
Adding GoZ functionality to Substance Painter enhances your workflow by enabling seamless integration with ZBrush, allowing you to transfer high-poly models, textures, and details between the two applications. To set up GoZ for Substance Painter, you first need to ensure both programs are installed and compatible with the GoZ plugin. Start by downloading and installing the GoZ plugin from the Pixologic website, then configure the settings in both ZBrush and Substance Painter to recognize each other. In Substance Painter, navigate to the Preferences menu, select the GoZ tab, and specify the path to your ZBrush installation. Once configured, you can easily send models back and forth between the two applications, streamlining your texturing and detailing process for a more efficient and cohesive workflow.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Goz Installation: Download and install GoZ plugin for Substance Painter from the official ZBrush website
- ZBrush Setup: Enable GoZ in ZBrush preferences, ensuring correct Substance Painter path is selected
- Model Preparation: Optimize your ZBrush model by reducing subdivision levels and organizing subtools
- Sending to Painter: Use GoZ button in ZBrush to send the model directly to Substance Painter
- Painter Workflow: Receive the model in Painter, apply textures, and send it back to ZBrush via GoZ

Goz Installation: Download and install GoZ plugin for Substance Painter from the official ZBrush website
To begin the GoZ installation process for Substance Painter, you'll need to visit the official ZBrush website, as this is the primary source for downloading the GoZ plugin. Navigate to the 'Downloads' or 'Plugins' section of the website, where you should find the GoZ plugin specifically designed for Substance Painter. Ensure that you select the correct version of the plugin that corresponds to your installed version of Substance Painter, as compatibility is crucial for seamless integration. The website typically provides clear instructions and system requirements, so take a moment to review these before proceeding with the download.
Once you've located the appropriate GoZ plugin, click on the download link to initiate the process. The file will likely be in a compressed format, such as a ZIP or RAR archive, so you'll need to extract its contents after the download is complete. Use a file extraction tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip to access the plugin files. Inside the extracted folder, you should find the GoZ installer, along with any necessary documentation or additional files required for the installation. Keep this folder easily accessible, as you'll need to refer to its contents during the installation process.
With the GoZ plugin files extracted, you're now ready to install the plugin in Substance Painter. Launch Substance Painter and navigate to the 'Plugins' menu, typically found in the top toolbar. From the dropdown menu, select 'Install Plugin' and browse to the location of the extracted GoZ folder. Select the installer file, and Substance Painter will guide you through the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions, agreeing to any terms and conditions as required. The installation should be straightforward, but if you encounter any issues, refer to the documentation provided with the plugin or consult the ZBrush support forums for assistance.
After the installation is complete, restart Substance Painter to ensure that the GoZ plugin is properly initialized. Upon relaunch, you should see a new GoZ menu or toolbar within the Substance Painter interface, indicating that the plugin has been successfully installed. To confirm the installation, try sending a test mesh from ZBrush to Substance Painter using the GoZ functionality. If the mesh transfers smoothly between the two applications, congratulations – you've successfully installed the GoZ plugin for Substance Painter. If not, double-check your installation steps and ensure that both ZBrush and Substance Painter are running the correct versions and that your system meets the necessary requirements.
It's essential to keep your GoZ plugin up to date, as updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Periodically check the ZBrush website for updates to the GoZ plugin, and repeat the installation process as needed to ensure you're using the latest version. By maintaining an updated GoZ plugin, you'll be able to take full advantage of the seamless workflow between ZBrush and Substance Painter, streamlining your 3D art creation process. Remember that the GoZ plugin is a powerful tool that requires proper installation and configuration, so take your time and follow the instructions carefully to ensure a successful setup.
Primer on Steel: Sand or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

ZBrush Setup: Enable GoZ in ZBrush preferences, ensuring correct Substance Painter path is selected
To enable GoZ functionality between ZBrush and Substance Painter, the first step is to open ZBrush and navigate to the Preferences menu. This can be accessed by clicking on ZPlugin > Preferences in the top menu bar. Within the Preferences window, locate the GoZ tab, which is specifically dedicated to configuring GoZ settings. Here, you’ll find options to enable GoZ and specify the paths to compatible software, including Substance Painter. Ensuring this setup is correct is crucial for seamless integration between the two applications.
Once in the GoZ tab, look for the Substance Painter section. You’ll need to verify that the path to your Substance Painter installation is correctly set. Click on the folder icon next to the Substance Painter path field and navigate to the executable file of Substance Painter on your system. Typically, this file is located in the installation directory, such as `C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Substance 3D Painter\Substance Painter.exe`. Double-check that the path is accurate, as an incorrect path will prevent GoZ from functioning properly.
