ZBrush Tip: IMM Brush Workflow for Precision Inserts in ZBrush

IMM Brushes are the fastest path to repeatable, production-ready detail in ZBrush. Use the tips below to place, conform, and manage inserts cleanly without breaking surface quality or scene performance.

Select and scale with intent

• Open the Brush picker (B), then I to filter; choose any IMM set and press M to display its MultiMesh selector.
• Brush size directly controls insert scale. Set an approximate size before the first click to avoid extreme scaling after placement.
• Depth control: Brush > Depth > Imbed. Positive values push inserts into the surface; negative values lift them off—crucial for rivets, bolts, and greebles.
• Orientation: Brush > Modifiers > Align to Normal for natural alignment to the target surface; disable for world-aligned inserts.

Conform inserts to curved surfaces

• Brush > Modifiers > Projection Strength determines how strongly the insert conforms. Use low-to-mid values (5–25) to prevent distortion on tight curvature.
• Enable Brush > Auto Masking > BackfaceMask when placing near thin shells to avoid poking through the opposite side.
• For final nudge, switch to Gizmo 3D; use Align to Object or Snap options for precise transforms.

Curve-based IMM for belts, cables, and seams

• Enable Stroke > Curve Mode on curve-capable IMM brushes. Adjust Curve Step for distribution density along the path.
• Tri-part IMM: Prepare your insert with three polygroups (Start/Mid/End), then enable Brush > Modifiers > Tri Parts and Weld Points for clean, seamless repeating mid-sections.
• Use Stroke > Curve > Lock Start and Lock End to preserve end fittings while editing the curve’s middle.
• Need tapered hoses/straps? Activate the curve size profile (Brush > Modifiers > Use Curve) and shape the profile for smooth tapering.
• Tip: Tap-drag on the curve to reposition; Alt-tap a curve segment to delete quickly.

Keep the base mesh clean

• After insertion, ZBrush masks one side of the operation. Use Tool > SubTool > Split > Split Unmasked Points to move inserts to their own SubTool instantly.
• Organize repetition: Tool > PolyGroups > Auto Groups to give each insert a unique polygroup; then SubTool > Split > Group Split for individual control.
• Before subdividing hard-surface inserts, apply Tool > Geometry > Crease > Crease PG to protect edges; subdivide, then uncrease selectively if needed.
• If kitbash parts are overly dense, reduce with Zplugin > Decimation Master prior to insertion to keep scene light.

Precision and speed boosters

• Use Replay Last to repeat identical insert actions rapidly on other areas.
• Create your own IMM: Select a mesh, then Brush > Create InsertMesh (or Append to MultiMesh). Save As and place in ZStartup/BrushPresets to load automatically.
• Pair IMM with Live Boolean for panel cuts: insert cutters as separate SubTools and set them to Subtractive for non-destructive negative detail.

Pro buying tip: keep your ZBrush pipeline current and well-equipped. Explore licenses, upgrades, and compatible tools at NOVEDGE. For curated ZBrush solutions and add-ons, start here: NOVEDGE ZBrush catalog.