ZBrush Batch Decimation Automation

Python + PyAutoGUI automation for batch-processing ZBrush .ztl assets.

AI-Assisted Development

This project was developed with assistance from AI prompting. Natural-language prompts were used to develop and iteratively refine the Python automation workflow, timing strategy, coordinate-based UI actions, documentation, and testing process.

Features

• Batch processing of multiple .ztl files
• Automated LightBox closing and viewport preparation
• Edit mode and model framing
• SubTools panel preparation and scrolling
• PolyMesh3D conversion
• Decimation Master preprocessing
• Decimate Current
• Automatic full-screen screenshot after PolyMesh3D
• Automated ZTL Save As workflow
• Safe ZBrush closing without saving the original
• Keep-alive click after long waits
• PyAutoGUI emergency failsafe

Workflow

Find ZTL files
      ↓
Open ZBrush file
      ↓
Close LightBox
      ↓
Prepare model / Edit / F
      ↓
SubTools + Scroll
      ↓
Make PolyMesh3D
      ↓
Wait + Screenshot
      ↓
Decimation Master
      ↓
Process Current
      ↓
Decimate Current
      ↓
Save As optimized ZTL
      ↓
Close ZBrush → No
      ↓
Next ZTL

Technologies

• Python 3
• PyAutoGUI
• Pillow
• ZBrush
• Windows

Installation

Install Python 3, then run:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Configuration

Before running, edit these variables in main.py:

INPUT_DIR = r"C:\Users\pc\Desktop\asdf"
OUTPUT_DIR = r"C:\Users\pc\Desktop\dfsd"

Set them to your actual input and output folders.

Run

python main.py

The script displays the .ztl files it found and starts after a 5-second countdown.

Emergency stop

PyAutoGUI's failsafe is enabled:

pyautogui.FAILSAFE = True

Move the mouse to the top-left corner of the screen to trigger the failsafe.

Output

For an input file:

head01.ztl

the output folder will contain:

head01.ztl
head01.png

The PNG is the full-screen screenshot captured after the PolyMesh3D step.

Important limitation

This project is screen-coordinate-based UI automation. The ZBrush window position, screen resolution, Windows display scaling, and ZBrush UI layout should remain consistent with the coordinates configured in main.py.

If the UI changes, recalibrate the coordinates before running a large batch.

Project Purpose

The project demonstrates practical Python automation for a repetitive 3D production workflow, including GUI automation, batch processing, file handling, long-running task management, and safety controls.