Archive notice: This article was originally published on June 14, 2017. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Now it is sculpting time again! Pixologic presented the new version of its sculpting tool yesterday. ZBrush 4R8 is available here now—and free of charge for all registered ZBrush users. You can watch the entire three-hour streaming event for the new release here. In it, you can see a live demo of the new features, which we summarize here:
The New R8 Features
The update comes with a whole range of useful functions, including Live Boolean, a new 3D gizmo, alphas from 3D shapes, interactive primitives and more.
Live Boolean
With Live Boolean, you have the ability to combine several sculptures while viewing the resulting mesh in real time. Any 3D model can be subtracted from or added to another, regardless of the polygon count. You can also use Live Boolean with existing functions in ZBrush such as NanoMesh and ArrayMesh. While Live Boolean is active, you can also sculpt on the models. After Live Boolean editing, the operations can be converted into coherent geometry.
3D Gizmo
The new Gizmo 3D enables more precise control during transformations. In addition to simply moving the gizmo and directly changing the pivot point for movement, scaling and rotation, you can also choose whether to transform relative to the surface normal or the world axis. The tool also allows you to select and manipulate multiple models.
Deformations
The new deformers allow you to adjust your models as desired. Using the Free Form Deformation Box (FFD), you can freely deform the silhouette of any model. The Bend on Curve modifier makes it possible to bend text around a curved surface.
Alpha 3D
The new tool now allows any sculpture or shape to be converted into an alpha matte for surface sculpting. Once the respective shape has been captured, you can position and rotate the alpha matte as desired.
Multi Vector Displacement Mesh
The Multi Vector Displacement Mesh system lets you create custom brushes and quickly switch between your own brushes. The displacement meshes are also suitable for drawing complex objects, such as noses or ears, onto models with a single brush stroke.
Lazy Mouse 2.0
As announced, the Lazy Mouse system has also received an update. The angles and lengths of strokes can now be set before the path is transferred to the model. If you want to draw strokes around a figure, you can now rotate the model at leisure and then resume at the end of the drawn path without changing the depth or orientation.
Other New Features
In addition to these new features, ZBrush now also supports a wide selection of languages, updates to various plug-ins, and real-time 3D text and vector shape creation. It has also become easier to adapt primitives and use them as the starting mesh for further sculpting work. You can read the complete overview of the release features here. Pixologic has also published a small art gallery with works created in R8.
Price & Availability
Anyone who already owns a license can download the new version free of charge. A new single-user license currently costs the equivalent of 708 euros. An upgrade is also available for ZBrush Core users, priced at 619 euros. Here is the online shop.
