I have searched the world over and have yet to figure out what they are used for and how to use them?

As I understand it, what some of us call "templates" are the UV Maps or Seam Guides for the characters or props. Most are available from the distributor of the product or by using UV Mapper. These "templates" provide a two dimensional view of the geometry on which textures can painted. I used the seam guides from Daz3D for Vicky 3 to create the Basic Texture for the head and body of Vicky that's available, or will be soon, in the Freebies Area. I hope I stated that correctly and clearly, if not I'm sure someone will correct me. If I have stated it improperly I apologize for my mistake. Good Luck and Happy Rendering!

They are for fitting texture maps, mostly. They show how the UV mapping relates a 2D surface (your texture) to the 3D mesh of the model, you paint something on that part of the map Poser will put it on the part(s) of the model that matches. You can make your own in UV Mapper, but the ones you download are supposed to be labeled so you can figure out what is what, some actually are. You can also download them to get an idea about how good (or bad) the mesh is made, I often check out other model makers work that way.

So if I am understanding this right, I can open the templates up in say Photoshop and just paint direstly onto it and save it as a texture?

Thanks Geep! I knew you had a tut somewhere that would help explain it better. A picture is worth a thousand words!

;=]

Gosh, Doc....you amaze me....wonderful help all the time...thank you for being here.

Thanks SAMS3D, we try. NaySayGuy is very trying! ;=]

I will add that one should rename the template BEFORE painting over it so that you can use it again. I start by saving under a new name. PhotoShop has layers, so I open a new layer and paint on that, with the template on top at less than 50% opacity. I'll also click the eye on and off when checking. This way I can see the guidelines when I need them, and get them out of the way when I don't... and the layer I am actually painting on is fully opaque so subtleties don't get magnified. Carolly

Very good advice for those starting to create their own textures Hauk! See Madmax, I told you someone would clarify or correct anything I said incorrect or not clearly enough. Thanks again to all here that freely offer their advice and help in these forums. You guys just never get enough recognition for your time and experience AND patience with all us newbies!

It's not just texture-maps. The whole range of 2D images that can modify a model use the system. One very common use is a transparency map, which can let you change the length of a sleeve or skirt. Just the texture-map/transparency-map combination allows you to do a lot of neat stuff.