I have just started with ZBrush and it is very exciting. This may be a stupid question or something I have missed… I have worked with Photoshop and am used to using layers and layer masks to create selections. How do you create layer masks for 2D painting in ZBrush? Can you import layer masks from Photoshop? I have only worked with Z a few days and have tried to read the .pdfs. Any suggestions would be appreciated greatly. :qu:
ola, MD! 
as i did not use layer masks in photoshop until now, i am not sure if this is of some help to you (don’t forget to check ZuZu’s link (alpha import/export) in the uptonow last post in that thread!) but i hope so!
Man, there’s GOT to be a way to do this!
I’m away from my Zmachine at the moment so this is just theory that maybe someone could try for me, but …
- Create something on Layer one
- Create a 2nd layer and turn off layer one.
- On layer two create a cone
- Do the alpha-grab thing with the alpha-grab tool over the cone. (make sure auto crop is off!)
- Clear the 2nd layer.
- Fill that layer with the alpha grab (not sure if you can, off the top of my head!)
- Paint over the cone-alpha or fill the layer with a red color (or whatever) to create the effect of the layer-mask.
- Turn layer one back on and make sure its behind layer two.
Not sure if this works??
Something tells me there’s something hidden away in Pixolators tutorial about depth masking or the transparency and shadows tutorial.
Just some info-links on the alpha grabber … here and here for anyone interested, (thanks to ZuZu)
Up
Hi MD, and Welcome to ZBrush Central!
There will be an easier method in version 1.23. We will have more details about this when 1.23 is released.
Pixolator would likely have more to say about this, but he is a ‘bit’ busy these days with 1.23.
-ZuZu
Wellll… Another new revelation towards version 1.23! Coool! Any hint of a release date?? (nag nag!)
Upham