Zbrush Ctrl N

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Zbrush Ctrl N

Clear the canvas with CTRL-N Fill = CTRL-F. That damn Transpose tool. Zbrush goes through the process and merge all the visible subtools to create a single subtool. Hi, I'm facing a heavy problem in Zbrush 4R4. I can't use the normal ctrl + Z hotkey to undo my work. I also see that the old undo and redo buttons. When loading a saved tool back into ZBrush, the tool will be added to the current scene/project. Ctrl-N: Clear Window (Clear Layer) Creating a new tool. Choose a Tool from the Lightbox or from the Tool Palette; Select the DragRect Brush; Drag out an object with the tool (shift-drag to orient object) Enter EDIT mode by clicking the Edit. 3 ZB 4r7 - W mac oS X & WindoWS verSion of ZBruSh® Instead of the Windows Ctrl key, the Macintosh uses the Command (Apple) Key. This documentation will always refer to using the Ctrl key name, although it may sometimes. Ctrl+Shift+T: Save tool: X: Activate Symmetry: Ctrl+P: Set Pivot Point: Shift+P: Clear Pivot Point: Shift+S: Snapchat a version to canvas: Shift+F: Show/hide Polyframe and Polygroups: N: List All Subtools.
My notes on ZBrush keyboard shortcuts (hotkeys) and control. This page is derived largely from the ZBrush Online Documentation, © 2020 by Pixologic, Inc. I have reproduced much of the Keyboard Shortcut documentation here for the purpose of personal study and with the hope of adding additional notes that may be helpful to others who, like me, are new to the software.
General shortcutsActionKey(s)
Open ProjectCTRL + O
Save ProjectCTRL + S
UndoCTRL + Z
RedoSHIFT + CTRL + Z
Popup selection (on PC only)Tools – F1
Brushes – F2
Strokes – F3
Alphas – F4
Textures – F5
Materials – F6 (with cursor off canvas area)
Show QuickMenuSPACE or right-click
Show/hide floating palettesTAB
Show item description (when Popup Info is switched on)CTRL + cursor over item; When Popup Info is switched on.
Show alternative item descriptionCTRL + ALT + cursor over item
Assign custom hotkeyCTRL+ ALT + click on item; Stores hotkeys in Preferences > Hotkeys submenu
Projection MasterG
Lightbox and SpotlightActionKey(s)
Show/hide Lightbox, (comma key)
load selected itemdouble-click on Lightbox thumbnail; Texture / Alphas will be loaded into Spotlight if it is active.
Turn on/off SpotlightSHIFT + Z
Show/hide Spotlight DialZ
Edit mode Navigationwith a 3D mesh in Edit mode..
ActionKey(s)
Free RotateClick & drag Background
MoveAlt + Click ∓ drag Background
Constrain to 90-degree rotationClick + drag, press SHIFT
ScaleALT + Click, Release ALT, drag Background
Rotate around Z-axisSHIFT, Click, release SHIFT, drag
 (For best results turn off RightClick Navigation in the Preferences > Interface menu.) Right-Click NavigationTurn on RightClick Navigation in the Preferences > Interface menu.
ActionKey(s)
MoveALT + right-click & drag (can be over the model)
ScaleCTRL + right-click & drag (can be over the model)
Rotateright-click & drag (can be over the model)
TransposeWith a 3D mesh in Edit mode, press W (Move), E (Scale), or R (Rotate), then click and drag to draw the orange action line.
Click on the mesh to reposition the action line aligned to the surface normal.
To align to an axis, click the end of the red, green or blue axis line.
ActionKey(s)
Move action line while drawingHold SPACE
Move action line after drawingclick + drag orange line or center orange ring
Change action line end point positionclick + drag orange end ring
Toggle between the Transpose line and Gizmo 3DY; while in Move, Scale, or Rotate mode
Quick tip: in Move/Scale mode, ALT + click + drag on the mesh (not on action line) to move or scale mesh
Inner (red/white) ring actionsThese actions apply to the inner red or white rings of the action line. The terms center or end refer to the position on the line.
ActionKey(s)
Move mode – W
Moveclick + drag center
Duplicate meshCTRL + click + drag center
Bend meshALT + click + drag center or end point
Stretch meshdrag end point furthest from mesh
Flatten meshdrag end point next to mesh
Inflateright-click + drag end ring furthest from mesh
Create Edgeloop & extrudewith partially masked mesh, hold CTRL and click + drag center point
Scale – E
Scaleclick + drag end point in line direction
Scale along axisclick + drag center point
Create Edgeloop and deflate / inflatewith partially masked mesh, hold CTRL and click + drag center point
Rotate – R
Rotate around end pointclick + drag other end point
Rotate around action lineclick + drag center
Joint bendALT + click + drag end point (rotation around same point)
Sculpting and PaintingActionKey(s)
Draw SizeS
Focal ShiftO
RGB IntensityI
Z IntensityU
Increase Draw Size by set units]; set increment in the Zplugin > Misc Utilities > Brush Increment slider
Decrease Draw Size by set units[; set increment in the Zplugin > Misc Utilities >Brush Increment slider
Edit mode on/offT
DrawQ
MoveW
ScaleE
RotateR
Toggle ZAdd and ZSubALT; While brushing on a model, hold down ALT to toggle from ZAdd to ZSub.
Sculpting BrushesEach brush has its own keyboard shortcut combo. You can learn them by pressing B to bring up the brushpalette, then a letter like C (to filter by all brushes starting with C), and then the letterindicated in the top left of the brush icon in to brush palette. Following are some key combos for some common, but not all, brushes..
ActionKey Sequence
Show Brush pop-upB
Clay BuildupB - C - D
ClayLineB - C - L
ClipCurveB - C - C
Damien Standard (dam std)B - D - S
InflateB - I - N
MoveB - M - V
Move ElasticB - M - E
MPolishB - M - P
Smooth StrongerB - S - S
SpiralB - S - A to select the brush.
Hold down ALT to spiral in the opposite direction.
Standard BrushB - S - T
ZModelerB - Z - M to select the brush.
When using this brush, hover over a point, edge, or face on a PolyMesh3D object and then press SPACE to display the ZModeler context menu.
InsertMultiMesh brushesActionKey(s)
Show all meshes in brushM

