Burning Questions: What are ZSpheres in ZBrush?

ZSpheres is a powerful, flexible sculpting tool in ZBrush that allows users to create a base mesh for organic-looking character models, which can then be skinned. This is a one-of-a-kind technology, and there’s no other tool like ZSpheres in any other 3D software. You’re in luck though because ZBrush is easy to learn and use. The workflow is a bit different from other 3D programs but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be creating models with ZSpheres in no time.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth a million! Instead of going into a detailed explanation of how ZSpheres work and what they can do, check out these examples of ZSpheres can do and then check out the Getting Started videos below. What I want to make sure is emphasized is how easy ZBrush is to use and how quickly models can be created with the sketch tools in ZBrush. All of the tutorials here are introductory, so if you’re thinking of learning a 3D program but you’re afraid of the learning curve, ZBrush can be as easy as painting.

Examples of ZSphere-created Models

Getting Started

First, check out the ZSphere’s page on the Pixologic website. There are some cool images on the page as well.

• Basic Controls in ZSpheres – a basic tutorial from Pixologic to get your started.
• A Basic Introduction To Working With ZSpheres In ZBrush 4
• ZSphere Base Head Workflow by Duncan Fraser – an image guide on Deviant Art
• Getting Started with ZSpheres – Tutorials from the ZClassroom

Using ZSpheres to Create a Base Mesh – ZBrush

ZBrush 4r6 ZSphere Tips & Tricks HD

ZBrush Tutorial (Sketching with ZSpheres Basics) – Intro to ZSphere Sketching

ZBrush Tutorial-How to use ZSphere mesh and Dynamesh

Hand Sculpting in ZBrush with ZSpheres

Jurassic Park inspired Velociraptor with ZBrush

Lion-Arts presents: Make a Jurassic Park inspired Velociraptor with tutorial.