3d coat alphas how to#

Now regarding the Imbed function, this function is directly related to the Brush (controlling the deformation intensity of the brush on the surface of the mesh). Thanks to this function users can adjust the midpoint tone, or neutral intensity, of a surface displacement. Therefore, in order for the artists to repair the edges around the alpha (stair step appearance) and problems related to the deformation of the mesh surface caused by the inflate inward and inflate out of the surface it is essential to use the Midvalue function.īecause these problems are caused by the MidValue level of gray and it is this MidValue function that controls these gray tones. The midvalue is directly related to the gray level of the Alpha image. Let me explain the Midvalue in a simpler way. Setting Mid Value between 0 and 1 allows you to sculpting in and out at the same time. If set to 0, then black is considered zero displacement and all sculpting will push out of the model.

If set to 1, then white is considered zero displacement and all sculpting will push in on the model. Mid Value set the zero displacement value. The Midvalue function is located in the Alpha> Modify sub-palette: Hi may appear to be related functions, but in fact MidValue and Imbed have distinct features but they influence the surface of the mesh. Is this request related to this feature ?Ġ001153: Add controls to place the brush relative to the mesh surface (Imbed) In Video, in this example, when midvalue has a value of 0 in ZB it has the same result as FallOff of 3D-Coat with a high value, which results in the out-inflated surface. Please watch and if you want to speed up the video so you do not get bored, just be aware of Midvalue values. In the video, I show the difference of this function between ZBrush and 3D-Coat. I made this video to demonstrate to all of you why the MidValue function is essential and important. The image bellow I'm trying to show the importance of MidValue to fix possibles problems with the alphas: This makes me completely sad because I would like to do all my work within 3D-Coat because 3D-Coat is my main program.Īt the moment, unfortunately, I do not like to say this, but I have to agree with many other artists that I listen to that they use the competing program to detail their characters because they have the means to do so.

I know it's annoying to say that, but unfortunately if I do not figure out a way to detail my characters inside 3D-Coat, I'm going to have to use another program for that.

3d coat alphas how to#

Sometimes alphas textures (displacements) bought on websites when they are used inside 3D-Coat have the same IMAGE effects as I did (above picture) because there is no function inside 3D-Coat that controls Midvalue.Īnd to be very honest with you, I do not know how to fix the Alphas in an external program, even though I know that 127, 127, 127 (gray) is the point of no deformation. If the user does not have a control similar to MidValue, it will be very difficult for the artist to perform his quality work within 3D-Coat and this will cause the artist to try to do his work in another program.Īnd more complicated is the artist who has no knowledge of trying to fix the alpha in an external program just because of MidValue.

It is very complicated for an artist to use alphas to detail a character without having control of how the alpha will deform the surface of the mesh. From what I know, there is no control to solve this within 3D-Coat. If you do not use Falloff, the alpha will look rectangular step inward or outward. To apply detailing on a character is virtually impossible, because there is no way to control the alpha on the surface of a flattened way, ie only the detailing on the surface without inflating and deforming the the surface of the character. The result is a surface inflated inward or inflated outwards. I'm trying to use Falloff to try to control Alpha's MidValue.