Datasheet

12 ■ Chapter 1: Sculpting Tools and Workflow
Depth
The Depth feature was introduced in ZBrush 3.5r3. It is located in the Brush
➔
Depth sub-
palette (see Figure 1.12) and is a change from ZBrush 3.1, where Brush
➔
Brush Modifier
was sometimes used for this purpose. Now Depth is a major new feature that affects the
entire spectrum of your brush’s behavior.
What does Depth do? To understand it better, you should be clear that a brush in
ZBrush is a 3D sphere. The red circle that encompasses your brush shows the brush size,
but it doesn’t indicate the real spherical nature of a brush. All
the variations and modifications of the brush take place within
this sphere of activity. As you brush along the model, this sphere
is dragged along the surface. In thin areas of your model it will
affect the other side as well.
Depth either raises this sphere above or lowers it below the
surface of your model, as shown in Figure 1.13. Now, I know
what you are thinking. You’re thinking, “Isn’t that what Z
Intensity does? Doesn’t Z Intensity decide how far up or down my brush pushes the sur-
face of the model?” Well, in short, no. Z Intensity is something else entirely!
Think about it this way. Depth + DrawSize defines the outer limits of your brush’s
intensity. DrawSize defines how large an area your brush will affect. Depth defines
where, along the normal that area will intersect with your model, as well as the maxi-
mum distance the brush will push or pull the form.
Depth = 0 Depth = 15Depth = 15
Figure 1.12
The Depth
subpalette
Figure 1.13
The effects of Depth