ZBrush 2019 - What's New and First Impressions

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Yet another FREE UPGRADE for all registered ZBrush users, ZBrush 2019 continues Pixologic's commitment meet the demands of today's digital artists.

ZBrush 2019 includes the following new key features:

Folders
First previewed at last year's ZBrush Summit, the Folders feature is the realization of one of the most popular feature requests from our users. However, in ZBrush 2019 this is more than merely a way to organize your SubTools. A wide variety of actions can be performed at the folder level, affecting all SubTools found within. Examples include performing quick 3D transformations or Live Boolean operations.

Universal Camera

Also previewed at the ZBrush Summit, this new camera system simulates a real-world camera complete with settings for Focal Length, Crop Factor and more. This allows your ZBrush scene to perfectly match that found in any other application or to mirror an imported photograph (or render). It supports undo/redo of camera movements and settings can be stored to be recalled instantly at any time.

Non-Photorealistic Rendering (NPR)
This new series of tools create a sketch style which replicates the hand drawn 2D feel and look. With the ability to add overlaying textures, apply a halftone printed paper style, draw a dark outline around the 3D model or apply a number of built-in presets, the new NPR system will open an entire world of artistic possibilities -- whether you are concepting, sculpting, or preparing a final render.

SpotLight v2.0 - Snapshot3D
SpotLight v2.0 includes all the powerful projection mapping and PolyPaint features that you're already used to. It also makes it possible to convert any gray-scale image (alpha) into a 3D model. The source images can be modified in SpotLight or even combined through Boolean-type addition or subtraction to create even more complex 3D shapes. The model generated by this system can serve as a base for sculpting or even be used with the Live Boolean system to create intricate works of art.

ZRemesher v3.0
The ZRemesher automatic retopolgy toolset has been a key component in the modern ZBrush artist's workflow. It now goes to the next level with ZRemesher v3.0. The enhanced systems can maintain creased edges and automatically detect sharp surface angles, ideal for mechanical models. The result is also a more efficient final polygon count... all while actually increasing speed!

Intersection Masker
The Intersection Masker plugin (included in all ZBrush 2019 installations) allows you to generate a mask where geometry islands intersect on a selected SubTool. It's the perfect solution for creating complex masks with just a few clicks.

ZColor
The ZColor plugin (also included in all ZBrush 2019 installations) is your new color manager for any digital painting tasks. It features a set palette of colors, chosen to best express the mood you wish to create and allowing for consistent results. ZColor files can also be shared with others, helping teams to create a cohesive look across projects.

New Licensing Options
Choose a Pixologic subscription plan that's right for you.

Pixologic is pleased to be able to offer new license options for ZBrush, making it more accessible than ever before to enter the powerful world of digital sculpting. Subscription licensing is an alternative to perpetual licenses, which will continue to be available as they have always been.

Subscription licenses are available in monthly or 6-month plans, automatically re-billing every 30 days or six months. With a subscription you will always have the most current software version, at a price that is perfect for hobbyists, students and professionals who need it on a project-by-project basis. Only Single-User licenses are available as subscriptions and all subscriptions licenses are commercial which means that there are no restriction on how they may be used.

Perpetual licenses will continue as they have been, without change. All license types (Single-User, Volume and Floating) are available for purchase as perpetual licenses and this includes academic pricing.

[Follygon]

Hey all, I had the great pleasure to be a part of the ZBrush 2019 Beta! Comment below if you have any Qs and I'll do my best to answer everything I can.

[doomersnek]

Folders are what I'm most excited about!

[alindre]

I still don’t understand, if you buy the perpetual license can you upgrade the software forever too? Or just the next year?

[outtoplay]

Add it will STILL start in 2.5d draw mode. You got to wonder why... such a silly thing.

[LORDSofCHAOS]

well dues it have a multiple views you know for easy modeling like blender for example or is this only in the 2019.1 resale i know that there is a plugin from 2016 that Duse that but i dont know how to install plugins or how to download it

[stevejjd]

We need Linux support, 3D mouse support, a proper rigging system for posing, proper UDIM support, multiple cameras with camera projections, texturing tools, proper layer system, reworking of the UI, multichannel displacement painting, quad retopo workflow for marvelous holy shit, you can’t even use that hard surface shit in product without heavy retopo.

[techsavvyhero]

Great rundown and demo of the new features! :) What tablet do you recommend for beginners with plans to become experts in the future?

[Wasagii]

I dont see this anywhere but is that pay as you go option up till you reach the amount of zbrush which is around $900??

[ChimeraProd]

Why is Zremesher 3.0 still not good enough for animation? Is it still producing spiral loops? Or just minor cleanup?

[LEGIT]

26 seconds in, thankyou:). I can’t seem to find the license key for 2019. I keep trying to tell myself that I will have to pay for it when I bought the full program over ten years ago:). Thankyou:). It’s such a relief to have you say that over and over again😁

[bmann]

Is pixologic ever going to expand on the texturing side of zbrush?

[janettaselaar]

Look promising! Thanks for sharing this!

[ADI-xpqe]

Is it easy to transport Zbrush from one system to other if I have perpetual account?

[exileexecutus]

hm is the update out yet ? For some reason when i go to my licences it only shows i can download a 2018 academic version ( even though i have a commerical one)

[danielnorton]

what is a good way to use the intersection masker?

[nathanfarreal]

Great content, Thank Folly! Super stoyked!

[einomies]

2019 promises updates for one year. Doesn't 2018 promise free updates forever? Should I quickly get 2018?

[rag]

Folders are by far my favorite feature from this update. Any guesses as when Zbrushcore may get it's 2019 update? Hoping it's the same day. (Or at least within the month.)

[Pedro-iuoq]

Snapshot3D is amazing. I think i'm gonna use it a lot

[fromdeepitcame]

still no Alembic support ? :(
I love ZBrush! Getting free updates for 15 years as a personal user, I cant complain, it amazing :) But as a film industry vfx artist, no alembic is painful!