ZBrushCentral

Prep work - 3Ds Max to Zbrush

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi,

What is the best way to prepare a Max Obj file for Zbrush?

I have noticed I have to divide a mesh many times before I import it into ZB and then divide it to (+7)
before I can get enough detail to do cracks and stuff on walls in ZB.

I cannot import a simple shape and then divide it in ZB cos the detail is poor.

  1. How many times should I divide XYZ mesh per meter to get enough detail before exporting?
  2. Is there another way to sub-divide a low poly mesh in Max? A script or tool? I say this because
    I have already made a collection of model steps that are low poly in Max and when I import them to ZB
    they are too low res for working. I don’t want to rebuild them.
#2

I guess two things can create you problems: triangles and the smooth that will create Zbrush

If the object has lots of triangles and very irregular sizes in the polys it could create problems.
But what typically creates more confusion is that subdividing in zbrush will smooth the shape and if it is very low poly it will be a complete lost of shape. You can avoid this creating the initial subdivisions without smooth, in the subdivision options from tools. When you think you have the overall shape but now you want to smooth the edges you can activate smooth again. Also you could crease the lines that you want to keep hard, but this can be a lot of work depending of the model.

There is a macro to subdivide with smooth on but keeping the shape. This would apply rather to organic forms with very low poly rather than hard surfaces. Look for the smartdiv post:

http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?172391-Useful-small-ZScripts-and-Macros-for-ZBrush-4R4&p=1027128&viewfull=1#post1027128

#3

Thanks for the reply, Altea.
I have just spent the last 6 months learning 3Ds Max + Corona. I feel confident now
and want to make my renders look better by grunging things up like walls and floors.
I am back to square one with ZB and feel like an idiot again… fumbling around in the dark:rolleyes:

I normally sub-divide in ZB (x7) times before I smooth.
Still get the same poor detail I want for cracks on a wall.

The only way I can get good detail in ZB is to sub-divide in Max first about 20 times (20x20x20).
But… I will try the script you suggested.

Another question…

Is there are FREE script to change the navigation system in ZB?
I just cannot get my head around it.
It’s the ZOOM control that caused me most angst.

#4

There is one navigation plugin that I know but I have never used it. Notice that the last version is not in the first page and you will need to search in the thread pages to find it:
http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?183019-quot-Middle-Button-quot-Plug-in-for-ZBrush-4R6

#5

Big thanks, Altea, for your advice:D

I will give the MMB script a go.
If that fails I just realized that I have a Wacom Pad, still in the box, that I have not used.
I think this could be ideal for ZB… will do some research.

#6

Zbrush is designed for stylus. Also tablets and Cintiqs doesn’t create carpal tunnel syndrome.

#7

I thought I would write this because it could help others who import from 3Ds Max into ZB.

IMPORTING FROM MAX TO ZBRUSH
Before importing the model into ZB you need to use a Modifier Tool called: “QUADRIFY MESH” in 3Ds Max.
This will break the mesh up into lots of equal sized squares so the geometry is perfectly symmetrical with no flaws.

Then when you import it into ZB you can do very detailed work.

BTW… the MIDDLEBUTTON script was brilliant. I love it:D
It has made ZB much easier to use and less intimidating. I was on the verge of trying Mudbox instead but
this has solved everything and now I feel abit more confident to learn ZB.

Thanks for your help Altea:+1: