226 chapter 7 ■ Transpose, ZSphere Rigging, Retopology, and Mesh Extraction
In previous chapters we have used Transpose for moving subtools in relation to one
another. Here we’ll combine Transpose with masking and use it as an advanced posing tool.
ZBrush allows you to create dynamic poses for your ZTools, store them in layers, and even
maintain sculpting symmetry on an asymmetrically posed model. For a video demonstrat-
ing Transpose in action, please see the accompanying DVD.The Action Line
The Transpose tool consists of a single modifier called the action line. When entering a
Transpose mode, this line will be apparent on the model (Figure 7.1); you can redraw the line
by clicking anywhere on the object, then dragging and releasing. The length of the stroke
determines the length of the action line, and the places that you start and end the line deter-
mine the pivots for rotation and scale operations. When you’re drawing an action line, it will
snap to the surface of the model underneath it and any previous action lines will be replaced.
Note that by default the size of the endpoint circles will change to help illustrate how far one
endpoint is from the viewer compared to another. This can help you spot when the transpose
line is receding into space or on a plane perpendicular to the viewer.Figure 7.1 Transpose can be used to place your characters into interesting and
dynamic poses.Transpose can be used with Symmetry on or off; with Symmetry on, an action line will
be drawn on both sides of the figure.
You can reposition the action line by clicking and dragging on the line itself or on the
yellow rim of the center circle. The circle endpoints can be adjusted by clicking on the circle,
not inside the circle, to move them in the plane of the screen (X and Y directions only).
To center an endpoint in a joint, Shift-click-rotate to snap the model to a front view
and place the endpoint. Then, Shift-rotate-snap to an orthographic side view and pull the
endpoints back to the desired placement (Figure 7.2).