This is one of those dumb questions, at least to some of you, but while I've been around computers for a lot of years, I'm new to 3D graphics. Can anyone explain in simple language to me what the relationship is between cr2, obj and tex files is? I understand that the 'tex' files give a figure it's outward appearance and I think that the 'cr2' files give it its 3D configuration. But then, what does the 'obj' file do?

Think of it like this, The obj is the model, The cr2 is What changes the model useing the diles in poser and morph targets, When poser loads a morph target it is saved to the cr2 file, When you load the cr2 file you are telling poser that this is the configuration I want the obj file to have. So in order to add a morph target to a figure in poser the obj file is changed useing the cr2, the model that loads into poser is a changed version of the original obj file. Pz3 file is a scene file, It saves everything in the whole scene including the lights,cameras,props,textures,models ect.

Remember that a copy of the obj file is loaded into poser in cr2 format, Cr2 format allows changes to that copy of the model. Now what your asking is if I have a cr2 file why does the model not load into poser? Because poser extracts from the original geometry first before extract from the cr2. That like pouring the water into a pitcher first then pouring in the lemonaid mix.

I design graphics & am captivated with my new Poser program but struggling with managing the assortment of files. Is there a master plan which dictates object files to one folder, cr2, rsr, etc. placement? I've purchased a few items which had no txt file to direct unzipping into the proper folders. I'm moving thru a major learning curve but loving the madness. And a big thank you to designers who have clear instructions~ Styxx you're fab!

If the OBJ file is the wool then the knitting pattern would be the CR2 and the dye the texture. Regarding file locations; open the knitting pattern (CR2) in a text editor at the top you will see where the wool (OBJ) should be stored.

Thanks PhilC I like your definition much better :)

Poser is set up to look for certain files in certain locations, In poser you can manage your directorys by putting all your models in one but they may slow your system down later when you get alot of them, I think the setup poser comes with is great.

A sincere thank you to Phil C & BlueRain. I feel like such a lightweight but am committed to unveiling Poser. I believe the big pic is beginning to gel after processing your posts. I'm beginning to "get it"....the User Guide is sketchy on this topic or I simply missed it. If only I had the "read the manual first" mentality....

Next question: I've looked at 'cr2' files and it is obvious to me that they were generated by some kind of computer program. What application is used to generate 'cr2's? I think I read somewhere that imaging of the body is done with a laser. Correct? And does the input from that laser end up as the coordinates present in the 'cr2'?

Cherokeegal: Any chance you use a Mac? If so, you will appreciate Macinstall and Macconverter (by MartinC, prolly in Free Stuff) because you don't have to know, and if you want to know, just drop the whole folder onto Macinstaller and then use Find... to see where they went. ravenfeeder: Cr2's can be generated by text editor, but usually a model is saved from a 3d modelling program in a plain text format. Raw 3d meshes can be scanned from physical objects using a laser, but a Poser model has additional attributes, flexiblity for instance, added in. And once again, while the coordiates for each vertex are in the .obj, the .cr2 contains displacments from the fundamental mesh in the .obj.

lmacken, I don't own a Mac but the program sounds yummy. I have never dabbled in 3D and there is a major learning curve but I am hooked. Do all the models & textures I have purchased come with the mesh template which allows me to take them to Adobe where I know my way around? I purchased strictly at Zygote and Renderosity; but have not rec'd my goodies from Z so I'm guessing they are closed for weekends. I was clueless there were free models & textures, sadly. This site grabs me and I sincerely treasure the input.

Hi Cherokeegal, Regarding using Adobe Photoshop to create textures, you may like to get Steve Cox's program UVMapper from the freestuff/utilities section of this site. (Or at his site). With it you will be able to make a template for existing models and hense make your own texture designs.

Poser itself creates CR2 files whenever you save figures to one of the figure menus.

Phil....your designs rock! I am moved by the sense of community spirit and on my way to d/l the UV Mapper. Again, thank you SO much! Color me a big fan of yours and other artists here. I am committed to the long haul....

I am leaning towards painting my clothes in AP. I'm not "getting it" when it comes to painting on a map but I haven't tried yet. Do most artists paint in AP directly on the model or paint on an image map? Last ? for awhile, I promise.

Cherokeegal: Since you're on a PC, if you put some Zip file's in the right spot to decompress them, they will filter down into the correct sub-directories (or so I hear). An easy way to get started in textures is to open an existing one and colorize or paint on it. The templates just show where everything will land on the mesh.

Thanks lmacken. I use Winzip and queued my files to extract into the Poser4 exe directory believing they would shift to the correct folders. Lotz of files remain in the directory and didn't execute to the proper folders so I'll sort it out today. And thanks for the texture hint....:*)