SyncTools for ZBrush

🌍 Multi-DCC Platform Support

The SyncTools series extends support to major digital content creation software, including:

✅ SyncTools for Maya (Released)
✅ SyncTools for 3ds Max (Released)
✅ SyncTools for Houdini (Released)
✅ SyncTools for Cinema 4D (Released)
✅ SyncTools for Rhino (Released)
✅ SyncTools for Marvelous Designer (Released)

✅SyncTools for Unreal Engine (Released)
✅ SyncTools for Substance Painter (Released)
🛠 SyncTools for Unity (In Development)
✅ SyncTools for Zbrush (Released)

All plugins utilize a unified data exchange protocol, enabling lossless asset conversion across platforms and true multi-software collaborative workflows.

ZBrush Support

Recommended Configuration:

• Recommended Version: ZBrush 2023 (or higher)

• Minimum Compatible Version: ZBrush 2022

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows (64-bit), macOS (64-bit)

Features

SyncTools for ZBrush supports bi-directional import/export for the following 3D resource types:

• 3D Model Geometry

• Subtool Structure

• FBX Format Data Transfer

The plugin synchronizes resources using Copy and Paste operations, significantly simplifying workflows across multiple ZBrush windows or projects.

Installation Guide

1. Copy the following files into the ZBrush installation directory under ZStartup/ZPlugs64/SyncTools/ (create the folder if it does not exist):

2. Restart ZBrush, and the plugin will automatically load.

How to Use

• Open Plugin Panel: Alt + Shift + P

Key Shortcuts:

• Copy (Copy): Copies the currently selected Subtool geometry
  Shortcut: Alt + Shift + C

• Paste (Paste): Pastes the geometry into the current ZBrush scene
  Shortcut: Alt + Shift + V

Notes

• The plugin automatically creates temporary files in the background for data exchange.

• Ensure sufficient disk space (recommended at least 500MB).

• Always save your work before using the plugin to avoid unexpected data loss.

• Copy must be performed before pasting.

Common Issues & Solutions

Plugin Panel Not Displaying

• Ensure the plugin files are correctly placed in the ZPlugs64/SyncTools directory.

• Check your ZBrush version (minimum required: 2023).

• Restart ZBrush completely.

Copy Failures

• Ensure a Subtool is selected for copying.

• Check that there is sufficient disk space.

• Ensure Subtool names do not contain special characters (* ? / \ | " < > :).

Paste Failures

• Ensure a copy operation has been performed first.

• Check if the message "Buffer is empty!" appears on the interface.

• Verify that temporary files exist in the specified system path.

Data Compatibility

Supported Data Types:

• ✔ Fully Supported:

  • Basic geometry mesh

  • Subtool structure

  • FBX format data

  • Vertex positions and topology

• ⚠ Partially Supported:

  • UV mapping data

  • Polygon group information (PolyGroups)

  • Vertex color data (Polypaint)

• ✖ Not Supported:

  • ZBrush materials

  • Polygon group shading

  • Brush strokes

  • Layer information

  • Dynamic Subdivision settings

Important Notes

• Data Format: Standard FBX format is used for data transfer, ensuring broad compatibility.

• Temporary File Management: The plugin automatically creates and deletes temporary exchange files—no manual intervention required.

• Naming Convention: Avoid using special characters in filenames to prevent copy/paste failures.

• System Requirements: The plugin only supports 64-bit operating system environments.

Conclusion

SyncTools for ZBrush provides a simple and efficient way to quickly transfer 3D model data between different ZBrush instances or projects. With a one-click copy-and-paste process, it significantly enhances the convenience and productivity of multi-window and cross-project workflows.

This plugin follows the GPL open-source license and will continue to be updated and optimized. If you encounter any issues or have feature suggestions, please feel free to contact us!