ZBrushCentral

Unwrapping 3D tool into 2.5D?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi all,

I have a fairly large digital 3D scan (200meg+), I converted the stl file into an obj, then into zbrush and retopologized it. I would like to unwrap this 3D model(tool) into a flat plane keeping all of the texture accurately. I only have a vague idea about normal maps and displacement maps and I was hoping someone could steer me in the right direction here or tell me not to waste my time if it is impossible…

The model in question has a relief scene carved around it, the shape is like an organic, slightly boxed column. I would like to lay it out totally flat but keeping the texture, if I could do this 2d only that would be OK but 2.5D would be much better. I also need to do this in zbrush/ rhino/ photoshop, no access to max, modo etc…

Unfortunately I cannot post an image of the object in question since it has not been published yet.

As always any advice is greatly aprreciated!

#2

Cylindrical mapping sounds like the right mapping method for you. I assume you’ve projected the details from the original onto the new topology? In that case, go to level 1 and create a displacement map.

Once the displacement map has been created, choose a material and select the map from the Alpha palette. Then press Alpha>Crop and Fill. This will convert the map into a 2.5D spread on your canvas with all the details from the sculpture.

#3

Thanks Aurick I’ll give it a try.

Does this method stretch the geometry at all?

#4

Only if your UV’s are stretched. But since you say your model is a cylinder, cylindrical mapping would not have any stretching.

#5

It’s actually more of an organic long rectangular box, would cylindrical mapping work still or could I also do a box map?

#6

I can’t answer that question, since I can’t see the model. Only you can determine which mapping method is best for you. What you need is the one that will give you the least amount of distortion based on the shape of the model.

#7

Understood. Thanks for the help!