Archive notice: This article was originally published on July 26, 2012. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
One main feature that this release brings, among other things, is the IMM function (Insert Multi Mesh), in which, according to Pixologic, the combination of mesh libraries can be united in a single brush. The Tri IMM function (Tri Part Multi Mesh Brushes) is intended to expand this feature further by helping create poly-groups – such as zippers or chains – which, according to Pixologic, can be painted onto an existing template in one go with this function. In combination with the Curve Brush, Tri IMM is intended to allow the individual segments to be duplicated in 3D along the length of a curve.
QRemesher Alpha is intended to enable automatic and semi-automatic cleanup of model topology, thus avoiding elaborate redesign. Through special automasking and additional control features, including Curve Guides, retopoly is intended to be controlled better.
Polygons
According to Pixologic, the Topology Brush now uses the Curve Engine optimized for ZBrush 4R4 for faster and more precise creation of polygons. With just one click on the supported surface, new polygons are intended to be formable – depending on the setting, with thickness or without. In addition, reference images are now intended to be referable to the grid system so that more artwork relating to references can be created.
Undo History
Through the new Undo History, artists are now intended to have the option in ZBrush to carry out unlimited undo steps over the course of their workflow. Like a flipbook, the artist is intended to click back through the progress in their work and be able to create a clip with the individual work steps more easily through Undo History.
Enhacements
The TransPose Enhancements feature enables a World Axis Selector through which one is intended to be able to jump to any work surface with one click for better orientation. DynaMesh Enhancements enables a high resolution (up to 2048) and the ability to combine SubTools when using DynaMesh; specific SubTools are also intended to be definable as negative volumes. According to Pixologic, it is thus possible to create illustrative models through the simple combination of basic forms.
ZBrush 4R4 is available in the Pixologic online store for 699 dollars as a Single License and Volume License for Windows and Mac. Registered ZBrush users receive the update free of charge. Here is the download link.
A detailed workshop by Geert Melis on ZBrush 4 can be found in DP issue 04/11. The article is available in our DP online shop, where Geert Melis models the weapons for characters from "Thin Veil of Reality" with ZBrush.
