How to Create VDM Brushes in Blender

By E. Gachoki
Updated July 3, 2024
3 Min Read

Today, we’re diving into the world of VDM brushes. VDM stands for Vector Displacement Map, and these brushes can revolutionize your sculpting workflow. Whether you’re a seasoned Blender artist or a beginner eager to learn, this guide will walk you through creating and using VDM brushes in Blender.

What Are VDM Brushes?

VDM brushes allow you to add intricate details to your models with ease. Instead of manually sculpting every tiny feature, a VDM brush lets you apply complex textures and shapes in a single stroke. Imagine sculpting scales, wrinkles, or even entire facial features in seconds—VDM brushes make it possible.

Step 1: Activate the “VDM Brush Baker” Addon

How to activate the VDM Brush Baker Addon in Blender

Open Blender and go to Preferences then the Add-ons tab.
Search for VDM.
Enable the “VDM Brush Baker” addon.

Step 2: Create a Sculpting Plane

How to create a VDM sculpting plane in Blender

We need a base to work on. Follow these steps to set up your sculpting plane:

In the 3D viewport, press N on your key board to reveal the N panel.

Create a Sculpting Plane: In the VDM Brush Baker option panel, click on “Create Sculpting Plane”. This adds a subdivided plane with a Multires modifier.
Add a Circular Mask: Switch from Object Mode to Sculpt mode. Press Shift + A to add a circular mask on your plane.
Invert and Smooth the Mask: Invert the mask and smooth it a few times to ensure the edges of the plane remain unaffected during sculpting.
Save and Render Your VDM Brush: Once you’re happy with your sculpt, it’s time to save and render your new VDM brush.
Name Your Brush: Give your brush a unique name so you can easily identify it later.
Render and Create VDM Brush: Click on “Render and Create VDM Brush”. Your new brush will now be available under the Draw Brush icon.

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What do you think of VDM brushes? Have you tried creating one yet? Share your experiences and any tips you have in the comments below. If you found this tutorial helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more tutorials.