Action	Key(s)
Open Project	`CTRL` + `O`
Save Project	`CTRL` + `S`
Undo	`CTRL` + `Z`
Redo	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + `Z`
Popup selection (on PC only)	Tools – `F1` Brushes – `F2` Strokes – `F3` Alphas – `F4` Textures – `F5` Materials – `F6` (with cursor off canvas area)
Show QuickMenu	`SPACE` or right-click
Show/hide floating palettes	`TAB`
Show item description (when Popup Info is switched on)	`CTRL` + cursor over item; When Popup Info is switched on.
Show alternative item description	`CTRL` + `ALT` + cursor over item
Assign custom hotkey	`CTRL`+ `ALT` + click on item; Stores hotkeys in Preferences > Hotkeys submenu
Projection Master	`G`

Action	Key(s)
Show/hide Lightbox	`,` (comma key)
load selected item	double-click on Lightbox thumbnail; Texture / Alphas will be loaded into Spotlight if it is active.
Turn on/off Spotlight	`SHIFT` + `Z`
Show/hide Spotlight Dial	`Z`

Action	Key(s)
Free Rotate	Click & drag Background
Move	`Alt` + Click ∓ drag Background
Constrain to 90-degree rotation	Click + drag, press `SHIFT`
Scale	`ALT` + Click, Release `ALT`, drag Background
Rotate around Z-axis	`SHIFT`, Click, release `SHIFT`, drag

Action	Key(s)
Move	`ALT` + right-click & drag (can be over the model)
Scale	`CTRL` + right-click & drag (can be over the model)
Rotate	right-click & drag (can be over the model)

Action	Key(s)
Move action line while drawing	Hold `SPACE`
Move action line after drawing	click + drag orange line or center orange ring
Change action line end point position	click + drag orange end ring
Toggle between the Transpose line and Gizmo 3D	`Y`; while in Move, Scale, or Rotate mode

Action	Key(s)
Move mode – `W`
Move	click + drag center
Duplicate mesh	`CTRL` + click + drag center
Bend mesh	`ALT` + click + drag center or end point
Stretch mesh	drag end point furthest from mesh
Flatten mesh	drag end point next to mesh
Inflate	right-click + drag end ring furthest from mesh
Create Edgeloop & extrude	with partially masked mesh, hold `CTRL` and click + drag center point
Scale – `E`
Scale	click + drag end point in line direction
Scale along axis	click + drag center point
Create Edgeloop and deflate / inflate	with partially masked mesh, hold `CTRL` and click + drag center point
Rotate – `R`
Rotate around end point	click + drag other end point
Rotate around action line	click + drag center
Joint bend	`ALT` + click + drag end point (rotation around same point)

Action	Key(s)
Draw Size	`S`
Focal Shift	`O`
RGB Intensity	`I`
Z Intensity	`U`
Increase Draw Size by set units	`]`; set increment in the Zplugin > Misc Utilities > Brush Increment slider
Decrease Draw Size by set units	`[`; set increment in the Zplugin > Misc Utilities >Brush Increment slider
Edit mode on/off	`T`
Draw	`Q`
Move	`W`
Scale	`E`
Rotate	`R`
Toggle ZAdd and ZSub	`ALT`; While brushing on a model, hold down ALT to toggle from ZAdd to ZSub.

