The ZBrush 2021.7 update introduced new Knife brushes, for cutting geometry along a path. KnifeCurve cuts along the Curve’s stroke line, KnifeLasso along the lasso selection line.
Unlike the existing Trim Curve brushes, they can be used with symmetry and the new topology created by the cut consists mostly of quadrilaterals, except for the odd triangle where the new surface meets the old one.
The update also adds two new Bevel brushes, BevelArc and BevelFlat, to bevel the edges of the model using a brush-based workflow rather than by entering parameter values for the Bevel deformer.
Another feature noted in the release is Stager, a feature that allows you to save the position, rotation and scale of any auxiliary tool in two states: the home state and the target state. Users can then switch between the two stages at will.
New sculpting features include Stroke Interpolate, which creates an array of brush strokes with regular spacing between the two original strokes.
The shape of the created strokes seamlessly transforms between the two original strokes, allowing you to create detail patterns that match the contours of the surface.
Among the workflow enhancements is “adjust last”, which lets you adjust the intensity of the previous sculpting, painting, or masking stroke without having to undo and redo it.
This improvement can also be used for an entire series of strokes between points selected in the undo history.
In addition, the new mask change points and group change points convert the previous stroke to a mask or a new polygroup.
Also noted is the ability to switch between palettes using the mouse scroll wheel and to mirror Polypaint strokes or drawn masks on topologically symmetric meshes, even after they have been created.
ZBrush 2021.7 is available for 64-bit Windows Vista and later or Mac OS X 10.11 and later. The cost of the new perpetual license is $895. Subscription costs $39.95 per month or $179.95 for six months.
For existing users, the upgrade is free.
