In brief
- Maxon has released ZBrush 2027.0 and ZBrush for iPad 2027.0.
- The desktop version gains a new UV Editor built on the same technology as the one in Cinema 4D.
- The new version adds Selection Sets support, allowing storage of alternate versions of Polygroup, mask, Polypaint, and UV states.
- ZBrush subscription pricing is $49/month or $399/year; full feature access on iPad costs $9.99/month or $89.99/year.
Maxon has released new versions of its digital sculpting software for desktop and iPad: ZBrush 2027.0 and ZBrush for iPad 2027.0. Widely used in concept art, character design, game development, and visual effects production, this version brings a series of changes that make the workflow more compatible with Maxon's other software, Cinema 4D.
What does the new Cinema 4D-based UV Editor bring?
The most significant addition in ZBrush 2027.0 is the new UV Editor, which Maxon previewed at last year's ZBrush Summit event. This tool uses the same underlying technology as the UV Editor in Cinema 4D, which Maxon overhauled last year. The goal is to reduce artists' need to switch to other programs like Cinema 4D while working on a sculpt, allowing UV editing tasks to be completed directly within ZBrush.
The new editor offers three options for automatically unwrapping sculpts, one of which is the ZBrush-specific "Unwrap by Polygroup" option. Other features include manual UV layout editing, UV packing settings, and texel density control tools, similar to those in Cinema 4D. The editor also supports UDIM-based workflows, commonly used in visual effects pipelines, and trim sheet workflows for game artists.
Selection Sets and other updates
Another major change in this release is Selection Sets support. In other 3D software, Selection Sets allow switching between predefined selections by storing alternate versions of vertex or face selections on a model. ZBrush takes this workflow a step further by also storing alternate versions of a SubTool's Polygroup, mask, and Polypaint states, as well as its UVs and morph targets.
Maxon cites use cases for this feature such as switching between different Polygroup layouts for UV work and character posing, and switching between alternate color schemes for a model during client presentations. Additionally, a new deletion option was added to clean up images registered in the Spotlight projection system, along with the ability to bake the current 3D Layer.
iPad version becomes more aligned with desktop
ZBrush for iPad 2027.0 moves another step closer to feature parity with the desktop version. The new features added to the iPad version are the updated Spotlight projection painting system and the 3D Layers system, which is used to edit sculpts non-destructively—both already available on desktop.
What does this mean for architectural visualization?
While ZBrush is not a direct archviz tool, it can be used as a supporting tool by archviz artists in projects that require integrating organic forms, natural terrain details, ornamental elements, and custom sculptural objects into scenes. The expanded UDIM support and shared UV workflow with Cinema 4D could shorten texture preparation processes at studios using Cinema 4D. However, the software's fully rental-only model and subscription requirement is a point worth considering for offices planning their budgets.
Pricing and system requirements
ZBrush 2027.0 is compatible with Windows 11 and macOS 15.0 and above. The software is offered on a rental-only basis; the subscription costs $49/month or $399/year, which also includes access to ZBrush for iPad. ZBrush for iPad runs on iPadOS 17 and above, on iPad models with an A12 Bionic processor or later. The base app is free; a separate subscription costing $9.99/month or $89.99/year is required for access to the full feature set.
Sources
1 sourceSource texts are not republished; short quotes are marked, everything else is our own summary and commentary.
While ZBrush isn't a direct archviz tool, it's a supporting tool that can occasionally come in handy for visualization studios that need organic models and sculptures. The shared UV technology with Cinema 4D could streamline workflows for teams using both programs together, but it doesn't present a direct investment case for most archviz offices in Turkey.
The key point to note is that the software is entirely dependent on a rental model. The $49/month desktop subscription plus a separate iPad subscription could complicate the cost-benefit calculation, especially for offices that only occasionally need sculpting detail. Teams that don't regularly do organic modeling may find it more sensible to stick with their existing tools rather than adopting this update right away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest new feature in ZBrush 2027.0?
The biggest new feature is a new UV Editor based on the same technology as Cinema 4D's UV Editor, along with Selection Sets support. This tool supports automatic UV unwrapping, manual editing, and UDIM-based workflows.
How much does ZBrush 2027.0 cost?
The ZBrush desktop version is offered only on a rental basis, costing $49/month or $399/year; this price also includes access to ZBrush for iPad.
What new features were added to ZBrush for iPad 2027.0?
ZBrush for iPad 2027.0 gained the Spotlight projection painting system and the 3D Layers feature, both of which are already present in the desktop version.