Action	Key Sequence
Show Brush pop-up	`B`
Clay Buildup	`B` - `C` - `D`
ClayLine	`B` - `C` - `L`
ClipCurve	`B` - `C` - `C`
Damien Standard (dam std)	`B` - `D` - `S`
Inflate	`B` - `I` - `N`
Move	`B` - `M` - `V`
Move Elastic	`B` - `M` - `E`
MPolish	`B` - `M` - `P`
Smooth Stronger	`B` - `S` - `S`
Spiral	`B` - `S` - `A` to select the brush. Hold down `ALT` to spiral in the opposite direction.
Standard Brush	`B` - `S` - `T`
ZModeler	`B` - `Z` - `M` to select the brush. When using this brush, hover over a point, edge, or face on a PolyMesh3D object and then press `SPACE` to display the ZModeler context menu.

Action	Key(s)
Show all meshes in brush	`M`

Changing the Brush hotkeys (pop-up palette)Here is what you have to do:
Press B to bring up the brush palette.
Then click or press the letter that you want to narrow down to, in this example press C.
With C selected all you will see is the brushes that start with C. You will see the next letter that selects the brush.
At this point you can hold CTRL + ALT to change the shortcut to whatever you want by just clicking on the brush and then click your new shortcut.
NOTE: Keep in mind that when you do this ZBrush automatically replaces the shortcut of another brush if you select a shortcut that is already assigned.
ColorActionKey(s)
Select Color under cursorC
Switch ColorV
StrokeActionKey(s)
Lazy mouseL; Toggles the lazy mouse mode.
Replay Last Stroke1; This is very handy to use after pressing CTRL, and moving a subtool to duplicate it. Pressing 1 will create yet another duplicate, moving it the same distance on the same axis as before. So, this is a great way to create an array of equally spaced duplicates.
Record Stroke3
Replay All Recorded Strokes2
CurvesActionKey(s)
Smooth curve6
Snapshot curve5
Delete a curveALT + draw across curve
3D ModelsActionKey(s)
Save ToolSHIFT + CTRL + T
Frame (Fit Mesh To view)F (You may need to press it twice.)
Dynamic Persp (Perspective Distortion)P
Floor GridSHIFT + P
Activate SymmetryX
Show/hide Polyframe & polygroupsSHIFT + F
Point Selection ModeSHIFT + CTRL + P
Set Pivot PointCTRL + P
Clear Pivot PointSHIFT + P
Snapshot a version to canvasSHIFT + S
SubToolsActionKey(s)
List all subtoolsN
Select SubToolALT + click on SubTool
Frame SubToolSHIFT + ALT + click on selected SubTool; Note this option can be set in the Preferences > Edit > Enable Auto Center slider; 0 = off; 1 = Alt + click; 2 = SHIFT + Alt + click
Toggle Polypaint ColorizeClick on paintbrush icon
Toggle Polypaint Colorize for all SubToolsSHIFT + click on paintbrush icon
GeometryActionKey(s)
DivideCTRL + D
Lower ResSHIFT + D
Higher ResD
Edge LoopCTRL + E (partially hidden mesh)
DynameshRemesh Dynamesh sculpt – in Edit > Draw mode CTRL + drag Background
HD GeometryActionKey(s)
Toggle in/out of HD Sculpting modeA (cursor over mesh)
Render all HD GeometryA (cursor over background)
MaskingActionKey(s)
View maskCTRL + H
Invert maskCTRL + I
Mask allCTRL + A
Select masking Brushhold CTRL while selecting brush from popup
Paint mask on object (alphas/strokes can be used)CTRL (hold down)
Delete or paint reverse maskCTRL + ALT (hold down)
Reverse mask (a.k.a. Flip Mask, Invert Mask)CTRL + click background
Clear maskCTRL + click + drag background
Constant-intensity maskCTRL + click, release CTRL, drag (starting off mesh)
Alpha-intensity mask (using MaskPen or MaskRect brush)CTRL + click & drag (select alpha while holding CTRL)
Blur maskCTRL + click on mesh; When a mask has been drawn on a mesh, this action blurs (softens) the edges of the mask.
Sharpen maskCTRL + ALT + click on mesh
Topological Maskingin Move, Scale or Rotate mode – CTRL + click + drag the action line on the model
PolygroupsActionKey(s)
Group Masked and Clear MaskCTRL + W
(This is super handy! Basically, it turns anything you have masked into a polygroup and then clears the mask. In other words, if you want to turn the currently masked area into a polygroup, press CTRL + W.)
Make all polygroups into oneCTRL + W
(Applies a single polygroup to the active subtool; if a subtool has several polygroups and you want only one, for example)
Partial Mesh Visibility & Clip BrushesActionKey(s)
Select Selection or Clip Brushhold SHIFT + CTRL while selecting brush from popup
Show mesh portionSHIFT + CTRL + click, release keys & drag (green selection area)
Hide mesh portionSHIFT + CTRL + click, release keys & drag – press Alt (red selection area)
Grow mesh portionCTRL + SHIFT + X
Shrink mesh portionCTRL + SHIFT + S
Grow all mesh portionCTRL + SHIFT + A
Outer Ring visibilityCTRL + SHIFT + O
Move selection or clip areapress SPACE without releasing mouse/pen
Show entire meshSHIFT + CTRL + click background
Show only selected Polygroup (on fully visible mesh)SHIFT + CTRL + click
Hide selected Polygroup (on fully visible mesh)SHIFT + CTRL + click twice
Hide selected Polygroup (on partially visible mesh)SHIFT + CTRL + click
Reverse visibilitySHIFT + CTRL + click & drag background
Hide edge loopwith Lasso option selected, SHIFT + CTRL + click on edge that crosses loop
ClipCurve add soft direction changepress ALT once
ClipCurve add sharp direction changepress ALT twice
reverse clip areaALT (hold down)
Stencil

