Plugin Installation

ZBrush 2026.1.0 and Newer

Beginning with version 2026.1.0, ZBrush uses a user-based asset directory structure. ZBrush can no longer write to the root installation directory. All custom plugins must now be installed in your user assets folder.

Step 1
Ensure the plugin is compatible with your version of ZBrush. Official plugins are typically compatible only with the most current ZBrush version unless otherwise stated.

Step 2
Close ZBrush.

Step 3
Extract the plugin ZIP file.

You will always have a .zsc file.
You may also have a support folder that must remain intact.

Step 4
Place the .zsc file and its associated support folder into:

Windows:
C:\Users[YourUserName]\AppData\Roaming\Maxon\ZBrush_[HashValue]\ZStartup\ZPlugs64\

macOS:
/Users/[YourUserName]/Library/ApplicationSupport/Maxon/ZBrush_[HashValue]/ZStartup/ZPlugs64/

Important
ZBrush 2026 and newer are 64-bit only. All plugins should be placed in the ZPlugs64 folder.

If the ZPlugs64 folder does not exist, you may create it manually inside the ZStartup folder.

Step 5
Launch ZBrush.

Most plugins will appear under the ZPlugin palette. Some plugins may load into other palettes depending on their design. Refer to the plugin documentation for its intended location.

ZBrush 2026.0.1 and Earlier

For older versions of ZBrush, plugins must be installed into the application’s ZStartup folder inside the installation directory.

Step 1
Ensure compatibility with your ZBrush version.

Step 2
Close ZBrush.

Step 3
Extract the ZIP file.

Step 4
Copy the .zsc file and its support folder into the appropriate location:

Windows 64-bit:
Program Files\ZBrush [Version]\ZStartup\ZPlugs64\

Windows 32-bit (legacy only):
Program Files\ZBrush [Version]\ZStartup\ZPlugs\

macOS:
Applications/ZBrush [Version]/ZStartup/ZPlugs64/

If both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of a plugin are included, place each version into its corresponding folder and copy the support folder into both locations if required.

Step 5
Launch ZBrush.

Most plugins will appear under the ZPlugin palette.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Q: The plugin is not showing up in the ZPlugin palette.

A:
Check the plugin documentation to confirm where it should appear. Some plugins load into different palettes.

Q: The plugin is not showing up where it is supposed to be.

A:
Confirm the following:

• The .zsc file is directly inside the ZPlugs64 folder.
• The support folder is present and not nested incorrectly.
• The support folder contents have not been altered.
• ZBrush was fully closed during installation.

Q: The plugin is installed correctly but still does not appear.

A:
Verify that:

• The plugin version matches your ZBrush version.
• You are using a compatible operating system.
• The plugin is 64-bit if using modern versions of ZBrush.

Q: Who do I contact for support?

A:

Official Maxon plugins
Submit a support ticket to Maxon.

Unofficial plugins listed on the ZBrush website
Limited support may be available, but they are generally considered as-is.

Third-party plugins
You must contact the plugin creator directly. Maxon does not provide support for third-party plugins.