STEP BY STEP PREPARE A PRINT-READY MODEL IN ZBRUSH

01 TRANSPOSE LINE UNITS

To start, import a model that you know the scale of, 10cm for example. Make sure you are in ‘Move’ mode and then drag out the transpose line and look at the units. If needed, go to Preferences and change the Transpose units to 10, and you will then be able to see 10 equal marks between the two ends of the transpose line.

02 SCALING

You can check all of your scaling in the 3D Print Hub in the Zplugins panel. You can update the scaling there and if you want to just check it, use the transpose line again on either the cube or on your model, here on this dinosaur's head. Having a scaled model that you know is correct for your type of 3D printing is fantastic for making sure that you're fitting within a known volume.

03 DECIMATE TO LOWER THE POLY COUNT

To 3D print successfully sometimes we need to lower the polygon count. We can do this using the Decimation Master script. Go to the Zplugin panel and look for Decimation Master and use Pre-process Current. When Zbrush has calculated this, use the Decimate Current option and set the size you would like it to be.

04 LIVE BOOLEAN TO FINISH

Live Boolean is great for two main things: firstly, to set a flat surface on one side of the model and secondly, to check what's going on inside a model before it is exported. Import a cube for cutting and switch the two little spheres on in the subtool panel. Then activate Live Boolean and you can move that cube around and see the Boolean result.