DecoCurve Brushes
3D DecoCurve Brushes with Alpha
DecoCurve brushes simulate the effects from the classic 2.5D Deco tool, but as a true 3D sculpting & painting brush. These brushes use Stroke >> Curve Mode functionality to simulate the natural application of an alpha projection onto the surface.
DecoCurve Brushes & How They Work
ZBrush offers two types of DecoCurve brushes: DecoCurveDots and DecoCurveDragDots. Each of these brushes uses a different Stroke type to affect how the alpha is projected onto the surface.
1. DecoCurve Dots
This brush type uses the CurveStep, Bend, and Snap options found in Stroke >> Curve >> Curve Mode. It also utilizes the Dots stroke type. It functions by projecting the selected alpha along the curve path.
This brush has the arrow alpha selected by default. Since this brush uses the Dots stroke, the alpha will be repeatedly drawn along the curve path. The result will be a softer projection with less definition of the alpha’s original shape. In effect, this brush uses the alpha to create a nearly seamless repeated alpha texture.
While dragging the curve start and end points, the alpha will leave a trail of sculpted details along its path. You can continue dragging the curve along a new path for further additions or subtractions.
As you continue to drag the curve line for sculpting, you have the option to change the selected alpha for different projection effects.
2. DecoCurveDragDots
This brush type uses the CurveStep, Bend, and Snap options found in the Stroke >> Curve >> Curve Mode sub-palette. It also utilizes the DragDots stroke type. It functions by projecting the alpha along a curve line path.
By default, this brush has the arrow alpha selected. After drawing a curve line on the surface of the model, clicking and dragging the ends of the curve line will begin the projection of a single instance of the alpha along the curve line while also moving it along the mesh surface. This brush curve can be modified further with adjustments to the Stroke >> Curve Mode options.
As this this brush utilizes the DragDots stroke type, the single instance of the alpha shape is drawn as the alpha image sits from bottom to top, along the curve line path from start to finish
While a single curve line is drawn with an alpha projected along the curve, you have the option to change the selected alpha. Dragging the curve will update the projection of the alpha on the surface for a different effect.