How to Export From Zbrush to Marmoset?

Understanding the Export Process from ZBrush

Exporting your models from ZBrush to Marmoset Toolbag is a crucial step for showcasing your 3D creations in real-time rendering environments. This process involves a few key steps that ensure both geometry and textures are transferred correctly for optimal visual results.

Step 1: Prepare Your Model in ZBrush

Before exporting, ensure your model is finalized. Check that you’ve completed all sculpting details, painted textures, and created any necessary UV maps. If your model has multiple SubTools, consider merging them if they will be treated as a single mesh in Marmoset. This can be done by navigating to the SubTool menu, selecting the tools you want to combine, and using the ‘Merge Down’ function.

Step 2: Export Your Model as an OBJ File

1. Go to the Tool palette in ZBrush.
2. Select your model.
3. Click the ‘Export’ button located in the Tool palette.
4. Choose the file type as OBJ (Wavefront Object). Using the OBJ format is ideal because Marmoset supports it seamlessly.
5. Name your file and choose a save location.

Ensure to export it with texture maps if you’ve painted in ZBrush. This can be done by exporting and ensuring that you select the “Export Textures” option if prompted.

Step 3: Setting Up Textures for Export

To maintain the colors and details of your model, export the texture maps alongside the OBJ file:

1. Navigate to the Texture Map panel in the Tool palette.
2. Save each texture by selecting it, followed by the export button. This typically includes maps like Diffuse, Normal, and Specular maps.
3. Ensure that textures are in a compatible format, such as PNG or JPEG, which Marmoset supports.

Step 4: Importing into Marmoset Toolbag

1. Open Marmoset Toolbag.
2. Select ‘Import’ from the main menu or drag your OBJ file directly into the viewport.
3. Once imported, Marmoset will prompt you to locate the texture files. Browse to find the textures you exported from ZBrush.
4. After importing, ensure that the model and textures are correctly applied. Check the materials to make adjustments if necessary.

Step 5: Setting Up Materials in Marmoset

After importing, Marmoset allows you to tweak the materials to achieve the desired look:

1. Access the Materials tab to modify properties such as Diffuse color, Specular level, and Normal map strength.
2. Adjust the lighting in the scene to test how the model interacts with different light sources.
3. Use Marmoset’s powerful rendering tools to enhance the final look, adjusting effects like Ambient Occlusion and Screen Space Reflections.

FAQ Section

Q1: What file formats can I export from ZBrush for use in Marmoset?
A1: You can export your ZBrush model as an OBJ file. It’s also recommended to export texture files in formats like PNG or JPEG for optimal compatibility in Marmoset.

Q2: Do I need to bake textures in ZBrush before exporting?
A2: While not strictly necessary, baking your textures can ensure they are properly optimized and more easily managed in Marmoset, especially for Normal and Ambient Occlusion maps.

Q3: Can I use GoZ to streamline my workflow between ZBrush and Marmoset?
A3: Currently, GoZ does not provide direct support for Marmoset. However, for direct integration with compatible applications (like Sketchfab), you may consider using GoZ to simplify the export process for those platforms. The OBJ export remains the most reliable method for Marmoset.