Action	Key(s)
Select Color under cursor	`C`
Switch Color	`V`

Action	Key(s)
Lazy mouse	`L`; Toggles the lazy mouse mode.
Replay Last Stroke	`1`; This is very handy to use after pressing `CTRL`, and moving a subtool to duplicate it. Pressing 1 will create yet another duplicate, moving it the same distance on the same axis as before. So, this is a great way to create an array of equally spaced duplicates.
Record Stroke	`3`
Replay All Recorded Strokes	`2`

Action	Key(s)
Smooth curve	`6`
Snapshot curve	`5`
Delete a curve	`ALT` + draw across curve

Action	Key(s)
Save Tool	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + `T`
Frame (Fit Mesh To view)	`F` (You may need to press it twice.)
Dynamic Persp (Perspective Distortion)	`P`
Floor Grid	`SHIFT` + `P`
Activate Symmetry	`X`
Show/hide Polyframe & polygroups	`SHIFT` + `F`
Point Selection Mode	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + `P`
Set Pivot Point	`CTRL` + `P`
Clear Pivot Point	`SHIFT` + `P`
Snapshot a version to canvas	`SHIFT` + `S`

Action	Key(s)
List all subtools	`N`
Select SubTool	`ALT` + click on SubTool
Frame SubTool	`SHIFT` + `ALT` + click on selected SubTool; Note this option can be set in the Preferences > Edit > Enable Auto Center* slider; 0 = off; 1 = Alt + click; 2 = `SHIFT` + `Alt` + click*
Toggle Polypaint Colorize	Click on paintbrush icon
Toggle Polypaint Colorize for all SubTools	`SHIFT` + click on paintbrush icon

Action	Key(s)
Divide	`CTRL` + `D`
Lower Res	`SHIFT` + `D`
Higher Res	`D`
Edge Loop	`CTRL` + `E` (partially hidden mesh)

Action	Key(s)
Toggle in/out of HD Sculpting mode	`A` (cursor over mesh)
Render all HD Geometry	`A` (cursor over background)

Action	Key(s)
View mask	`CTRL` + `H`
Invert mask	`CTRL` + `I`
Mask all	`CTRL` + `A`
Select masking Brush	hold `CTRL` while selecting brush from popup
Paint mask on object (alphas/strokes can be used)	`CTRL` (hold down)
Delete or paint reverse mask	`CTRL` + `ALT` (hold down)
Reverse mask (a.k.a. Flip Mask, Invert Mask)	`CTRL` + click background
Clear mask	`CTRL` + click + drag background
Constant-intensity mask	`CTRL` + click, release `CTRL`, drag (starting off mesh)
Alpha-intensity mask (using MaskPen or MaskRect brush)	`CTRL` + click & drag (select alpha while holding `CTRL`)
Blur mask	`CTRL` + click on mesh; When a mask has been drawn on a mesh, this action blurs (softens) the edges of the mask.
Sharpen mask	`CTRL` + `ALT` + click on mesh

Action	Key(s)
Group Masked and Clear Mask	`CTRL` + `W` (This is super handy! Basically, it turns anything you have masked into a polygroup and then clears the mask. In other words, if you want to turn the currently masked area into a polygroup, press `CTRL` + `W`.)
Make all polygroups into one	`CTRL` + `W` (Applies a single polygroup to the active subtool; if a subtool has several polygroups and you want only one, for example)

Action	Key(s)
Select Selection or Clip Brush	hold `SHIFT` + `CTRL` while selecting brush from popup
Show mesh portion	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + click, release keys & drag (green selection area)
Hide mesh portion	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + click, release keys & drag – press Alt (red selection area)
Grow mesh portion	`CTRL` + `SHIFT` + `X`
Shrink mesh portion	`CTRL` + `SHIFT` + `S`
Grow all mesh portion	`CTRL` + `SHIFT` + `A`
Outer Ring visibility	`CTRL` + `SHIFT` + `O`
Move selection or clip area	press `SPACE` without releasing mouse/pen
Show entire mesh	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + click background
Show only selected Polygroup (on fully visible mesh)	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + click
Hide selected Polygroup (on fully visible mesh)	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + click twice
Hide selected Polygroup (on partially visible mesh)	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + click
Reverse visibility	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + click & drag background
Hide edge loop	with Lasso option selected, `SHIFT` + `CTRL` + click on edge that crosses loop
ClipCurve add soft direction change	press `ALT` once
ClipCurve add sharp direction change	press `ALT` twice
reverse clip area	`ALT` (hold down)

