Install P4 ZBrush

You can use P4 ZBrush to generate previews for ZBrush assets in P4 Search. P4 ZBrush processes .ztl and .zpr files and generates a temporary .obj attribute that is consumed by P4 Render that in turn creates preview files used by P4 Search.

Installing P4 ZBrush is optional. It is only required if your organization stores ZBrush files in P4 Search and wants preview generation for those assets.

Before you begin

Ensure that:

  • P4 Search is installed, running, and initial configuration is complete.

  • You have the X-Auth-Token required to access the P4 Search API. To learn how to obtain a token, see API authentication.

  • You know the full network path to the P4 Search server.

Windows system requirements

Ensure that:

  • The Windows system that will run P4 ZBrush meets the ZBrush system requirements. To learn more, see System requirements.

  • ZBrush is installed on the Windows system that will run P4 ZBrush.

  • ZBrush is licensed for the Windows account that will run P4 ZBrush.

  • You know the full path to the ZBrush executable.

  • You have the Windows account credentials that will be used to run the P4 ZBrush scheduled task.

Install P4 ZBrush on Windows

  1. Download the P4 ZBrush Windows installer from the downloads page on the Perforce website.

  2. Double-click the installer to start it. When prompted, confirm that you want the installer to make changes to your computer.

  3. On the Welcome to the P4 ZBrush Setup Wizard page, select Next.
  4. Accept the default installation folder, or select Browse to choose a different location.
  5. Select Next.
  6. Configure the P4 Search connection:
    • Enter the URL of the P4 Search service.
    • If your P4 Search server uses a self-signed or untrusted certificate, select Skip certificate check.
    • Enter the authentication token used by the P4 Search API.
    • Enter the path to the ZBrush executable, or select Browse.
    • Enter how often, in seconds, P4 ZBrush checks for new jobs. The default value is: 5 seconds.
  7. Select Next.
  8. Configure the Windows account used to run P4 ZBrush:
    • Enter the Windows account name.
    • Enter the password for the account.

    The installer creates the scheduled task and configures it with these stored credentials.

  9. Select Next.

  10. Select Finish.

    The installer creates and starts the P4ZBrush scheduled task.

Verify the installation

  1. Open Task Scheduler.

    To open Task Scheduler, enter Task Scheduler in Windows Search and then open the application.

  2. Verify that the P4ZBrush scheduled task exists.
  3. Verify that the task status is Running.
  4. Review the log files in: 
    <install_directory>\log

  5. Submit a new .ztl or .zpr file, or reindex an existing file in P4 Search. Verify that a preview is generated.

    To learn how to index P4 Search, see Index P4 Server.

Limitations

  • The polygon count and vertex count metadata are approximate because P4 Search calculates these values from the exported .obj rather than from the original ZBrush source file.

  • Animation data is not supported.

Next steps