Of course, as a free, entry-level version, it had significant limitations. It lacked tools for professional production, like automatic retopology (ZRemesher) and a robust polypainting system, and couldn't handle the extremely dense geometries required for advanced professional work. But for its intended purpose, it was a better starting point than nothing at all.

: No new features, performance updates, or compatibility patches will be developed.

: Official technical support for the Core ecosystem has ceased. What Replaced ZBrushCoreMini?

Now that ZBrush Core Mini is no longer available, what are the "better" options for digital sculpting in 2025?

ZBrush for iPad launched with a free basic version that has limited export functionality. Full features unlock with a subscription [16†L14-L15]. With the 2025 spring update, the iPad version has added core features like ZModeler for box modeling, QMesh mode for efficient low-poly base mesh creation, Nanomesh for grid filling, and UVMaster for texture mapping [5†L17-L19].

A new "Freemium" version of ZBrush Desktop is on its way. While details remain sparse, this upcoming version aims to provide a free entry point for users, but with a different business model than the completely free Core Mini [7†L11-L13]. The term "Freemium" suggests a model similar to ZBrush for iPad—a free base version with paid subscriptions unlocking additional features [16†L14-L15].

2. Why ZBrushCoreMini 2025 is Better: New Features & Upgrades

This shift mirrors what Maxon has already done with ZBrush for iPad, which launched with a free basic version and subscription options for full functionality. The desktop Freemium version will likely follow a similar pattern, integrating more deeply with cross-platform workflows [16†L10-L12].

Save your projects as standard .PNG or .GIF images that contain the full 3D data. You can share these files on social media, and other users can drag them directly into their software to continue sculpting. 📥 How to Get the Cleanest Installation

ZBrushCoreMini strips away the complex menus of the professional version to give you a clean, distraction-free canvas. Focus on these core tools to maximize your results:

To fill the gap left by the mini edition, Maxon introduced a . This version functions as a free entry tier that integrates directly into the core ecosystem, allowing hobbyists to try the professional UI without a financial commitment. 2. ZBrush for iPad (Free Base Edition)