Clear the canvas with CTRL-N Fill = CTRL-F. That damn Transpose tool. Zbrush goes through the process and merge all the visible subtools to create a single subtool. Hi, I'm facing a heavy problem in Zbrush 4R4. I can't use the normal ctrl + Z hotkey to undo my work. I also see that the old undo and redo buttons. When loading a saved tool back into ZBrush, the tool will be added to the current scene/project. Ctrl-N: Clear Window (Clear Layer) Creating a new tool. Choose a Tool from the Lightbox or from the Tool Palette; Select the DragRect Brush; Drag out an object with the tool (shift-drag to orient object) Enter EDIT mode by clicking the Edit. 3 ZB 4r7 - W mac oS X & WindoWS verSion of ZBruSh® Instead of the Windows Ctrl key, the Macintosh uses the Command (Apple) Key. This documentation will always refer to using the Ctrl key name, although it may sometimes. Ctrl+Shift+T: Save tool: X: Activate Symmetry: Ctrl+P: Set Pivot Point: Shift+P: Clear Pivot Point: Shift+S: Snapchat a version to canvas: Shift+F: Show/hide Polyframe and Polygroups: N: List All Subtools.
My notes on ZBrush keyboard shortcuts (hotkeys) and control. This page is derived largely from the ZBrush Online Documentation, © 2020 by Pixologic, Inc. I have reproduced much of the Keyboard Shortcut documentation here for the purpose of personal study and with the hope of adding additional notes that may be helpful to others who, like me, are new to the software.
General shortcutsActionKey(s)
Open ProjectCTRL + O
Save ProjectCTRL + S
UndoCTRL + Z
RedoSHIFT + CTRL + Z
Popup selection (on PC only)Tools – F1
Brushes – F2
Strokes – F3
Alphas – F4
Textures – F5
Materials – F6 (with cursor off canvas area)
Show QuickMenuSPACE or right-click
Show/hide floating palettesTAB
Show item description (when Popup Info is switched on)CTRL + cursor over item; When Popup Info is switched on.
Show alternative item descriptionCTRL + ALT + cursor over item
Assign custom hotkeyCTRL+ ALT + click on item; Stores hotkeys in Preferences > Hotkeys submenu
Projection MasterG
Lightbox and SpotlightActionKey(s)
Show/hide Lightbox, (comma key)
load selected itemdouble-click on Lightbox thumbnail; Texture / Alphas will be loaded into Spotlight if it is active.
Turn on/off SpotlightSHIFT + Z
Show/hide Spotlight DialZ
Edit mode Navigationwith a 3D mesh in Edit mode..
ActionKey(s)
Free RotateClick & drag Background
MoveAlt + Click ∓ drag Background
Constrain to 90-degree rotationClick + drag, press SHIFT
ScaleALT + Click, Release ALT, drag Background
Rotate around Z-axisSHIFT, Click, release SHIFT, drag
 (For best results turn off RightClick Navigation in the Preferences > Interface menu.) Right-Click NavigationTurn on RightClick Navigation in the Preferences > Interface menu.
ActionKey(s)
MoveALT + right-click & drag (can be over the model)
ScaleCTRL + right-click & drag (can be over the model)
Rotateright-click & drag (can be over the model)
TransposeWith a 3D mesh in Edit mode, press W (Move), E (Scale), or R (Rotate), then click and drag to draw the orange action line.
Click on the mesh to reposition the action line aligned to the surface normal.
To align to an axis, click the end of the red, green or blue axis line.
ActionKey(s)
Move action line while drawingHold SPACE
Move action line after drawingclick + drag orange line or center orange ring
Change action line end point positionclick + drag orange end ring
Toggle between the Transpose line and Gizmo 3DY; while in Move, Scale, or Rotate mode
Quick tip: in Move/Scale mode, ALT + click + drag on the mesh (not on action line) to move or scale mesh
Inner (red/white) ring actionsThese actions apply to the inner red or white rings of the action line. The terms center or end refer to the position on the line.
ActionKey(s)
Move mode – W
Moveclick + drag center
Duplicate meshCTRL + click + drag center
Bend meshALT + click + drag center or end point
Stretch meshdrag end point furthest from mesh
Flatten meshdrag end point next to mesh
Inflateright-click + drag end ring furthest from mesh
Create Edgeloop & extrudewith partially masked mesh, hold CTRL and click + drag center point
Scale – E
Scaleclick + drag end point in line direction
Scale along axisclick + drag center point
Create Edgeloop and deflate / inflatewith partially masked mesh, hold CTRL and click + drag center point
Rotate – R
Rotate around end pointclick + drag other end point
Rotate around action lineclick + drag center
Joint bendALT + click + drag end point (rotation around same point)
Sculpting and PaintingActionKey(s)
Draw SizeS
Focal ShiftO
RGB IntensityI
Z IntensityU
