ZBrush

ZBrush is a digital sculpting and painting program developed by Pixologic, used to create high-resolution 3D models for film, games, and collectible figurines. It emphasizes freeform sculpting and texturing workflows that allow artists to push very fine details onto models.

The software relies on pixol-based technology, where each point on a surface stores information about color, depth, and material. This enables extremely dense geometry and dynamic workflows. Key features include Dynamesh for dynamic tessellation while sculpting, ZRemesher for automatic retopology, ZSpheres for quick base meshes, and SubTools for managing multiple objects. Polygroups help organize geometry, and a range of brushes supports various sculpting styles and fine detail work.

ZBrush also offers substantial painting and texturing capabilities. Polypaint allows painting directly on the sculpt without UVs, while UV Master provides tools for creating UV layouts. Spotlight enables image-based texture projection, and Transpose Master helps pose connected parts of a model. GoZ facilitates seamless transfer of models and data to and from other 3D packages such as Maya, 3ds Max, and Cinema 4D.

Rendering and interoperability are supported through the built-in Best Preview Render (BPR) engine, along with export options for standard formats like OBJ, FBX, and STL. ZBrush projects commonly export ZTL (ZBrush Tool) files that store all sculpting data, and SubTools can be exported as separate assets for production pipelines.

ZBrush is widely used in the entertainment industry for character modeling, creature design, and hallmarked as a tool capable of producing highly detailed digital sculptures, textures, and prototypes, as well as for 3D printing and experimental artwork.