Pre-purchase Preparation
Version Understanding
ZBrush Perpetual License: $895 (One-time purchase)
Upgrade License: Discounts for existing users
Educational License: Student/Teacher discounts
Network Environment
Use a US Residential IP (Critical Success Factor)
Ensure the IP is clean and geolocated in the US
MPChat Funds Preparation
Prepare $950-1000 equivalent in USDT (Including taxes)
Recommended to keep extra funds for verification fees
Detailed Steps
Phase 1: MPChat Virtual Card Preparation
USDT Deposit
Path: MPChat App → Wallet → Deposit - Copy USDT deposit address - Transfer sufficient USDT from an external wallet ($1000+ recommended) - Wait for network confirmation
Apply for a US MPCard
Path: MPChat App → MPCard → Apply for New Card - Issuing Country: Must select "United States" - Card Type: Virtual Card (Instant generation) - Securely record Card Number, Expiry, and CVV
Funds Transfer
Path: MPChat App → Wallet → Transfer - From: MP Wallet (USDT) - To: MPCard (USD) - Amount: $920-950 (Including potential fees)
Phase 2: Maxon Official Site Purchase Process
Visit Maxon Official Website
Access maxon.net using a US IP
Select "Products" → "ZBrush"
Select Purchase Option
License Type | Price | Best For | Core Rights
New License | $895 | New users | Perpetual use, 1-year free updates
Upgrade License | Based on current version | Existing ZBrush users | Discounted upgrade
Educational License | $395 | Students/Teachers | Full featured, educational use only
Add to Cart
Click "Buy Now"
Select "Perpetual License"
Confirm price of $895
Click "Add to Cart"
Phase 3: Account Registration & Checkout
Create Maxon Account
Click "Checkout"
Register a new account or log into an existing one
Use a business email (recommended)
Enter Order Information
Name and contact info
Company info (if applicable)
Select digital download method
Payment Information Entry
Payment Interface Navigation
Select "Credit Card" as payment method
Click "Continue to Payment"
Enter MPCard Info
Source: MPChat App → MPCard → Card Details - Card number: 16-digit virtual card number - Expiration date: Expiry (MM/YY) - CVV: 3-digit security code - Name on card: Pinyin recommended
Billing Address Entry (Critical Step)
Country: United States
Use a professional US address generator
Example Format:
Address Line 1: 1234 Sculpture Street City: Los Angeles State: CA ZIP Code: 90015 Phone: Generate a US phone number
Payment Verification & License Retrieval
Instant Payment Processing
Maxon will process the $895 payment immediately
Receive order confirmation email
Payment status should show "Completed"
License Delivery
License file sent to registered email after successful payment
View license status in Maxon account
Receive serial number and download link
Software Download
Log in to Maxon account
Download ZBrush installer
Save license file
ZBrush Key Features
Category | Specific Features | Use Cases |
Digital Sculpting | DynaMesh, ZRemesher | Character modeling, organic shapes |
Texture Painting | Polypaint, Spotlight | Material creation, map painting |
Detail Sculpting | MicroPoly, Alpha brushes | Skin texture, surface detail |
Render Output | BPR Render, Material system | Final rendering, presentation |
Installation & Activation Steps
System Requirements Verification
OS: Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.15+
RAM: 8GB minimum (16GB+ recommended)
GPU: Supports OpenGL 3.3+
Storage: At least 2GB free space
Installation Flow
Run the downloaded installer
Accept the license agreement
Select installation path
Complete basic installation
Activation Flow
Launch ZBrush
Select "License" → "Activate License"
Enter the serial number received
Complete activation process
Troubleshooting Guide
Common Causes of Payment Failure
Address Verification Failed (Solution: Use a real, existing US address)
Risk Restrictions (Solution: Use a clean US residential IP)
Account Verification (Solution: Provide a real business email)
Activation Issues
License Not Received (Check Spam folder; check Maxon account; contact Maxon support)
Invalid Serial Number (Ensure correct case-sensitive entry; check if serial is used; contact tech support with proof of purchase)
Post-purchase Management
License Management
Account View: Manage licenses in Maxon account
Activation Records: View history and devices
Updates: Free updates for 1 year
Upgrade Policy
Free Upgrades: Major versions within 1 year of purchase are free
Paid Upgrades: Buy upgrade licenses after 1 year
Cross-version Upgrades: Special offers for major version jumps
Cost & Value Analysis
Return on Investment
Investment Item | Cost | Value Received
Software Purchase | $895 | One-time perpetual rights
Learning Cost | Time investment | Skill enhancement value
Project Application | Practice opportunities | Commercial project income
Alternative Comparison
Plan | Cost | Pros | Cons
Perpetual License | $895 | One-time investment, lifetime use | High upfront cost
Rental Option | $39.95/mo | Flexible, low entry cost | More expensive long-term
Edu Edition | $395 | Great price | Educational use only
Learning Resources & Support
Official Resources
ZBrush Classroom: Official video tutorials; interactive learning platform; certified training
Documentation: User manuals and guides; shortcut references; best practice guides
Community Support
User Forums: Pixologic official forums; Q&A; portfolio showcase and exchange
Third-party Resources
Online tutorial sites; YouTube channels; professional training courses
Usage Recommendations
Beginner Learning Path
Basic Mastery (1-3 months): UI and workflow familiarity; basic sculpting; simple projects
Skill Enhancement (3-12 months): Advanced sculpting; textures and materials; full projects
Professional Application (1+ year): Complex characters; production pipeline integration; team skills
Hardware Suggestions
Pen Tablet: Wacom or similar; pen pressure optimization; custom hotkeys
Performance: RAM configuration; GPU settings; file management optimization
Industry Application Fields
Major Industries
Film & Animation: Character modeling and detail; props and sets; VFX elements
Game Development: Game character creation; props and weapons; environmental assets
Product Design: Conceptual modeling; detailed design presentation; 3D printing prep
FAQ
Purchase Questions
Q: Can I get a refund after purchase?
A: Digital software generally does not support refunds; try the 30-day demo first
Q: Can I use it on multiple computers?
A: Can be activated on two, but used on only one at a time
Q: Restrictions on the Edu edition?
A: Full features, but models cannot be used for commercial purposes
Technical Questions
Q: Recommended computer specs?
A: Multi-core CPU, 16GB+ RAM, pro-grade GPU
Q: Supported file formats?
A: Supports OBJ, STL, FBX, and more; exports to other 3D software
Q: How hard is it to learn?
A: Unique UI needs adaptation, but sculpting is intuitive for artists
Buying Advice
Version Guidance
Professional Users: Buy perpetual license for long-term investment
Students: Apply for educational license for the best price
Enterprise: Contact sales for volume discounts
Timing Advice
Release Period: Often discounts around new version launches
Sale Events: Black Friday and holiday discounts
Upgrade Offers: Special pricing for old version users
Future Learning Roadmap
Skill Development Path
Basic Skills: UI navigation and customization; basic sculpting; simple models
Mid Skills: Advanced sculpting; textures and materials; rendering/presentation
High Skills: Complex characters; pipeline integration; team management
Career Growth
Portfolio: Build professional portfolio; show technical diversity; join community projects
Certification: Get ZBrush Certified; attend pro training; stay updated on tech