ZBrushCentral

Save and Import Layers?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Does a script or something like this exist?

I’m using the Layer feature a lot more now to sculpt, and I notice how quickly the file size jumps. One such sculpt was saving at 45MB. With an added layer, it’s saving at 97MB and with two Layers it’s saving at 227MB.

I am using one layer for texture and the other for sculptural changes that are not symmetrical- that way I can return to the symmetrical sculpt to rework the topology and then I use the morph and project features of Zbrush to get back my unsymmetrical changes to the final model.

To the point- Being able to save these layers and import them would be very useful and it would cut down on the models overall file size- Since you only import these created layers in when you need them. And when you don’t. You can save them as a separate file. Kinda like Zapplinks “Save View” “Load View” feature, but with Layers.

Is this possible? or is this already out there and I’m not aware?

#2

There are several ways to do it, here is one:

To save out a single layer:

1. Make sure that the layer is active.

2. Clone the model and then append the clone as a new subtool.

3. Delete all layers from the clone.

4. Use Tool>SubTool>ProjectAll to transfer the detail from the layer to the clone. (For color you’d need Draw>Rgb to be active.)

5. Now clone the model again so that you have a copy that’s not a subtool. You can delete the subtool after that.

6. Selecting the newest clone, save it. This copy of the model just has the detail from the active layer.

To bring the layer back into ZBrush:

1. On your original model, create a new layer.

2. Load your cloned model and append it as a subtool.

3. Select the first subtool again.

4. Use Project All to transfer detail back to the layer.

5. Delete the extra subtool.

#3

I’ve been using layers for making morphs lately and I found ways to transfer morphs from a different face (same point order) to a newly shaped face. So say I have an open mouth morph I want to transfer to the new face, I could do it without morphing the whole head to the old face. Maybe this can help save layers. Though, I’m working on low polygon shapes, no subdivision and no layers on different levels, so it might have unforeseen problems.

Note: My method will only work with the same point order meshes, but may be easier and accurate.

Following steps basically export two OBJs, one that’s got the layer detail, and one without the layer detail. Combined they can be used to make a new layer again with only the difference between the two.

1: Go to the level of the layer you want to save.

2: Export an OBJ with this layer still on. In the name, maybe note what level you were at.

3: Then turn off that 3D layer, export an OBJ once more.

So now you have to shapes, one with the layer on, one off.

Now, say a day later you want to recover this layer:

1: Go to the correct subd level for these obj files.

2: Create a new temp layer that we’ll delete later, make sure it’s selected. I’ll refer to it as “TempLayer”

3: Import the OBJ that had the layer off. While it may change your entire model, since this TempLayer will be deleted later, all is fine. And don’t change subd level at this point.

4: Now create a new layer and leave it on and selected

5: Import the OBJ file that had the layer on.

7: Now select TempLayer, disable it with the eye button, then delete it.

Now, hopefully your current progress is back and now you have your layer imported and works perfectly with your current progress.

Those steps probably could also be used to merge layers on the same subd level by turning off more than one when you export.

#4

Nice walk around guys. It’s a solution to my problem, and I’m grateful for the information. I really needed it.

I just hope it’s ok to say that a Save and Import Layer feature would be a great addition for a future release of Zbrush.

As long as someone doesn’t try to import the saved layer on a different model. It seems like it might work just fine.