LOS ANGELES — Pixologic, Inc. (www.pixologic.com) has released ZBrush 2019, the latest version of its 2D/3D digital sculpting application. Designed for use in film, game, concept design, toys and scientific illustration, ZBrush 2019 contains new features and enhancements in rendering with the introduction of Non-Photorealistic Rendering (NPR), giving artists the ability to see their 3D artwork in a whole new way.
A sketch style replicates a hand-drawn 2D feel and look. Artists can add overlaying textures, apply halftone paper style, draw a dark outline around their 3D model or apply a number of built-in presets. Also introduced in ZBrush 2019 is an entirely new way of creating 3D models: Snapshot3D. In an earlier ZBrush version, the company introduced the capability to project any texture’s color information onto a sculpted surface, as well as to apply the same texture to the surface of any model as sculptural details. Snapshot3D evolves this feature. Users can simply create or import any gray scale image (alpha) to be converted into a 3D model (mesh). The new mesh can then serve as a base for sculpting to create intricate works of art. Artists can also apply Boolean-style additive or subtractive functions to 2D images. This newly merged image can then be converted into an original 3D model.
ZBrush 2019 offers workflow enhancements with the introduction of Folders, a file management system to help organize 3D assets visually and logically. Also new in ZBrush 2019 is Version 3.0 of the ZBrush automatic retopology solution, ZRemesher. In this third version, ZRemesher V.3.0 now maintains creased edges and automatically detects sharp surface angles, which results in better quality automatic retopology, especially for mechanical type models.
The new version adds a universal camera system. Artists can precisely match the focal length of imported photographs and 3D renders. It is also possible to export or import the ZBrush camera settings for use in any 3D application. The ZBrush universal camera offers complete control over focal length, crop factor and more.
Two new plug-ins are included with ZBrush 2019. With the ZColor plug-in, users will be able to PolyPaint their project with a set palette of colors. ZColor files can also be shared with others when you are working together.
The Intersection Masker plug-in allows users to generate a mask where geometry islands intersect on a selected SubTool. Just select a watertight SubTool that contains multiple geometry islands then click 'Create Intersection Mask'. The SubTool will be processed and a mask will be created on the SubTool where these geometry islands intersect.
Pixologic offers several subscription plans for the new release. Subscription licensing is an alternative to perpetual licenses, which will continue to be available. ZBrush retails for $895. ZBrushCore retails for $179.95. ZBrush 2019 Subscriptions are $39.95 per month (on a month to month basis), or $179.95 (every six-months).