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ZBrush to Max z-project problem

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi-

I created a head model in 3ds Max, then exported it as an obj. file into ZBrush. In ZBrush I used the z-project tool to texture the model, and then I exported the model. I thought that if exported as an obj. file it should have the texture export with it.

In Max, I imported the model, but when I do this there is no texture applied to the model. The model is just white. I opened the material editor and clicked on the little box next to diffuse, and selected to use a bitmap. The only texture file I found was an mtl. file, and when I try to open it a message comes up saying that the file is invalid.

What am I doing wrong? I could really use some help… :frowning:

#2

edit I just checked this in Max 2009, you can check the import materials options in the obj import box, and it loads the texture fine and puts it in the material editor.

#3

I have 3ds Max 8, and I don’t see the “import materials” check box in the import obj. box. I haven’t created a normal map or anything like that, I don’t know if that affects anything. Is there a way, after using the z-project tool to texture the model, to create a material from what you’ve done? Or after using the z-project brush is a material already made? I’m a beginner with Zbrush.

Thanks for trying to help, it would be great if you know the answer to my problem…

#4

Do you mean texture as in the sculpted details on your model? Or as in colour, like when you use polypaint?

If it is the sculpted details, you would have to either create a normal map like you mentioned, or import the full mesh into Max, or do a displacemnt map. There’s plenty of tutorials for these around.
If it is colour, I would export the texture out from ZBrush, then just create a new material in Max’s material editor, with your texture loaded in the diffuse channel. Then apply it to your model. You can then re-use this even if you go back and forth to ZBrush with the obj, just keep re-applying it.

#5

I mean color. The problem is that when I try to load my texture into the diffuse channel, I select the file that exported from ZBrush and try to open it, but a message comes up saying that my file is “invalid.” The file is mtl., and I don’t think Max supports this file. Is there a way to control what file type the material file in ZBrush exports as?

-thanks

#6

The mtl is not a bitmap file, it just contains info about the material, how it displays, what texture and all that.

I can only speak for 3DS Max 2009, as I was using Max 9 before and skipped 2008.

If in ZBrush there is a texture in the texture slot, it will save that bitmap out when you export the obj. Now if you import that obj and have “Import Materials” ticked in the obj import box, it will load the texture, display it on your model and put it in the material slot.

You could also export the texture out manually from ZBrush and use that and use the method below.

If your version of Max doesnt have the import materials option, you will have to set up the material manually in the material editor, and apply it to the obj you have just imported. There’s planty of tuts out there on learning the material editor so you should be ok.

#7

Thank you