After confirming the Substance Painter path, ensure that the Enable GoZ checkbox is ticked. This activates the GoZ feature within ZBrush, allowing you to send models back and forth between ZBrush and Substance Painter. Additionally, you can configure other GoZ settings, such as the default resolution for exported meshes, though the default settings are usually sufficient for most workflows. Once these settings are adjusted, click OK to save the changes.
To test the GoZ setup, create or open a model in ZBrush and press the GoZ button in the top toolbar (or use the Shift + G shortcut). If configured correctly, Substance Painter should launch automatically, and your model will appear in its workspace. If Substance Painter does not open or the model fails to transfer, revisit the GoZ preferences to ensure the path is correct and that both applications are compatible with the GoZ version you’re using.
Finally, it’s important to note that both ZBrush and Substance Painter must be updated to their latest versions to ensure full GoZ compatibility. Outdated software may cause issues with GoZ functionality. By following these steps and verifying the Substance Painter path in ZBrush’s GoZ preferences, you’ll establish a robust pipeline for texturing and sculpting workflows between the two applications.
PG&E Street Paint Markings: Permanent or Temporary?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Model Preparation: Optimize your ZBrush model by reducing subdivision levels and organizing subtools
Before exporting your ZBrush model to Substance Painter via GoZ, optimizing it is crucial for a smooth workflow. Start by reducing subdivision levels on your model. High-resolution meshes can cause performance issues in Substance Painter, especially during texture painting. In ZBrush, select the subtool you want to optimize and use the ‘Divide’ button in the Geometry sub-palette to lower the subdivision level. Aim for a balance between detail retention and performance—usually, subdivision level 2 or 3 is sufficient for most models. Remember, you can always increase the resolution later in Substance Painter if needed.
Next, focus on organizing your subtools in ZBrush. A well-organized model ensures that each part is easily accessible and manageable in Substance Painter. Group related subtools (e.g., body parts, accessories) into folders in the SubTool sub-palette. Use the ‘Group’ function to create folders and drag subtools into them. Label each subtool and folder clearly to avoid confusion during the texturing process. Proper organization not only streamlines the GoZ workflow but also makes it easier to apply materials and textures in Substance Painter.
Another important step is deleting unnecessary geometry or hidden elements that won’t be textured. Unused polygons, internal structures, or placeholder meshes can bloat your file and slow down performance. Use the ‘Delete Hidden’ or ‘Delete Lower’ options in ZBrush to remove unseen or low-priority geometry. Be cautious not to delete essential parts of your model. This step ensures that only the necessary elements are exported, keeping the file lightweight and efficient.
Freezing or masking specific areas of your model can also optimize it for GoZ. If certain parts of your model don’t require texturing (e.g., symmetrical elements), freeze them in ZBrush to prevent them from being exported. Use the ‘Mask’ tool to protect areas you want to preserve, and then hide or delete the rest. This reduces the complexity of the model and focuses your texturing efforts on the most important parts.
Finally, test the GoZ export before finalizing your model. Send a low-resolution version of your model to Substance Painter to ensure everything transfers correctly. Check for issues like missing subtools, incorrect UVs, or misplaced geometry. If problems arise, return to ZBrush, make adjustments, and retest. This iterative process ensures that your model is fully optimized for texturing and minimizes potential workflow disruptions. By following these steps, you’ll create a clean, efficient model ready for detailed texturing in Substance Painter.
Customizing Your Porcelain Sink: Painting a Design
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Sending to Painter: Use GoZ button in ZBrush to send the model directly to Substance Painter
To send your model from ZBrush to Substance Painter using the GoZ feature, you first need to ensure that both applications are properly set up to communicate with each other. Start by launching both ZBrush and Substance Painter. In ZBrush, navigate to the ZPlugin menu and select GoZ. Here, you’ll find a list of compatible applications, including Substance Painter. If Substance Painter is not listed, click on Add and browse to the Substance Painter executable file (usually located in the installation directory) to manually add it to the GoZ list. Once added, you should see Substance Painter as an available option in the GoZ menu.
With Substance Painter added to the GoZ list, you can now prepare your model in ZBrush for export. Ensure your model is in a state ready for texturing—this means having the desired polygon count, UVs, and any necessary subtools organized. Select the model or subtool you wish to send, and then click the GoZ button in the ZBrush interface. This button is typically located in the top toolbar or within the GoZ menu. Upon clicking, ZBrush will automatically package the model and send it directly to Substance Painter, opening the application if it’s not already running.
