Alphas - new features
From ZBrush Info
Alphas are grayscale image patterns which form the core of your Sculpting brushes. ZBrush 4R2b introduces several new additions which make the creation of fine details more powerful.
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Surface Mode
This new Alpha >> Alpha mode automatically defines the best middle grey value of your alpha. It allows you to add your details from the alpha without destroying details already on the surface.
Seamless Slider
By changing the Alpha >> Seamless slider, ZBrush will transform the selected Alpha to a seamless pattern. A high value will make large changes to the alpha to make it seamless while a low value will create minor changes.
Depending on the complexity of your alpha, you may need to increase or decrease this value. Most alphas require a unique setting for best results.
Note: The Seamless operation fits perfectly with the usage of the Stroke >> Roll mode, combined with the Stroke >> Lazy Mouse settings.
Create from Noisemaker
ZBrush can now generate procedural alphas using the NoiseMaker Plugin. Clicking on the Create from Noisemaker Button (located in the Alpha >> Create sub-palette) opens the NoiseMaker window and allows you to its powerful features to create a specialized brush for your needs.
When done, ZBrush will automatically convert the noise pattern to a grayscale alpha.
The Alpha resolution must be defined before using NoiseMaker. This is done with the Width and Height sliders, located in the Alpha >> Create sub-palette.
Alpha with TransPose to Create Masks
When using the TransPose action line together with the Move, Rotate or Scale mode, you can now select an Alpha from the Alpha palette (or its selector located to the left of the canvas in the default user interface). Holding the Ctrl key then applies the selected Alpha to the TransPose Action Line. The Alpha image appears between the two controls points at opposite ends of the Action Line to create a Mask.
When increasing the size of the TransPose line, the Mask will keep it proportional size. Decreasing the size of the TransPose line will apply a non-uniform deformation.
You can combine different Masks in the same action. You do this by holding the Shift key to add a Mask to the previous created one. Like all Masking operations, you can also use the ALT key to unMask. In this case it will have the effect of subtracting the new Alpha pattern from the existing Mask.
