Zbrush - projection master / alphas on curved surfaces?

danshewan

Hey guys,

I'm wondering what the best technique would be to apply alphas in Zbrush to curved surfaces? I haven't used the curve feature yet, as it seems to be more of a brush feature that for using alphas, but would this be the optimal approach? I was hoping to use Projection Master, but I'm not sure that alphas can be curved.

Suggestions?

passerby

in projection master check off double sided, deformation, and normalized.

danshewan

Thanks, but I should have been more specific.

The alpha I want to use is an elaborate design, as opposed to surface scratches or something similar. The curved surface is cylindrical, and I want to apply the alpha lengthwise to one-half of the object.

The settings described above are fine for slight curves and more 'organic' alphas, but for this situation, I think another approach will be necessary.

cryrid

Morph UV to flatten the cylinder down to it's UV islands, and while in this state use projection master to project the alpha where you want it as a texture/mask. Unmorph if, and inflate.

danshewan

Thanks, I'll try that.

ENODMI

Slight variation on what Cyrid posted. Get you uvs layed out for your object, create an alpha for it in Photoshop, load it up in zbrush, use it as a mask with you fancy new uvs and inflate. This way has a bit more contol and the mask can be easily loaded up later for help with painting, etc.

I made a terrible info graphic, Im sorry:)

danshewan

Thanks for taking the time to do that, Enodmi - much appreciated!

Dylan Brady

Yeah that's how I do that too, but great explination