ZBrush

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ZBrush 2.0

Screenshot of ZBrush 2.0
Developer:	Pixologic
Latest release:	2.0 /
OS:	Windows, Mac OS X
Use:	3D computer graphics
License:	Proprietary
Website:	Pixologic ZBrush site

ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool that combines 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing and painting. It uses a proprietary "pixol" technology which stores lighting, color, material, and depth information for all objects on the screen. Many users comment that it is similar to working with clay.

ZBrush is used as a digital sculpting tool to create high resolution models (up to 10 million polygons) for use in movies, games, and animations. It is used by companies ranging from ILM to Electronic Arts. ZBrush uses dynamic levels of resolution to allow sculptors to make global or local changes to their models. ZBrush is most known for being able to sculpt medium to high frequency details that were traditionally painted in bump maps. The resulting mesh details can then be exported as displacement/normal maps to be used on a low-res version of that same model. Or, once completed, the 3D model can be projected to the background, becoming a 2.5D image (upon which further effects can be applied). Work can begin then on another 3D model which can be used in the same scene. This feature lets users work with extremely complicated scenes without heavy processor overhead.

ZBrush is currently in Version 2.0. A 2.5 update has been in the works since 2004, and will include new features like surface and modelling rigging using its proprietary ZSpheres technology. The update will be free for registered users.