
ZBrush 2021.5 is a solid release, and you can’t pass over the fact that Pixologic has given free upgrades for over 20 years now, which is almost unheard of these days. It enables you to add a certain freedom to your viewport navigation that you would only otherwise get in VR or similar. This version finally sees support for 3DConnexion devices, a must-have request from those working in CAD where the use of SpaceMouse products is the norm. There is also a PolyGroup Fill that lets you identify where to add details, and many more little updates to this much underrated toolset inside ZBrush. You can crease multiple edges and keep the hard edge. This update sees the addition of Slice Mesh, allowing you to slice up your topology along an Edge Crease. ZModeler is the ZBrush polygon modelling toolset and it is already packed with a ton of tools to enable you to manipulate points, edges and faces rather than sculpt on a surface. ZModeler enhancements introduce a wide range of new tools for the brush (Image credit: Pixologic) When it is activated from the Dynamic Subdivision palette, it adds a shape to every polygon and they can then be affected by the 2021 Dynamics settings. Instead of just dragging out a curve onto an object you can now draw out a full chain of ZSpheres and use move, scale and rotate to accurately place your item.įeatures like MicroPoly make life so much easier for tasks like chain mail, textured materials and anything needing a repeatable pattern made from true geometry. It is a nice addition as it improves the look of the mesh without having to use a BPR render, helping to speed up the process.Ĭurve Helper gives you much more control over using Insert Multi Meshes, meaning it’s now a breeze to create elements like pipes, chains, laces, ropes and cables.


You can access it as you would expect from the Render palette and there are options for quality, intensity, radius and even blur. Preview AO is a real-time ambient occlusion setting that improves the look of the sculpt as you are working on it.

By using the ZSphere tool you can pretty much place things where you need them (Image credit: Pixologic) Placing pipes and ropes couldn’t be easier now.
