#4

You could set up a Plane 3D and paint all your textures onto that then just click its eye icon to turn on and off.

Edit: sorry! it just struck me that it would be the same as image plane. nm

#5

This is exactly the problem I am having. I think image plane plugin is the answer, however the plugin has not been updated for zbrush 4 yet. The 3.5r3 version of the plugin has problems if you use it in Z4, it will allow you to load an image and line up the model with transparency but if you try and sculpt or tweak your model that is when the problems start.
It would be good to know if this plugin is getting updated soon as it is starting to really mess up my workflow and make me think about an alternative.:cry:

#6

It’s done and being beta tested.