ZBrushCentral

Maya keystrokes Compatible in ZBrush

ZScripting Help
#1

Okay, so I realize that I’m new to ZBrush and I will eventually get used to the controls, but the one thing that bugs me more than anything else is the fact I can’t press Alt+mouse button to manipulate the camera, like Maya. I realize the Alt button is fairly important to ZBrush but would it be possible to assign another key to the camera controls; like the space bar for instance. I use the right mouse button for the tool pop up, and by holding down the RMB then the LMB I can scroll the document. So what’s the use of a perfectly useful space bar when I’m not going to use it?

Is the space bar more useful when working with a Tablet? I’m getting one soon and I can see the right mouse button might be difficult to deal with when working with a tablet. Not to mention using a tablet with a third mouse button would certainly complicate things. But I can worry about all that later, I need instant gratification! :mad:

Any help would be quite… um, helpful. :smiley:

#2

Okay I’ve got another one for you guys, but I think I already know the answer. Is it possible to dock information pallets out side of the ZBrush interface? I have a Dual monitor setup and I’d like to drag my info pallets into the second monitor. I’ve enjoyed the intuitiveness of the interface, but hey real-estate is real-estate.

I’ve come to suspect that ZBrush was not originally intended for a professional work environment. It seems to me that the interface more closely resembles Bryce or Poser then a high end modeling program. Any one know the history?

#3

I believe Zbrush was designed for professional work, but I don’t believe it was designed to suit everyone coming from other pakages, such as Modo does with Maya and Lightwave users. Honestly, I’ll never quite understand why Maya users don’t do what everyone else has to- learn to use each program individually (I hear a lot of Maya users complaining all across the net, which is why I mention this). I mean, half of the so-called ‘professional’ programs out there don’t cater for XSI, so I’m left having to learn a bunch of new commands daily, or having to use Maya’s default control scheme, which I personally don’t like at all. If space bar isn’t used, is that such a big deal?

Anyhow, dual monitor support would be nice. There are times Zbrush does feel a bit cramped. And, some of Zbrush’s controls do make me scratch my head at times… as I do in many other programs. Still, I think it’s a good thing to embrace different control schemes and enjoy different workflow methodologies from time to time, which Zbrush will certainly allow you to do.

Give it time :slight_smile: Zbrush is a 2D/3D application, after all, and not everything has to be a cross between Photoshop and Maya.

#4

Hi,

Although you cannot detach the palettes from the Zbrush window you can expand the Zbrush window to cover both monitors. Then detach the interface items you need (Ctrl+Click+Drag) and place them on the secondary monitors work space.

I believe the spacebar’s right click function is, as you said, designed for tablet users. I prefer using the spacebar for scrolling the canvas and manipulating the Stencil coin. Reassigning keyboard controls for model manipulation is not possible through zscripting alone, but I would guess the forthcoming SDK will offer a solution.

I am a bit confused about the Alt+Click to move the camera. Simply clicking on the canvas will rotate the camera and Alt+Clicking will pan the camera (Although there is no camera, just your viewpoint). But maybe I misunderstood?

#5

I agree completely, except for every thing you said. :wink:

I think the reason that Maya users complain about other software is because the majority of Maya just “feels right”, it’s very logical and customizable.

I know what you’re saying though; I like the idea that programmers are smashing their heads against large heavy objects just to find a more intuitive way for the end user to work. But when an idea works other programmers should feel a deep overwhelming urge to rob the inventor blind by some how incorporating it into his/her own program.

That’s a harsh way to put it but the point is made. If the majority of users agree on the feel of an interface, then the interface is and should be emulated. ZBrush is after all a miss-match of a whole slew of programs. 3DS Max, Bryce, and Painter are the first ones off the top of my head.

Okay, wait, I had a point…

Ah, while editing/drawing I should be able to move and rotate the camera with out having to move my brush/selector.

Please oh great Pixologic gods of mighty wonder and 2.5 holiness allow the users to move points then rotate the camera with a single tap of the key board.