Increase Draw Size by set units]; set increment in the Zplugin > Misc Utilities > Brush Increment slider
Decrease Draw Size by set units[; set increment in the Zplugin > Misc Utilities >Brush Increment slider
Edit mode on/offT
DrawQ
MoveW
ScaleE
RotateR
Toggle ZAdd and ZSubALT; While brushing on a model, hold down ALT to toggle from ZAdd to ZSub.
Sculpting BrushesEach brush has its own keyboard shortcut combo. You can learn them by pressing B to bring up the brushpalette, then a letter like C (to filter by all brushes starting with C), and then the letterindicated in the top left of the brush icon in to brush palette. Following are some key combos for some common, but not all, brushes..
ActionKey Sequence
Show Brush pop-upB
Clay BuildupB - C - D
ClayLineB - C - L
ClipCurveB - C - C
Damien Standard (dam std)B - D - S
InflateB - I - N
MoveB - M - V
Move ElasticB - M - E
MPolishB - M - P
Smooth StrongerB - S - S
SpiralB - S - A to select the brush.
Hold down ALT to spiral in the opposite direction.
Standard BrushB - S - T
ZModelerB - Z - M to select the brush.
When using this brush, hover over a point, edge, or face on a PolyMesh3D object and then press SPACE to display the ZModeler context menu.
InsertMultiMesh brushesActionKey(s)
Show all meshes in brushM
Changing the Brush hotkeys (pop-up palette)Here is what you have to do:
Press B to bring up the brush palette.
Then click or press the letter that you want to narrow down to, in this example press C.
With C selected all you will see is the brushes that start with C. You will see the next letter that selects the brush.
At this point you can hold CTRL + ALT to change the shortcut to whatever you want by just clicking on the brush and then click your new shortcut.
NOTE: Keep in mind that when you do this ZBrush automatically replaces the shortcut of another brush if you select a shortcut that is already assigned.
ColorActionKey(s)
Select Color under cursorC
Switch ColorV
StrokeActionKey(s)
Lazy mouseL; Toggles the lazy mouse mode.
Replay Last Stroke1; This is very handy to use after pressing CTRL, and moving a subtool to duplicate it. Pressing 1 will create yet another duplicate, moving it the same distance on the same axis as before. So, this is a great way to create an array of equally spaced duplicates.
Record Stroke3
Replay All Recorded Strokes2
CurvesActionKey(s)
Smooth curve6
Snapshot curve5
Delete a curveALT + draw across curve
3D ModelsActionKey(s)
Save ToolSHIFT + CTRL + T
Frame (Fit Mesh To view)F (You may need to press it twice.)
Dynamic Persp (Perspective Distortion)P
Floor GridSHIFT + P
Activate SymmetryX
Show/hide Polyframe & polygroupsSHIFT + F
Point Selection ModeSHIFT + CTRL + P
Set Pivot PointCTRL + P
Clear Pivot PointSHIFT + P
Snapshot a version to canvasSHIFT + S
SubToolsActionKey(s)
List all subtoolsN
Select SubToolALT + click on SubTool
Frame SubToolSHIFT + ALT + click on selected SubTool; Note this option can be set in the Preferences > Edit > Enable Auto Center slider; 0 = off; 1 = Alt + click; 2 = SHIFT + Alt + click
Toggle Polypaint ColorizeClick on paintbrush icon
Toggle Polypaint Colorize for all SubToolsSHIFT + click on paintbrush icon
GeometryActionKey(s)
DivideCTRL + D
Lower ResSHIFT + D
Higher ResD
Edge LoopCTRL + E (partially hidden mesh)
DynameshRemesh Dynamesh sculpt – in Edit > Draw mode CTRL + drag Background
HD GeometryActionKey(s)
Toggle in/out of HD Sculpting modeA (cursor over mesh)
Render all HD GeometryA (cursor over background)
MaskingActionKey(s)
View maskCTRL + H
Invert maskCTRL + I
Mask allCTRL + A
Select masking Brushhold CTRL while selecting brush from popup
Paint mask on object (alphas/strokes can be used)CTRL (hold down)
Delete or paint reverse maskCTRL + ALT (hold down)
Reverse mask (a.k.a. Flip Mask, Invert Mask)CTRL + click background
Clear maskCTRL + click + drag background
Constant-intensity maskCTRL + click, release CTRL, drag (starting off mesh)
Alpha-intensity mask (using MaskPen or MaskRect brush)CTRL + click & drag (select alpha while holding CTRL)
Blur maskCTRL + click on mesh; When a mask has been drawn on a mesh, this action blurs (softens) the edges of the mask.
Sharpen maskCTRL + ALT + click on mesh
Topological Maskingin Move, Scale or Rotate mode – CTRL + click + drag the action line on the model
PolygroupsActionKey(s)
Group Masked and Clear MaskCTRL + W
(This is super handy! Basically, it turns anything you have masked into a polygroup and then clears the mask. In other words, if you want to turn the currently masked area into a polygroup, press CTRL + W.)
Make all polygroups into oneCTRL + W
(Applies a single polygroup to the active subtool; if a subtool has several polygroups and you want only one, for example)
