To utilize the Redshift features introduced in this August 2022 update, specific hardware requirements became more stringent:
Released in late 2022, ZBrush 2022.0.8 represents the final major stable build of the 2022 series. It focuses less on groundbreaking new tools (which debuted in 2022.0 and 2022.5) and more on performance optimization, bug fixes, and workflow polishing. For professional artists, this is the "safe" version to use for production.
ZBrush 2022.0.8 marked a pivotal update in the ZBrush 2022 lifecycle. While initially a point-release version number, it introduced major backend rendering changes by integrating Maxon’s Redshift GPU renderer. This update transitionized ZBrush towards a more modern, physically based rendering (PBR) workflow, bridging the gap between sculpting and final presentation. Additionally, it introduced quality-of-life sculpting tools and a UI refresh.
Beyond the architectural changes, the update introduced several quality-of-life improvements that streamlined the sculpting process:
In ZBrush 2022, the Draft Analysis tool is a critical feature for artists designing models for manufacturing, particularly 3D printing and injection molding. It provides a visual heat map to identify "undercuts"—areas where a model might get stuck in a two-part mold. Key Functions of Draft Analysis zbrush 202208 new
Visual Feedback: It uses color coding to show which parts of your sculpt face the correct direction for molding. Typically, green and red indicate the two halves of the mold, while yellow identifies problematic areas that need adjustment.
Real-Time Sculpting: You can keep the analysis active while you work. Using the Flatten or Smooth brushes allows you to instantly see yellow areas turn green as you remove undercuts.
Set Direction: You can define the "pull direction" for the mold by orienting your model in the viewport and clicking Set Draft Angle in the Transform menu. How to Use Draft Analysis Open the Menu: Navigate to the Transform palette.
Enable Analysis: Click Draft Analysis to turn on the overlay. If the model looks dark, ensure Polyframe mode (Shift+F) is active. To utilize the Redshift features introduced in this
Adjust the View: Use the Draw Draft Analysis button to toggle the visibility of the color map.
Set the Angle: Snap your model to the desired camera angle (e.g., side view) and press Set Direction to align the analysis with that specific pull axis. Other Notable Features in ZBrush 2022
Visibility Sets: You can now save and recall up to eight different subtool visibility configurations (V1–V8), making it much faster to jump between complex parts of a character or scene.
ZModeler Inset Improvements: The Inset action in ZModeler was updated to allow for more precise control over polygon regions and borders. 037 Zbrush 2020 Draw Draft Analysis In ZBrush 2022 , the Draft Analysis tool
For miniature painters and toy designers, this is a game changer.
New Export Option:
When you go to File > Export As > STL/OBJ, a new checkbox appears: "Export Hollowed."
This update subtly introduces the Maxon One ecosystem.
ZRemesher has been a staple for years, but it famously struggled with hard-surface creases. If you told ZRemesher to retopologize a cube with bevels, it would round the corners.
In ZBrush 2022.08:
You can now draw Curve Guides (Brush: CurveGuide) directly on the mesh before hitting ZRemesher. You can lock specific edge loops. For example, draw a green curve around a mechanical panel line, and ZRemesher will force a polygon edge to follow that exact path.
Result: Mechanical retopology is now actually viable inside ZBrush without jumping to Maya or Blender.