Using ZBrush to modify CC mesh details and normal maps

You can use GoZ to transfer a CC character model to ZBrush and sculpt additional details. Afterward, you can send the updated normal maps back to Character Creator to apply changes to the character.

1. Start with a character in Character Creator.
   
2. Select your character and other accessories in the Scene panel then click the GoZ Plus icon in the top toolbar to open the GoZ Settings modal window. In this example, the base body of the model will be selected for transfer to ZBrush.
   
   
3. In the GoZ Settings modal window, enabling the Normal option will allow CC to transfer and convert the normal map of the selected mesh into mesh details in ZBrush.
   
   

   Character’s face in ZBrush with Normal disabled.	Character’s face in ZBrush with Normal enabled.

The Subdiv setting determines the initial mesh density and resolution in ZBrush. The higher the subdivision level, the more defined the mesh details will be for the subtools.


The mesh detail resolution at SDiv 1.	The mesh detail resolution at SDiv 6.

4. Leave the remaining settings at their default values, then click the GoZ button to transfer the character to ZBrush.
   
5. Select the subtool you want to edit in ZBrush, then go to Layers and turn on the recording mode of the detail layer. This will save your mesh editing in the layer, allowing for a nondestructive way of sculpting the base model.
   
6. Use the brush tools in ZBrush to sculpt and add more details.
   

   Character’s original mesh details in subdivision 6.	A scar design has been added to the model’s face in subdivision 6.

7. Once your editing is finalized, exit the detail layer’s recording mode and navigate to Zplugin > CC GoZ Plus.
   
   
   Note:

   A ZBrush GoZ crash can prevent subsequent transfers with GoZ. In this case, click the Restart CC GoZ Plus button to re-establish a connection between Character Creator and ZBrush.

8. In the CC GoZ Plus panel enable the Details > Normal feature to convert your subtools mesh details into CC normal maps.
   
   

   With Details > Normal disabled, CC normal maps will not update upon GoZ updates.	With Details > Normal enabled, ZBrush will bake the subtool mesh details into the normal maps and transfer them back to CC. This is an effective way to bring custom ZBrush detailing back into CC, such as the scarring on the face of this example character.

9. Select the map size you want for your texture maps, then click All to send your new normal maps to CC.
   
   

   Normal maps in low resolution, such as 512p, can appear pixelated and blotchy.	Normal maps in high resolution, such as 4K, will sufficiently contain all of the sculpting details, including the nuances of the skin surface.

10. When the GoZ Options modal window appears, keep the settings as they are and click the Update button.
    

The normal map of the CC character is successfully updated.