Getting a model into ZBrush

Soccerman18

How do I get a model I made in Max into Zbrush, and from zbrush into max? Is there a plugin I need, or is it just some simple import/export that I'm missing? I'm using Max 5 btw.

Keg

obj format and import in the tool menu. to edit model one imported and created hit t (or edit).

to get it back hit the export option in the tool menu. And get yourself the practical guide it's worth it's weight in platinum.

Soccerman18

Ok, here's a stupid question, how would I export an obj format? Max doesn't seem to want to and I'm not having much luck finding a plugin for it.

[edit] Scratch that, the plugin I found decided it felt like working. [/edit]

Kevin Johnstone

Another thing you should do before exporting is make sure that all the quads on your model are as equal sized as you can get them.

Don't tightly chamfer the edges you want to stay tight , without also making sure the subdivisions for the other quads are just as tight.

This is because Zbrush's subdivision method is a little dumb , or 'different' from what you would expect and needs you to ensure it is an equally sbdivided mesh for it to also equally subdivide it.

When you export your mesh from Zbrush, make sure you keep it under half a million polygons.
Make sure you download Polycruncher from www.mootools.com to use on your Zbrush edited meshs to optimise them by 80% , then apply an autosmooth on them.

Anything more than half a mil and polycruncher may crash.

If you can't export that small a section, then use the polygroups in Zbrush on a large mesh and export sections under half a mil seperately and they will seem like they are seamless in max after polycruncher optimisation.

r.

Keg

http://www.habware.at/duck6.htm for an obj plugin, closest I'll get to 3dsmax

Soccerman18

thanks for the info. I tried importing a simpe sphere, it looks all funky. Like the verts got shifted slightly so it doesn't have a smooth surface anymore. Is there a way to correct this or do something different in the export/import?

sinistergfx

Crank up the "# of Digits", this is the numerical precision of the file. I usually use 6. It's also a good idea to turn of "compress numbers" and "relative vertex numbers" for compatability's sake.

Fordy

Have you sen these video tutorials?

http://www.3d-palace.com/tmas/video.php?vid=72

Soccerman18

Thanks sinister, that helped. Fordy, do you know what codec those are using? Cause apparently I don't have it.

Fordy

Hi Soccerman

I have the divX and Xvid codecs on my PC. Probably best installing the divX one first, see if that works.

Soccerman18

well, I found out what codec it needed, tscc. Some nice vids there, very helpful.

okkun

Rorshach, what would the purpose of optimizing it once inside max be? To get the low rez cage for baking normals?

Sean McBride

Hm, i just export the low version and modify that in max untill have what I wan't. Ror is probobly talking about the issue that we older system owners are running into. You and your silly blazing fast system!

However, i just wrote a quick little tutorial for beginners...

http://www.sean-mcbride.com/tut/zbrush_tut01.html

Soccerman18

that's a handy little tut neo, but what does holding shift while making the model do that's different from non-shhifting click and drag?

Kevin Johnstone

okkun: yeah, its not always a requirement to have all parts of a model be zbrushed but the UE3 normal mapping tools are superior to alternatives so we all bring back into max.

r.

Sean McBride

Soccerman: It just squares the model off when you are creating it. As in it does the same thing that holding shift and dragging while clicking off of the model does.