Once the model is sent via GoZ, Substance Painter will import it into a new project or the currently open one, depending on your settings. The model will appear in the 3D viewport, ready for texturing. Substance Painter will also import the model’s UVs, ensuring that the texture workflow can begin immediately. If you encounter any issues during this process, such as the model not appearing or UVs not being recognized, double-check that the model’s UVs are correctly unwrapped in ZBrush and that both applications are using the same version of GoZ compatibility.
It’s important to note that GoZ simplifies the transfer process by handling file conversions and data packaging behind the scenes. However, for the best results, ensure that your model adheres to texturing best practices, such as having clean topology and properly laid-out UVs. Additionally, if you make changes to the model in ZBrush after sending it to Substance Painter, you can use the GoZ button again to update the model in Substance Painter. This round-trip workflow allows for seamless iteration between sculpting and texturing.
Finally, after completing your texturing work in Substance Painter, you can export the textures and reimport them into ZBrush or any other application as needed. The GoZ feature streamlines this pipeline, saving time and reducing the need for manual file exports and imports. By mastering the GoZ button in ZBrush, you can efficiently move models between these two powerful tools, enhancing your 3D art workflow.
Cost Calculation for Painting Projects
You may want to see also

Painter Workflow: Receive the model in Painter, apply textures, and send it back to ZBrush via GoZ
To begin the Painter workflow, ensure that both ZBrush and Substance Painter are installed and configured with GoZ functionality. In ZBrush, enable GoZ by navigating to ZPlugin > GoZ and selecting Substance Painter as the target application. This establishes a bridge between the two programs, allowing seamless model transfer. Once set up, select the model in ZBrush and click the GoZ button to send it directly to Substance Painter. The model will appear in Painter’s viewport, ready for texturing. This step eliminates the need for manual exporting and importing, streamlining the workflow significantly.
Upon receiving the model in Substance Painter, the next step is to apply textures. Start by creating texture sets for different material IDs or UDIM tiles, depending on the model’s complexity. Use Painter’s extensive library of smart materials, masks, and brushes to create detailed textures such as base color, roughness, metallic, and normal maps. Leverage Painter’s real-time PBR viewport to preview how textures will look under various lighting conditions. Once the texturing process is complete, ensure all maps are properly assigned and exported in the desired format, such as PNG or TIFF, for compatibility with ZBrush.
After texturing, the model is ready to be sent back to ZBrush via GoZ. In Substance Painter, click the GoZ button located in the top toolbar. The model, now complete with textures, will automatically return to ZBrush, where it will appear in the viewport with the applied materials. ZBrush will recognize the texture maps and display the model in its fully textured state. This round-trip process ensures that the high-resolution details sculpted in ZBrush are now enhanced with realistic, high-quality textures from Substance Painter.
To finalize the workflow, verify that the textures are correctly applied in ZBrush by using the BPR Render or LightBox feature. If adjustments are needed, reimport the model into Substance Painter via GoZ, make the necessary changes, and send it back to ZBrush. This iterative process allows for precise control over the final appearance of the model. Once satisfied, the textured model can be exported for use in game engines, rendering software, or other applications, ensuring a cohesive and professional result.
Throughout this Painter workflow, the integration of GoZ between ZBrush and Substance Painter eliminates redundant steps and reduces the potential for errors. By focusing on the core tasks of texturing in Painter and sculpting in ZBrush, artists can maintain efficiency while achieving high-quality results. Mastering this workflow ensures a smooth transition between the two applications, making it an essential skill for any 3D artist working on detailed character or environment models.
Procreate: Built-In Brushes and a Blank Canvas
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
GoZ is a feature in ZBrush that allows seamless transfer of models between ZBrush and other supported applications, including Substance Painter. It simplifies the workflow by automatically exporting and importing models with their UVs, ensuring consistency between the two programs.
To set up GoZ for Substance Painter, open ZBrush, go to Preferences > GoZ, and ensure Substance Painter is selected as the target application. Make sure both programs are installed correctly and that Substance Painter is added to the GoZ folder in ZBrush’s installation directory.
GoZ primarily transfers the 3D model and its UVs between ZBrush and Substance Painter. Textures and materials created in ZBrush are not automatically transferred. You’ll need to export them separately and apply them in Substance Painter.























