ZBRUSH Hard Surface Techniques and Workflows

Explore ZBrush basics, the lightbox library, and the tool palette in this intro and UI overview, while learning import/export workflows (OBJ, FBX) and 2.5D versus 3D modes.

Master six ZBrush quick keys, including brush selection with B and M, spacebar trick for brush size, undo, left alt, gizmo tools, and control shift for trim and clip curves.

Compare trim curves and clip curves in ZBrush, noting trim cuts fill and clip cuts through with subdivision support. Use the spacebar trick to pan curves for poly group workflows.

Master poly grouping in ZBrush for hard surface workflows using masking, trim curves, auto poly groups, and group loops to define polygroups and polish by groups.

Harness the selection tool in ZBrush to isolate and manipulate poly groups. Invert selections, delete hidden geometry, and explore topology workflows using masking and subtractive selections.

Explore ZRemesher 3.0's updates for hard surface sculpting, delivering readable edge flow and cleaner topology while using detect edges, keep creases, and crease poly groups.

Learn how to use ZModeler as a complementary workflow to sculpting in ZBrush, exploring polygon, edge, and vertex actions, and mastering extrude, poly loops, bevels, and poly groups.

Learn the basics of boolean operations in ZBrush: enable boolean mode, use convex and concave options, apply trim curves (avoid clip curves), and create a new boolean mesh.

Configure the zbrush workspace by setting up the lightbox, document size, and memory, then import a base OBJ mesh and prepare for hard surface sculpting.

Learn to block out an eyebrow plate in ZBrush using masking and extract, then refine with trim curve, adjust symmetry, and prepare clean geometry for subsequent iterations.

Learn how ZRemesher 3.0 improves topology in ZBrush by creating definable edges, enabling detect edges, and keeping poly groups, then convert to a remesh topology for editing in ZModeler.

Demonstrates ZModeler basics in ZBrush, including bevel, inset, and extrude, with edge and polygon actions, poly groups, and tips for even distribution and workflow.

Explore how to assign poly groups in ZModeler, using group by normals and crease poly group to keep edges intact and enable clean boolean operations.

Combine booleans with ZModeler and sculpting to create cavities and indentations. Follow a practical workflow using boolean mesh, insert primitives, and move the brush to achieve clean results.

Move into the jaw section and apply a bubble bevel approach to shape the jawline, while cleaning sub tools and using a cube extraction to prepare for a babbling technique.

Learn a beveling technique using extrude by poly group on a flat, cleaned mesh, with crease poly groups and polish by groups to create even, controllable bevels.

Explore finishing the jaw using the extrude option with ZModeler, poly groups, and edge loops, then refine with bevels, insert edge, and subdivision to achieve a polished, creased geometry.

Create eyelid blockouts using ZBrush tools, applying insert edge loops and poly groups, extruding and refining symmetry to shape controlled eyelid thickness and topology.

Learn to deform the lower eyelid in ZBrush by mirroring the mesh and applying taper and skewed formers, duplicating subtools, and using the matchmaker brush to conform the lid.

Construct a reusable modular strip piece in ZBrush using boolean patterns and ZModeler, with insert primitives and radial symmetry to overlay neck muscles, facial parts, and head-to-ear connectors.

In ZBrush hard surface workflows, this lesson guides carving a cheekbone from a modular piece by duplicating, centering the pivot, and shaping with taper, bend arc former, and trim curve.

Refine a cheek component in ZBrush by using undo history, duplicating sub tools, adjusting shapes with bend and move brush, and carving a face plate to cover the area.

Learn to construct a cheek plate in ZBrush using masking, extraction, and boolean operations, refine topology, and polish the piece for a clean, integrated hard-surface finish.

Clean up and finalize the cheek plate by smoothing edges, establishing poly group creases, and polishing by groups, prepping a Z remesh and boolean insert for a clean final piece.

Carve and refine a brow ridge in ZBrush using eyebrow extraction, subtools, and clean-up workflows. Build a low-res, well-defined ridge through careful topology, poly groups, and edge shaping.

Create a sub brow using bend curve deformers and a gizmo in ZBrush, aligning and refining geometry with trim curve and planer cuts for a hard-surface eyebrow piece.

Explore customizable boolean modeling in ZBrush, create reusable boolean components, and manipulate them with trim curves, subtools, and real-time updates for sci-fi hard surface sculpture.

Master blocking out a customized boolean in ZBrush through masking and the space bar trick, creating cavities and raised patterns for wires in hard-surface workflows.

Learn to draw wires with ZBrush curve brushes and insert curve brushes, control radius and depth, and ensure curves sink into the surface for accurate boolean integration.

Finalize and test a customized boolean by creating wires, using bend and snap, and applying curve tools and projection to ensure clean results.

Refine secondary cheek detailing with a customized boolean in zbrush: append, mask, extrude, adjust the jaw, and clean corners using move topology, trim curve, and polygroup polish.

Refine a ZBrush hard surface cheekpiece using Zremesher 3.0 workflow by cleaning up, preserving edge flow and readable poly groups, and preparing for a customized boolean on the cheekbone.

Apply your first customized boolean to the model in zbrush, duplicating and aligning sub tools, and cut with the matchmaker brush and trim curve.