Partial Mesh Visibility & Clip BrushesActionKey(s)
Select Selection or Clip Brushhold SHIFT + CTRL while selecting brush from popup
Show mesh portionSHIFT + CTRL + click, release keys & drag (green selection area)
Hide mesh portionSHIFT + CTRL + click, release keys & drag – press Alt (red selection area)
Grow mesh portionCTRL + SHIFT + X
Shrink mesh portionCTRL + SHIFT + S
Grow all mesh portionCTRL + SHIFT + A
Outer Ring visibilityCTRL + SHIFT + O
Move selection or clip areapress SPACE without releasing mouse/pen
Show entire meshSHIFT + CTRL + click background
Show only selected Polygroup (on fully visible mesh)SHIFT + CTRL + click
Hide selected Polygroup (on fully visible mesh)SHIFT + CTRL + click twice
Hide selected Polygroup (on partially visible mesh)SHIFT + CTRL + click
Reverse visibilitySHIFT + CTRL + click & drag background
Hide edge loopwith Lasso option selected, SHIFT + CTRL + click on edge that crosses loop
ClipCurve add soft direction changepress ALT once
ClipCurve add sharp direction changepress ALT twice
reverse clip areaALT (hold down)
StencilActionKey(s)
Stencil OnALT + H
Hide/Show StencilCTRL + H
Coin ControllerSPACE
ZSpheresActionKey(s)
Preview Adaptive SkinA
ZSpheres – Draw modeActionKey(s)
Add a child ZSpheredrag ZSphere
Delete ZSphereALT + click ZSphere
Add a child ZSphere at same sizeclick + drag, press SHIFT
Add a child ZSphere and scale Link Spheresclick + drag to size new ZSphere, press CTRL + drag
Insert ZSphereclick Link-Sphere
Sphere Define magnet/ break meshioALT + click Link-Sphere (with Tool > Adaptive Skin > Use ClassicSkinning on)
ZSpheres – Move modeActionKey(s)
Move ZSpheredrag ZSphere
Pose (Natural-linked move)drag Link-Sphere
Move ChainAlt + drag Link-Sphere
ZSpheres – Scale modeActionKey(s)
Scale Zspheredrag ZSphere
Inflate/deflate chainALT + drag Link-Sphere
Scale chaindrag Link-Sphere
ZSpheres – Rotate modeActionKey(s)
Spin chaindrag ZSphere
Control twistALT + drag Link-Sphere
Rotate chaindrag Link-Sphere
ZSpheres – ZSketchActionKey(s)
Activate ZSketch Edit modeSHIFT + A (with a ZSphere armature in Edit mode)
Preview Unified SkinA
Canvas and 2.5DActionKey(s)
Reverse 2.5D brush effectALT (hold down)
Crop And FillSHIFT + CTRL + F
Grab Texture From DocumentSHIFT + CTRL + G
Document LayersActionKey(s)
Clear LayerCTRL + N
Fill LayerCTRL + F
Bake LayerCTRL + B
On Layer thumbnail, toggle all layers on/offSHIFT + CLICK
Select layer on which clicked pixol resides~ + click canvas (US) @ + click canvas (UK)
Move layer contents up/down/sideways (X & Y)~ + drag (US) @ + drag (UK)
MarkersMarkers will only show when Edit is turned off
ActionKey(s)
Remove MarkerCTRL + M
Canvas ZoomActionKey(s)
Actual Size0
Antialiased Half SizeCTRL + 0
Zoom In+ (plus sign)
Zoom Out- (minus sign)
TimelineActionKey(s)
Place a new key frameclick on the Timeline
Select an existing key frameclick on the key frame dot
Zoom Timeline in/outclick on selected key frame dot
Move selected key frameclick + drag dot to new position (dragging off end will delete)
Store new data in existing key frameSHIFT + CTRL + click on the key frame dot
Delete a key frameclick + drag dot off the Timeline
Copy selected key frameSHIFT + click on the Timeline at the point where you want the copy
Copy multiple key framesSHIFT + click on all the key frames dots to be copied, then SHIFT + click the Timeline (at the point where you want the copies)
Create Transition key frameCTRL + click on an existing key frame dot
Create Rigid key frameALT + click on an existing key frame dot
Go to Previous Camera key frameLEFT ARROW
Go to Next Camera key frameRIGHT ARROW
Play the TimelineSHIFT+click on the Timeline cursor (will play as a loop)
Stop the Timeline playingESC
Record Timeline as a MovieSHIFT + CTRL + click on the Timeline cursor (set the cursor to the start first using the LEFT ARROW)
Zbrush Ctrl Z Not WorkingMovieZbrush Ctrl DActionKey(s)
Snapshot to MovieCTRL + SHIFT + ! (US) SHIFT + CTRL + PageUp (UK)
RenderActionKey(s)
Best Preview Render (BPR)SHIFT + R
Render AllSHIFT + CTRL + R
Cursor Selective RenderCTRL + R
Custom UI and ConfigurationActionKey(s)
Move item to custom interface positionCTRL + ALT + drag (when Enable Customize is on)
Remove item from custom interface positionCTRL + ALT + drag to Canvas (when Enable Customize is on)
Store Configuration FileSHIFT + CTRL + I
Load User Interface Configuration FileCTRL + L
Save User Interface Configuration FileSHIFT + CTRL + ALT + I
ZScriptsActionKeys
Load ZScriptSHIFT + CTRL + L
Reload ZScriptCTRL + U
Show/Hide ZScript windowH
Zbrush Ctrl ShiftReference ResourcesShortcuts by Category, ZBrush 4Online Documentation

