ZBrush Tip: Progressive Project All Workflow to Preserve Sculpt Detail and Polypaint

Project All with subdivision levels is a reliable way to transfer sculpted detail (and polypaint) from a source mesh to a new topology without losing fidelity.

• Prepare meshes:
  • Import or load both meshes as SubTools. Keep the high-resolution sculpt as the “Source” and the clean/retopologized mesh as the “Target.”
  • Ensure both are aligned in the same world space and scale. If needed, use Gizmo 3D to match position and size before projecting.
• Build subdivision levels on the Target:
  • Subdivide the Target to several levels so its highest level roughly matches or exceeds the source’s detail density.
  • Keep a low base level for stable projection and easy edits.
• Project progressively:
  • Activate the Target at its lowest subdivision level. In SubTool > Project, click Project All.
  • Increase the Target one subdivision level, Project All again, and repeat up to the highest level. This level-by-level approach minimizes ray-miss artifacts.
• Polypaint transfer:
  • Enable Colorize on the Target (Tool > Polypaint > Colorize) and make sure RGB is active. Project All will then transfer vertex color along with geometry.

Key controls to dial in clean results:

• Dist: Increase slightly if details are not reaching the Target; reduce if you see projection overshoot or cross-surface “baking.”
• PA Blur: A touch of blur helps soften harsh transitions on tight edges; keep it low to preserve crisp forms.
• Store Morph Target: At each level on the Target, store a morph target before projection so you can clean up with the Morph brush after.
• Isolate when needed: Hide non-relevant SubTools or split parts by polygroups to project complex areas in manageable chunks.

Troubleshooting and cleanup tips:

• Ears, fingers, and straps often self-intersect during projection. Temporarily isolate them and project in passes.
• If a region “collapses,” lower Dist, project again, or inflate that area slightly before re-projecting.
• Use the Project brush for local, brush-based projection where global Project All struggles.
• Solve spiky results with Smooth by Features, then re-project at the current level.
• To fix subtle imprints, lightly Morph-brush back toward the stored target, then re-project with a refined Dist value.

When to use this workflow:

• After external retopology or ZRemesher, to recover high-res sculpt fidelity on clean topology.
• When replacing a base mesh while preserving sculpt and polypaint.
• For variant meshes (e.g., costume changes) that share overall form but need consistent detail.

Pro move: Keep incremental versions at key projection stages and compare results to avoid compounding artifacts.

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