Blurry Text and/or Huge UI

If you're using ZBrush on a high-resolution display, such as a 4K monitor, you might encounter issues where the interface appears overly enlarged, and text looks blurry. This occurs because your operating system incorrectly scales ZBrush, treating it like a web browser or word processor instead of a specialized application like Photoshop or games.

For Windows Users

To resolve this issue on Windows 10 or 11:

1. Locate ZBrush:

   • If you have a desktop shortcut for ZBrush, right-click it.
   • Alternatively, navigate to the ZBrush installation directory, right-click the ZBrush application file.
   • Select "Properties" from the context menu.

2. Access Compatibility Settings:

   • In the Properties window, go to the Compatibility tab.
   • Click the "Change high DPI settings" button.

3. Adjust High DPI Settings:

   • In the new window, check the box under "High DPI scaling override" and set the option to "Application."
   • Click OK to save changes and close this window.

4. Apply Changes:

   • Click OK again to close the Properties window.

5. Launch ZBrush:

   • Open ZBrush. The text should now appear clear. If the interface is too small, follow these steps to adjust it:
     • Go to Preferences >> Interface >> UI and increase the Button Size slider.
     • Press Ctrl+Shift+I to store the changes, then restart ZBrush.
     • Repeat until the interface size is satisfactory.

Important Notes:

• Increasing the Button Size affects all UI buttons, including dynamic text such as palette names, but does not change iconic text (text embedded within button icons). On high-resolution displays, some icons may appear smaller than their buttons due to image size limitations.
• Each new ZBrush installation is treated as a separate program by Windows, meaning you'll need to repeat these steps for every new installation or reinstallation.

For macOS Users

On macOS, high-DPI scaling is applied universally to all applications. Unfortunately, macOS does not provide native options to override scaling for specific programs like ZBrush. However, you can use third-party applications to manually manage high-DPI settings. Two recommended apps are:

BetterDisplay

BetterDisplay offers advanced features for display management:

• Flexible HiDPI Scaling: Customize resolution settings for precise scaling control.
• XDR/HDR Brightness Upscaling: Enhance brightness levels for compatible displays.
• Virtual Screens & Picture-in-Picture: Manage virtual screens or use picture-in-picture display windows.
• DDC Control: Adjust brightness, volume, and color settings via software or hardware shortcuts.
• Advanced Configuration: Export display EDID and modify system display parameters.

BetterDisplay is compatible with macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia. Legacy versions are available for macOS Monterey and earlier.

Visit BetterDisplay on GitHub

RDM (Resolution Display Menu)

RDM is a lightweight utility that allows you to change display resolutions quickly, including HiDPI settings. It's especially useful for MacBook Pro users to access higher resolutions on external displays.

Learn more about RDM

These third-party tools allow you to fine-tune your macOS display settings for optimal performance with ZBrush. Choose the one that best fits your workflow and requirements.