Action	Key(s)
Stencil On	`ALT` + `H`
Hide/Show Stencil	`CTRL` + `H`
Coin Controller	`SPACE`

Action	Key(s)
Add a child ZSphere	drag ZSphere
Delete ZSphere	`ALT` + click ZSphere
Add a child ZSphere at same size	click + drag, press `SHIFT`
Add a child ZSphere and scale Link Spheres	click + drag to size new ZSphere, press `CTRL` + drag
Insert ZSphere	click Link-Sphere
Sphere Define magnet/ break meshio	`ALT` + click Link-Sphere (with Tool > Adaptive Skin > Use ClassicSkinning on)

Action	Key(s)
Move ZSphere	drag ZSphere
Pose (Natural-linked move)	drag Link-Sphere
Move Chain	`Alt` + drag Link-Sphere

Action	Key(s)
Scale Zsphere	drag ZSphere
Inflate/deflate chain	`ALT` + drag Link-Sphere
Scale chain	drag Link-Sphere

Action	Key(s)
Spin chain	drag ZSphere
Control twist	`ALT` + drag Link-Sphere
Rotate chain	drag Link-Sphere

Action	Key(s)
Activate ZSketch Edit mode	`SHIFT` + `A` (with a ZSphere armature in Edit mode)
Preview Unified Skin	`A`

Action	Key(s)
Reverse 2.5D brush effect	`ALT` (hold down)
Crop And Fill	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + `F`
Grab Texture From Document	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + `G`

Action	Key(s)
Clear Layer	`CTRL` + `N`
Fill Layer	`CTRL` + `F`
Bake Layer	`CTRL` + `B`
On Layer thumbnail, toggle all layers on/off	`SHIFT` + CLICK
Select layer on which clicked pixol resides	`~` + click canvas (US) `@` + click canvas (UK)
Move layer contents up/down/sideways (X & Y)	`~` + drag (US) `@` + drag (UK)

Action	Key(s)
Actual Size	`0`
Antialiased Half Size	`CTRL` + `0`
Zoom In	`+` (plus sign)
Zoom Out	`-` (minus sign)

Action	Key(s)
Place a new key frame	click on the Timeline
Select an existing key frame	click on the key frame dot
Zoom Timeline in/out	click on selected key frame dot
Move selected key frame	click + drag dot to new position (dragging off end will delete)
Store new data in existing key frame	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + click on the key frame dot
Delete a key frame	click + drag dot off the Timeline
Copy selected key frame	`SHIFT` + click on the Timeline at the point where you want the copy
Copy multiple key frames	`SHIFT` + click on all the key frames dots to be copied, then `SHIFT` + click the Timeline (at the point where you want the copies)
Create Transition key frame	`CTRL` + click on an existing key frame dot
Create Rigid key frame	`ALT` + click on an existing key frame dot
Go to Previous Camera key frame	LEFT ARROW
Go to Next Camera key frame	RIGHT ARROW
Play the Timeline	`SHIFT`+click on the Timeline cursor (will play as a loop)
Stop the Timeline playing	`ESC`
Record Timeline as a Movie	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + click on the Timeline cursor (set the cursor to the start first using the LEFT ARROW)

Action	Key(s)
Best Preview Render (BPR)	`SHIFT` + `R`
Render All	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + `R`
Cursor Selective Render	`CTRL` + `R`

Action	Key(s)
Move item to custom interface position	`CTRL` + `ALT` + drag (when Enable Customize is on)
Remove item from custom interface position	`CTRL` + `ALT` + drag to Canvas (when Enable Customize is on)
Store Configuration File	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + `I`
Load User Interface Configuration File	`CTRL` + `L`
Save User Interface Configuration File	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + `ALT` + `I`

Action	Keys
Load ZScript	`SHIFT` + `CTRL` + `L`
Reload ZScript	`CTRL` + `U`
Show/Hide ZScript window	`H`