Pixologic is pleased to release ZBrush 2021. This new version will provide a number of powerful features that can revolutionize the way that you work!
These features were unveiled in our live stream:
Introducing Dynamics
Enhance your sculpting with a Dynamics system that allows any surface to be contracted, expanded, inflated or draped with gravity. Use masking to pin a portion of the mesh to create a point of interest or use a mask to create a unique interaction that can allow the surface to be rolled on itself. Create realistic cloth folds - even on a low resolution plane. Place your mesh, turn on the collision volume and any desired controls, then watch as ZBrush drapes the cloth mesh over any other visible meshes.
Controlled Cloth Sculpting
Special brushes have been introduced which use the Dynamics engine to give unique capabilities for interacting with the cloth surface. As examples, you can choose where folds will lay or simply grab the geometry to move it freely in the work space and create folds in real-time. GIF The ClothTwister brush simulates twisted cloth. ClothWind allows directional movement. ClothPinchTrails will create a seam with pinched cloth wherever your brush stroke takes place on the surface.
Dynamic Subdiv Revisited
Dynamic Subdiv provides a working preview of your subdivision levels without actually increasing the base polygon count. This feature is now taken a step further by allowing you to add an adjustable thickness to any single piece of planar geometry.
A piece of geometry can also be added to each polygon as a completely interactive instance. Select from the library of presets to make a surface look like canvas or denim jeans. Even select a piece of armor to create repeatable chainmail.
Performance
Even more performance enhancements have now been added to ZBrush. We revisited the systems behind the sculpting brushes along with many other popular features. Speed has increased across all sectors, including faster response time with high polygon models, increased DynaMesh speed and much more. In addition, a new Optimal option for smart management of multithreading will always maintain the right amount of threads ZBrush needs with your system for the best performance.
ZModeler Upgraded
New functions have been added to the already powerful ZModeler brush system.
Extrude Edge
Itâs never been easier to build a plane up into what you imagine or construct a completely new piece of geometry that fits into an existing sculpt. The new Edge Extrude feature gives you the ability to build with one edge, multiple edges, complete edge loops and/or polyloops â with interactive edge snapping. Not only can you extrude an edge to snap to the adjacent face but you can enable SnapToSurface to allow the new edges to snap to an underlying surface.
Equidistance Inset
With Equidistant Inset you can inset a single polygon or region of polygons and all newly created topology will be equidistant from the existing topology. The result is a perfect new set of polygons.
NanoMesh Modifications
Continuing to expand on the already powerful instancing system of NanoMesh, ZBrush 2021 now gives you the ability to edit the instance mesh while it is in place within the scene. Combining Split Screen with NanoMesh, this throws wide open your ability to create and adjust without adding unwieldy numbers of polygons.
iMage 3D GIF and PNG Format
The iMage 3D format provides a unique way to share both an image of your work and the 3D model itself with others, all in a single GIF or PNG file. This file can be posted on any website where it will appear as a regular 2D image and once opened in ZBrush the complete model with all itâs SubTools is ready to edit.
Check out the many community sculpts waiting for you in ZBrushCentralâs iMage 3D Community Expo!
Release Notes
Additional features:
- Variable Cursor Size adjustment
- ZModeler Point Move SnapToSurface Option has been added.
- File extensions Collada (DAE) and Alembic (ABC) import/export capabilities
- Stroke additions:
- Jitter feature allows an alpha to bounce along a stroke path.
- Imperfection feature applies a surface noise to the stroke.
Availability
ZBrush 2021 is a FREE UPGRADE for all registered ZBrush users. It is also available for new users to purchase immediately.
Purchasing
ZBrush 2021 may be purchased from our online store for immediate download.
It may also be purchased from any of our authorized resellers.
ZBrushCore users can move up to ZBrush 2021.
Upgrading
Please see our Knowledgebase Article for detailed instructions on how to upgrade, based upon your license type and current version number.
Issues?
If you have any issues with upgrading or with the new features, please post in ZBrush Help & Support or start a Support conversation. Please note that account and login issues can only be handled via a Support conversation. Thank you.
Demo Videos
Michael Pavlovich has created a series of brief videos that show the new ZBrush 2021 features in use. Watch them now to be inspired!
Dynamics Simulation, Collision Simulation, Surface Snapping, Edge Extrusion, Auto Welding, Cloth TransPose,
Equidistant Insets, MicroPoly, Dynamic Thickness, Dynamics Physics, Edge Extrusion
MicroPoly, Cloth Brushes, Dynamic Thickness, Dynamic Simulation Inflate
Dynamic Simulation, Simulation Brushes, Dynamic Thickness, Edge Extrusion Surface Snapping
Dynamics Simulation, Dynamic Cloth Brushes, MicroPoly, Custom MicroPoly, Physics Simulation, Unweld All, Dynamic Thickness, Twist Cloth Brush
Dynamics Car Crash
Happy ZBrushing! 
