ZBrushCentral

Idea: zsphere script

ZScripting Help
#1

An unimportant note:

Im not into scripting, but I am not here to ask someone to take their precious time to script something for me, either. Im just sharing an idea with the people who are into scripting because this may help other zsphere-challenged users like me.

The basic idea:

A zscript that allows you to create mesh by method of zspheres, but working with the actual mesh instead of placeholders.  The artist could simply take a polygon or group of polygons (depending on the X, Y & Z res settings) and "extrude" said poly(s) with a simply click-and-drag interface.

<u>Why?</u>

Even though Ive gone through many zsphere tutorials, and read vast amounts of helpful information concerning the nature of zspheres, I just dont see the reason behind the "middlemen" that are the zspheres and linkspheres.

The principle behind zsphere modeling is genius, and it is a very fast method of creating basic structure.  However, it seems to me that working directly with the mesh itself would make things even faster.  Afterall, when you are clicking and dragging on zpheres, you are basically extruding polygons, but without much visual reference as to how you are linking up with the existing mesh... so we continuously hit "A" to see the preview instead of getting our hands directly on those polys

It is easliy argued (because it is true) that zsphere modeling is fine the way it is.  Maybe this would make it even better, or maybe Im the only one who thinks this way.  Who knows?  Maybe this would be a simple script, or maybe it would be a monster of a project that isnt worth the effort it would require.  I have no idea because Im ignorant.  Anyway, thanks for your time reading my long-winded crap :)
#2

Interesting long-winded crap. :wink:

As ZBrush is at the moment it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to script what you’re suggesting. Added to which I think probably most scripters are waiting to see what 2.5 brings before investing a lot of time in complex projects of this sort. We know for certain (from the sneak preview videos) that ZSpheres are in for a makeover and perhaps other modeling techniques will be too. The box modeling that is already possible in ZB could well be made more intuitive. If it’s not, then perhaps a scripter will take a look and see what can be done.

Cheers,

#3

Thanks for a very patient and honest answer. I had a feeling it might be more complex than I had first imagined. And yeah, I cant wait to see what 2.5 brings :slight_smile: Im excited that we’ll be able to take any mesh and rig it with zspheres.

And now youve got me curious about box modeling. Is the edgeloops feature the extent of whats available in Zb at the moment? If theres more, could you point me in the general direction?

Thanks again, Marcus. Now that a master scripter has told me its not feasible, I can at least let go of the want :slight_smile:

D

#4

Try searching for aurick’s box modelling tutorial.

#5

Thanks billrobertson42. I found that tutorial before I posed the question. It is a very good tut, and although it exhibits very good techniques, edgelooping is the only actual feature involved. So anyway, thats why I was asking about features other than edgeloops :slight_smile:

#6

Yes, I see. I misread your post.

#7

Hi all,
:smiley: I also been thinkin bout that.
Mainly satisfied with Zbrush, I been lookin for a software which could produce plastic suple changes in a model.
Elongating part of the model, or identical alteration, reqiring more faces, causes undesired components… That’s why zballs. They are bricks and blocks to make the mesh even and equal as well as to facilitate fast composition of the chief form.

For my aim I need tools, spreading the mesh from outside into inside.
I found only in Hexagon three tools: Extrude surface, Sweep surface and Tweak. They are wonderfully plotted, but after a few changes the program stops functioning and hangs… I’ve no heed why. Some kinda bug. A pity.

I wrote previously in the Forum about my dream to see the zsphere structure
simulteneously with the corresponding mesh, say, in the preview window tool,
whereas the main canvas and this small window show the same object…
Perhaps that would overload the processor…
Another thing is ability to boolean operation, absent in Zbrush.

But seems like combining several progs will remain the best and natural solution.

Anatom

#8

I think youre right, Anatom. All-in-one solutions of any nature tend to produce lower quality results than that of a collection of solutions.

And billrobertson42, if you come back to read this, I hope I didnt sound like a smart ass when I replied to you. I just re-read it, and I didnt like how it sounded lol.

#9

:slight_smile: I had to go back and re-read the thread. No worries.

Take care!