ZBrush 2021

ZBrush 2021 introduces a Dynamics system along with Controlled Cloth Sculpting and a revisiting of our Dynamic Subdivision feature. We’ve also added new features to ZModeler, as well as introducing iMage 3D support to ZBrush and giving it the ability to open native-format files created by ZBrushCoreMini.

The ZBrush engine itself has also been enhanced, finding ways to improve performance across the board. You will find that ZBrush 2021 sculpts more fluidly, as well as taking less time to perform other operations such as DynaMesh.

Join us for a demonstration of the new features in ZBrush 2021.

WATCH KEYNOTE

Dynamic Subdiv Revisited

Dynamic Subdiv provides a working preview of your subdivision levels without actually increasing the base polygon count. This feature is now taken a step further by allowing you to add an adjustable thickness to any single piece of planar geometry.

A piece of geometry can also be added to each polygon as a completely interactive instance. Select from the library of presets to make a surface look like canvas or denim jeans. Even select a piece of armor to create repeatable chainmail.

Snapshot3d Additions

PolyGrouping, Color, and Segments

SnapShot3D will now transfer PolyGroups and color from the original texture to the generated mesh. This functionality allows for easy isolation of parts. When generating silhouettes of garments, color can be applied to the areas where holes would be needed to create an outfit. These areas can then quickly be hidden and deleted for processing with Dynamics to generate clothing.

Segments can now also be added to the SnapShot3D mesh by using the SpotLight dial.

Performance

Even more performance enhancements have now been added to ZBrush. We revisited the systems behind the sculpting brushes along with many other popular features. Speed has increased across all sectors, including faster response time with high polygon models, increased DynaMesh speed and much more. In addition, a new Optimal option for smart management of multithreading will always maintain the right amount of threads ZBrush needs with your system for the best performance.

ZModeler Upgraded

New functions have been added to the already powerful ZModeler brush system.

Extrude Edge

It’s never been easier to build a plane up into what you imagine or construct a completely new piece of geometry that fits into an existing sculpt. The new Edge Extrude feature gives you the ability to build with one edge, multiple edges, complete edge loops and/or polyloops — with interactive edge snapping. Not only can you extrude an edge to snap to the adjacent face but you can enable SnapToSurface to allow the new edges to snap to an underlying surface.

ZBrush Artist :: Daisuke Narukawa

ZBrush Artist :: Daisuke Narukawa

Equidistant Inset

With Equidistant Inset you can inset a single polygon or region of polygons and all newly created topology will be equidistant from the existing topology. The result is a perfect new set of polygons.

A closer look

Hover over the image below to the model’s underlying geometry.

ZBrush Artist :: Tamotsu Kishida

iMage3D GIF and PNG Formats

The iMage 3D format provides a unique way to share both an image of your work and the 3D model itself with others, all in a single GIF or PNG file. This file can be posted on any website where it will appear as a regular 2D image and once opened in ZBrush the complete model with all its SubTools is ready to edit.

ZBrush Artist :: Joseph Drust

Release Notes

Variable Cursor Size adjustment

File extensions Collada (DAE) and Alembic (ABC) import/export capabilities

ZModeler Set Camera Perpendicular option has been added to the Polygon options

ZModeler additions to temporary white polygroup painting.

(While holding the ALT key in polygon mode of ZModeler)

File extensions Collada (DAE) ,Alembic (ABC) and 3MF import/export capabilities

An Optimal performance enhancement has been added

Gizmo precision movement addition

GoZ update for 3DSMAX 2021

Several Macro additions

Spotlight Snapshot 3D now will process color as Polygrouping

Stroke additions:

Jitter feature allows an alpha to bounce along a stroke path.

Imperfection feature applies a surface noise to the stroke.

Buy Now

ZBrush is available as either a Perpetual License or a subscription.

Perpetual licenses are a one-time cost and guarantee free upgrades for one year form date of purchase. After that, upgrades to new versions may come at a nominal fee although in practice we have never yet charged for an upgrade.

Subscriptions have a small recurring cost of $39.95 per month or $179.95 for six months. They rebill automatically and provide free upgrades for as long as the subscription remains active.

For companies with five or more artists using ZBrush we also have alternate licensing options. Volume licensing simplifies license management for companies with five or more artists and Floating licensing is an enterprise level solution for companies with ten or more artists.