I'm learning the workflow between zBrush and Blender and lose all of the hard edge marks when transferring from zBrush to Blender, how can I either preserve the hard edges or remark them in Blender quickly?

For example:

  1. I created a model in Blender with both hard and smooth edges.
  2. I applied a edge split modifier and exported as an .obj to zbrush
  3. I applied crease and weld points in zbrush (to transfer the hard edges from Blender)
  4. I edited the model in zBrush and exported the file as an .obj to Blender.
  5. I opened the file in Blender, the entire model is hard edge because zBrush only works with hard shading. All of the edge marks are lost when imported into Blender again.

I was wondering is there any way to quickly add the marked hard edges back to the new model without manually selecting all of them?

Could I possibly transfer the marked edges from the original Blender model to the new model through a script? Is there some way to separate the model similar to Blender's edge split in zBrush then combine it in Blender (similar to zbrush's weld points)?

  • $\begingroup$ Probably unrelated: Have you tried/Do you use the GoB plug-in to move back and forth between the two? $\endgroup$ – rcgauer Jan 7 '17 at 15:33
  • $\begingroup$ Does the reimported model have the same topology? Or does it have a different amout of edges. $\endgroup$ – Leander Jan 8 '17 at 1:16
  • $\begingroup$ it has the same topology as the original $\endgroup$ – Animatoring Jan 8 '17 at 2:52
  • $\begingroup$ @rcgauer I set up the plug-in today and was able to sync the model between zbrush and blender but unfortunately no luck with the edge marks. They are still being lost after the sync. Is there a script to transfer the edge marks from one Blender model to another? $\endgroup$ – Animatoring Jan 9 '17 at 0:39
  • $\begingroup$ @Animatoring ... Works great either way.... At least with the current version of ZBrush. You can create in either one and go back and forth. $\endgroup$ – rcgauer Jan 9 '17 at 14:57

If the new topology has the same number of edges you can copy them with the Data Transfer modifier.

  1. Move both models so they overlap

  2. Add the Data Transfer Modifier: Modifiers >> add modifier (to new object without edge marks) >> choose Data Transfer >> [x] Edge Data, enable sharp and nearest edge.


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