Multi View Tutorial
From ZBrush Info
Contents |
Introduction
Welcome to the ZApp Link Views Tutorial.
In this tutorial, we will look at how we can use ZApp Link to texture paint a character with stored views. We will be using Polypainting which does not require UVs and allows us to paint directly on the surface of the model. Before proceeding, make sure that your model has enough geometry to capture all the detail that you want to add.
Polygons to Pixel Resolution
If you are familiar with texture painting and know the size of the texture map that you would have used you can extract out the necessary information.
Lets say you would have used a 2K texture map. One 2K texture maps equals about 4 million pixels of information. How do we get that? Multiple the width by the height. 2048 x 2048 = 4,194,304 pixels. That is roughly 4 million.
Now most UVs layouts will only be able to use about 75% of that. Some information is lost in the area around the layout and in texture stretching. With 75% usage your texture map would equal 3,145,728 pixels of information or roughly 3 million.
This means that your model will have to have around 3 million polygons in it to match one 2K texture map. No problem. ZBrush will handle 3 million polygons easily. In fact, using HD sculpting it will easily handle 100 such 2K maps.
Using ZApp Link With Stored Views
To begin, store a front view of your model. Position your model. Press Document:ZAppLink Properties:Front.
To store the left view, position your model. Press Document:ZAppLink Properties:Left. Repeat for each view you want to send to your image processing software of choice.
When you are done storing views press ZApp Link.
In your image processing software you will see one color layer and one shading layer for each stored view. In Photoshop, press Alt and click on the eye icon for the layer you want to edit. Turn on the visibility of the shading layer by clicking its eye icon. Begin painting.
Repeat for each view you want to edit. When you are done, save the document and return to ZBrush. ZBrush will ask if you want to enter ZBrush or return to your image processing software. Press yes.
Now ZApp Link will prompt you to accept each view or press Accept All to accept each view without checking it.
When ZApp Link is done it will return you to 3D Edit mode and you can rotate your model or begin sculpting.
Using Stencils with ZApp Link
ZApp Link Views also includes the ability to create Stencils in your image processing software and automatically import them into ZBrush.
To use this on a character, make sure the view you want to use the stencil on is stored then press ZApp Link button in the Document palette.
In your image processing software, create a selection and then save this as an alpha called Stencil. It is important that it contain the name “stencil”.
You can also use something like Photoshop’s pen tool to create curves and then convert this to a selection, save it as “stencil” and bring that into ZBrush.
When you return to ZBrush it will prompt you enter ZBrush or return to your image processing software. Press Re-enter ZBrush or OK (Unchanged) to proceed. If you have made changes to the ZBrush document during the link, then you must accept or cancel these first.
Next you will see a note that ZBrush has placed your Stencil in the Alpha palette. Click to proceed.
Your Stencil will be enabled on the canvas. Sculpt or paint away. To turn it off, press Stencil:Stencil On.