So far I’ve been overwhelmed by ZBrush to the point of near faint, but it’s that camera setup that snaps me back to consciousness.

I just wanted to say one last thing. Pressing Ctrl over a button to get info on the button is a god sent! I would be so lost other wise. One other thing to consider is the lack of multiple step procedures. Most tools are click and do. AWSOME! How many other modeling programs can attest to that? :smiley:

#6

See the above posting I explain my fanaticism over the camera controls.

Oh, you know I’m just ranting; I’ve only been using ZBrush for a couple days and as an avid Maya (no relation :smiley: ) user I feel convinced it has to be possible to do it MY way. But as Reactor pointed out ZBrush is still a couple shades from being mature. I’m convinced by time I’ve completely conformed to the ZBrush interface it’ll be possible to do what I’m asking.

Sigh… Oh well…

#7

I think the reason that Maya users complain about other software is because the majority of Maya just “feels right”, it’s very logical and customizable.

I could give you thousands of comments all across the 'net that say otherwise, not to mention that I found almost every aspect of Maya illogical myself (which is why I was so pleased to find XSI, which I found to be somewhat better). Of course, it’s each to their own when it comes to a control scheme. With this in mind, I think what Zbrush really needs is better customisation, and a better way of saving user preferences.

If the majority of users agree on the feel of an interface, then the interface is and should be emulated.

Maya is the most commonly used 3D suite, which is why there is a majority or users complaining. And, most of them (and excuse the bluntness of this comment) wouldn’t know a good control scheme if it smacked them 'round the back of the head. Maya is generally what students are taught to learn, and once they’re used to it, it doesn’t matter how ugly the interface is… they fight that it should stay that way.

I don’t have trouble learning ten different programs. I’m a gamer first, so I’m more than used to memorising a litteral ton of different control schemes. A program’s control scheme either works well right off the bat for me, or it doesn’t. I don’t even consider that it should be like something else.

Anyhow, please enjoy your rant. We’ve all been there :wink:

#8

IMHO ‘camera controls’ make no sense whatsoever in ZB. Go ahead, work through the tutorials and see the light! I am sure that your request is fueled by a lack of enlightenment regarding the pixol,canvas,tool concept. :wink:

Personaly, I stick with Reactors philosophie:+1:. I never really thought about the user interface in terms of grounds for discussion. It’s part of the over all functionality I have to brain muscle train. Full stop. :roll_eyes:

I am using XSI4.2,ZB2,BodyPaint3DR2,Vue5i,Poser6. When I start to create mad results because I cross used short cuts, then I know it’s time to walk the dogs:laughing:.

Material On, Material Off… young whippasnappa.
LemonNado:D

#9

Okay, I’ve grudgingly succumbed to your wily ways.

I have no problem with XSI or Bodypaint or Vue or any of the many interfaces available. My point was made, and you all took it as a big Flag with “MAYA” written across it. I think the interface is the wrong subject to argue when Maya is involved. I like the interface, but then again I am a student and don’t have much experience in high-end modeling programs. So sue me!:rolleyes:

My point was more about one function in Maya that I’ve became accustomed to. I still believe that since I am stuck with a mouse it would be easier for me to work with the Alt+mouse button to manipulate the view (like in Maya). But when I do get the Tablet I’m sure that will all change.

Thank you all for taking the time to kick that dead horse around with me! It was great fun! :smiley:

One thing that escaped my notice in all of this is that when I say “manipulate the view” I really mean “rotate zoom and move the object”. I’m use to the idea that if you’re manipulating the view you’re moving the camera (perspective view in most programs) not the subject you’re working on. Obviously ZBrush is different. I hope that didn’t cause any confusion, I’m sure at some point someone said “why would he want to rotate a canvas?”:lol:

#10

Naaaaa. I don’t even know maya except for a two day excursion after which I cannot issue a ‘judgement’.

But my point is that ZBrush is so different that you will revise your kay-mapping request once you got used to the way of ZB thinking. So don’t worry, you’ll be happy!

Cheers
LN

Back to ZBrushing… ahhhhh the addicition 8-)) …