Cubit vs ZBrush
Cubit
cubit.sandia.gov
ZBrush
maxon.netSide by side
| Figure | Cubit | ZBrush |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 7 |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.0 (#80) | 9.3 (#2) |
| Animation tools | No | Yes |
| File formats | Listed formats include ACIS SAT/SAB, STEP, IGES, STL, AVS, Exodus II, and mesh exports for Abaqus, Patran, NASTRAN BDF, IDEAS Universal, Dyna3D and Fluent. | ZBrush imports and exports formats including OBJ, FBX, STL, PLY, DAE, ABC, 3MF and USD-related formats depending on edition and plugin. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Platform access | desktop | desktop |
| 3D print export | Yes | Yes |
| Render engine | built-in | both |
| Scripting | Cubit supports command-line use, journal playback and batch mode, APREPRO scripting, and Python access to internal functionality through an API. | ZScript has nearly 200 commands and supports macros, plugins, interface controls and automation. |
| Sculpting tools | No | Yes |
| Support | Cubit support is offered by email and mailing lists, but Sandia states it is not obligated to provide technical assistance under a Cubit license or use. | Maxon provides a support center with knowledge-base articles, ticket support, installers, requirements, release notes, training and community forums. |
| Trial | Sandia does not offer Cubit trial licenses; it directs commercial or academic users to Coreform for trial licenses. | Maxon offers a 14-day trial through the Maxon App, including ZBrush and the full Maxon One suite. |
Plans
ZBrush
- ZBrush for iPad Free PlanFree
- ZBrush for iPad SubscriptionPrice not published
- ZBrush for iPad SubscriptionPriced on request
- ZBrush DesktopPrice not published
- ZBrush DesktopPriced on request
- ZBrush for iPad$33.25 a month
- ZBrush$399 a year
In their own words
ZBrush
ZBrush is a 3D sculpting and modeling application with desktop and iPad offerings. Its listed tools include sculpting, parametric modeling, animation, rendering and 3D print export. Desktop is listed for Windows and macOS, while a separate supported-platform list also includes Linux. The desktop plan includes ZBrush for iPad and advanced sculpting, modeling, rendering and export tools. Rendering is described as hybrid, with GPU and animation rendering and denoising. Listed workload areas include CPU and GPU rendering, ray tracing, shader execution and geometry processing. Other listed capabilities include rotoscoping, 3D camera tracking, custom test profiles and CLI or automation support. The listed result export formats are none documented, and results are not saved as a file. Headquarters are listed as both Bad Homburg vor der Höhe and Friedrichsdorf, Germany; the maker is listed as founded in 1986.