ZBrushCentral

Probably trite: Viewport controls making me want to rip my hair out.

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Is there a way to bring the viewport controls in line with what I’ll be familiar with in other apps (namely Modo: Switching hotkeys between apps for viewports is driving me nuts)? This bizzare sequence of holding and releasing keys is driving me insane. Is there a way to pan around an object without having to click white-space/around an object?

Sorry if this is a stupid/elementary/“but ZBrush does it better!/I prefer ZBrush’s controls!” kind of question: Its a selfish (maybe childish?) personal preference.

While we’re on topic, do sub-tools have a list-view? A way of being displayed persistently in the UI without having to claw through palettes? If not, is there a way to trigger showing/hiding it on a keyboard shortcut?

I have this feeling that ZBrush is trying to re-invent the wheel in many ways. In so many ways, it does so beautifully to become this absolutely and literally epically detailed monster of detailing and function. But in others it just … Feels like it hates to be used.

#2

Axis plug…http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?161588-quot-Axis-quot-Plugin-for-ZBrush-4r2
Hitting “n” will display all the subtools.
Don’t neglect the spacebar/right click menu either :wink:
Feel free to try mine out, available in this thread>>http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?172590-Updated-UI

#3

Are you using a drawing tablet?

Zbrush takes a little getting used to but I find that with the tablet its navigation is more fluid and natural than any other 3D software I have used, and I have used a lot of different software with both mouse and tablet.

#4

You might find Right+click navigation better. See here:
http://docs.pixologic.com/user-guide/3d-modeling/modeling-basics/navigation/

#5

I was to begin with but I lost my stylus during a move. I’ll be replacing it eventually (I’m not a pro or anything so much as someone who got passed a licence by a friend) but I do want to keep learning and wrap my head around ZBrush, even if it takes a while.

Wow, you’ve all been so supportive already and helpful. Thank-you!

#6

that feeling of being overwhelmed with the interface and odd way of doing things, doesn’t really last that long when you start getting into zbrush, atleast for me it didn’t.

I don’t know how long you’ve already been using it, but you may just get used to it quite fast. I don’t really prefer one over the other , i’m fine with both types of controls (zbrush and 3dmax or clones)

#7

I just wish the navigation was logical and didn’t depend on me having memorise some obscure sequence of when to hold down and release a single key.

I just want to be able to hold ALT to view, Alt + Shift to pan and Alt + Control to zoom.

Relegating it to a single key introduces an extra step that slows me down. Its really really irritating and after sculpting for about half an hour can really start to get on my nerves.

#8

That is almost exactly how Right+click navigation works, you just right+click rather than left+click:

*Right+click = rotate
*Alt+Right+click = pan
*Ctrl+Right+click = zoom

#9

http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?183019-quot-Middle-Button-quot-Plug-in-for-ZBrush-4R6

#10

So basically, this really basic thing every other 3D package on the market (and a lot of editors and other tools) are immeasurably happy to do in their configuration screen…

…ZBrush flat out refuses to do?

My issue is this: Right-click-dragging is a huge nuisance on a trackpad. And with a stylus? You lose precision because the button you’re holding down is pushed by the same muscles that would normally manipulate the nib on the tablet!

Hurgh.

#11

It is as it is, I’ve included links to helpful items. As far as I’m concerned, a trackpad is useless. Trackball mouse and a graphics tablet work just fine once you get the hang of them.

#12

Its still annoying as hell with the stylus and tablet but like I said, this is just OCD and the fact I have to roll my shoulders every time I switch apps as if I’m learning the viewport for the very first time.

Even Sculptris supports fixing these keys. And Sculptris is a toy!