Best app for tileable sculpting?

Fuiosg · Dec 2014

I've yet to find any kind of workflow for creating normal maps through sculpting, and this is one aspect I find utterly lacking in a lot of programs. Is Zbrush still the best option? I seem to recall that it requires a semi-complex setup with a plane, which I never quite figured out how to use.

Dataday · Dec 2014

I suppose that depends on the method you are using. For sculpting on a plane for example, there is a wrap around mode: http://docs.pixologic.com/reference-guide/brush/curve/

Other 3d apps with sculpting built in (like modo) can probably make smart use of the instance layers for tiled sculpting. Seems more often than naught the quickest way is to jump into it via Substance designer, painter, b2m on a texture level.

blankslatejoe · Dec 2014

I haven't used wrap mode with zbrush since like...v3, but it was a bit shaky back then. How is it these days?

Also, Mudbox actually has a tile-able plane object that's about as simple to use as it can get. http://youtu.be/B-9GUtq6K_I?t=1m10s

Eric Chadwick · Dec 2014

Some good tutorials here if you want to wrap your head around it (har har)

http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/EnvironmentSculpting#Sculpting_Tiled_Maps

Fuiosg · Dec 2014

Thanks for all the links, guys. Good stuff.

GarageBay9 · Dec 2014

Keep in mind that tiling mode in Zbrush does NOT work correctly with some brushes, and doesn't seem to work properly in non- 1:1 ratios. You can't effectively do a 2048x1024 tiling texture with it, at least when I tried.

Farfarer · Dec 2014

Mudbox is the easiest option, I've found. It's got a tiling plane preset mesh that helps a lot. It's a little slow to update the adjacent tiles after each stroke (there's like a half second lag when you lift the stylus) but it makes up for it by just working.

Getting the same result in ZBrush is a pain. I'm not sure about 3DCoat though...

Farfarer · Dec 2014

You can't have multiple symmetry axes in Modo. Unless you model a quarter and instance that 3 times.

But if you sculpt using a vector displacement map, you should be able to sculpt it as a tiling sculpt (or fold the UVs over on themselves to get dual-axis symmetry).

Finalhart · Dec 2014

You can just draw the ztools into the canvas and using the tilda key ~ and alt+dragging will tile perfectly into the canvas. But for bricks, wood planks and other kind of pattern you don't have much control over it.

bugo · Dec 2014

LOL, thanks Tidal for mentioning my rocks, but those looks so procedural. I'm still practicing my skills on SD.

bugo · Dec 2014

Here's another one I did with SD today. About 2 hours of work only.

bugo · Dec 2014

without, thanks man

Fuiosg · Dec 2014

Farfarer wrote: »

Mudbox is the easiest option, I've found. It's got a tiling plane preset mesh that helps a lot. It's a little slow to update the adjacent tiles after each stroke (there's like a half second lag when you lift the stylus) but it makes up for it by just working.

Getting the same result in ZBrush is a pain. I'm not sure about 3DCoat though...

You're right... just tried the mudbox trial. Was sculpting seamless tiles within 5 minutes, never even used Mudbox before. Great feature.

Best app for tileable sculpting?

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