ZBrush: What Are Active Points?

Understanding Active Points in ZBrush

Active points in ZBrush are crucial for sculptors and digital artists working with 3D models. Active points refer to the vertices that contribute to the visible geometry of a mesh. When certain areas of a mesh are hidden, the count of active points will decrease accordingly. This characteristic allows artists to manage their models effectively, especially when dealing with high-detail assets.

Locating Active Points in ZBrush

To effectively monitor active points, it’s essential to know where to find this information within the ZBrush interface. To customize your workspace for better visibility of active and total point counts, follow these steps:

1. Remove the Homepage Button: Hold down the CTRL + ALT keys together and drag the ‘Homepage’ button off the canvas.
2. Adjust the Interface: With the CTRL + ALT keys still held down, click and drag existing interface elements to the left side of the screen. This will create space for the point count information.
3. View the Counts: Ensure that the total and active points are clearly visible after this adjustment.

Increasing Active Points in ZBrush

Increasing the number of active points on your 3D mesh can be achieved in a few ways. The two primary methods involve subdividing the mesh or using Dynamesh for remeshing.

1. Subdivision:

   • Select your mesh in the Tool palette.
   • Navigate to the Geometry submenu.
   • Click on the ‘Divide’ button to increase the point count. Each division doubles the active points, enhancing detail.
2. Dynamesh:
   • Activate Dynamesh by clicking the relevant button in the Geometry submenu.
   • Adjust the resolution slider to dictate the level of detail; higher values yield more active points.
   • Click ‘Dynamesh’ to remesh your model, increasing the active point count based on the set resolution.

Counting Polygons in ZBrush

To keep track of polygon counts in ZBrush, set it up to display these numbers directly on your interface:

1. Access the Preferences Menu from the main menu at the top of the screen.
2. Navigate to Miscellaneous and locate the Active Point Count option.
3. Drag this option into your custom menu or toolbar for easy access to see active and total points at a glance.

Customizing the ZBrush Layout

An organized workspace can significantly enhance productivity. Customizing the ZBrush interface allows artists to adjust and optimize their tools. Here’s how:

1. Enable the customization mode by navigating to Preferences > Config, and select Enable Customize.
2. To move any UI elements, hold down the CTRL + ALT keys.
3. Click on the item you wish to relocate and drag it to your desired position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to active points when parts of a model are hidden?

When you hide certain polygons or vertices of your model, the active point count decreases accordingly. Only the visible portions of the mesh contribute to the active point total, which is essential for performance management during the sculpting process.

Can I restore hidden geometry in ZBrush?

Yes, hidden geometry can be restored. Simply select the model and use the shortcut CTRL + SHIFT + H to reveal all hidden points in your mesh, returning the active point count to its original total.

Does high active point count affect performance in ZBrush?

Indeed, a high active point count can strain system resources, impacting ZBrush’s performance. It’s advisable to manage point counts carefully through techniques like hiding unnecessary details or progressively subdividing only when necessary. This will help maintain smoother workflow and responsiveness during the sculpting process.