Live Boolean
Non-destructive Boolean operations in ZBrush
Also known as: ZBrush Live Boolean · ZBrush Boolean · ZBrush SubTool Boolean · ZBrush Make Boolean Mesh · ZBrush Boolean not working
Definition
Live Boolean is a ZBrush mode that previews Boolean operations between SubTools in real time. You set each SubTool to Add, Subtract or Intersect in the SubTool palette, turn on Live Boolean, and the combined result shows immediately while the SubTools stay editable. When the result is right, Make Boolean Mesh creates a real, new mesh from it. It is a fast way to cut shapes and build hard-surface forms.
In production
Keep the shapes closed and clean, since Boolean operations fail or leave holes on open or overlapping geometry, and use DynaMesh or ZRemesher on the result when the topology is messy. Name the SubTools and order them from top to bottom, because order affects the result. It works well for cuts, holes, panels and combining forms, and then ZRemesher and Project All can bring clean topology and detail back.
