Applying Displacement Maps

From ZBrush Info

Displacement maps can be applied in ZBrush. This is useful in case you wish to import a model with a displacement map created elsewhere, or conserve disc space by saving low resolution models with their displacement maps. To apply a displacement map in ZBrush, follow these steps:

1. Load or import the model you wish to use. It must have UVs assigned that correspond to the displacement map. Draw it on the canvas and enter Edit mode.
2. In the Texture palette, press New to create a new blank texture. The size is not important but a texture must be selected when a applying displacement.
3. Import the displacement map into the Alpha palette and make sure it is selected.
4. Divide the model a couple of times. This simulates the subdivision effect of an external renderer.
5. Turn off Quick 3D Edit in the Transform palette, and set Tool:Display Properties: DSmooth to 1. This activates render smoothing. Each polygon is divided a few times when rendered; how many times is determined by the Dres setting.
6. Set the Tool: Displacement: Intensity slider to the Alpha Depth Factor value appropriate for the displacement map. If you created the map in ZBrush, then you need to have noted down this value when the map was created. If you don't have a value because the displacement was created elsewhere then you will need to experiment.
7. The displacement map will be displayed on the model, but the effect will be like a bump map, with no change to the profile. Press the Tool: Displacement: Mode button to show full displacement.
8. If the quality needs improving, set the Tool:Display Properties: DRes slider to a higher value, such as 6. This subdivides the mesh a few more times at render time, bringing the appearance closer to the high resolution model.
9. What you are seeing is a render-time effect applied to a low resolution model. To convert the effect to actual geometry you need to:
   1. Divide the model more times until its level is the same as when the displacement map was created.
   2. Click Tool: Displacement: Apply DispMap.
   3. The detail is converted to geometry.
   4. Switch Quick 3D Edit back on to continue working with your model.

To Learn About Exporting Displacement Maps Click Here.

To Learn About Displacement Exporter Click Here.