ZBrush

How to Undo on ZBrush?

Understanding the Undo Function in ZBrush

ZBrush offers a powerful feature known as Undo History, allowing artists to revert their work to a previous state. However, using the traditional undo shortcut (Ctrl+Z) repeatedly can be cumbersome, especially when working on intricate models. To streamline this process, ZBrush incorporates a slider to navigate through the Undo History efficiently.

How to Access the Undo History

  1. Locate the Undo History Slider:
    At the top of the ZBrush interface, look for the Undo History slider. This horizontal bar serves as a visual representation of your actions.

  2. Using the Slider:

    • Click and drag the slider left or right to scroll through your previous actions. Moving it to the left will undo actions, while moving it to the right will redo them.
    • As you slide, observe the changes in your canvas or model to identify the desired state.
  3. Confirming Action:
    Once you have found the state you wish to revert to, release the slider to implement that change.

Manual Undo Method

For instances where the slider might not be ideal, manual undoing can be done as follows:

  1. Keyboard Shortcut:

    • Use the traditional undo command by pressing Ctrl + Z to revert the last action. This shortcut can be pressed multiple times for successive undo operations.
  2. Using the Undo Button:

    • Alternatively, find the Undo button located in the upper left area of the ZBrush interface. Clicking this button also undoes your last action.
  3. Tracking Progress:
    • Keep an eye on the status bar at the bottom of the interface to see messages indicating whether an action has been undone or redone.

Alternative Undo Methods

ZBrush provides various methods to ensure you can reverse actions effectively:

  • Quick Saves: Regularly utilize ZBrush’s Quick Save feature to periodically store your progress. This can serve as a fallback if you need to recover from significant mistakes.

  • Incremental Saving:
    • Use the ‘Save As’ function frequently, especially when approaching critical changes. Name the files with incremental numbers (e.g., Model_v1, Model_v2) to maintain a clear history of your work.

FAQs

1. What happens if I exceed the Undo History limit?
ZBrush has a default limit on the number of actions it can remember in the Undo History. Once this limit is reached, the oldest actions will be discarded, and you will no longer be able to revert to those states. To manage this, regularly save your work or use Quick Save to create restore points.

2. Can I recover a deleted model using Undo History?
Undo History only tracks actions taken during the current session. If a model is deleted and you have already saved or exited ZBrush, recovering it through Undo History may not be possible. It’s advisable to save different versions of your project to avoid permanent loss.

3. Are there any issues when using Undo History while working with DynaMesh or SubTools?
While using DynaMesh or working with SubTools, the Undo History function operates normally. However, complex operations might result in longer processing times when undoing. Always ensure your computer has adequate resources to handle intensive tasks if you plan to make extensive changes.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.