So, I downloaded DAZ and installed it, but I can't figure out how to make... anything.  I click on the tools, but they only make boxes out of little dotted lines.

Let's say I want to make a human being.  Where do I start so that what I put on the screen stays there?

Oh oh ... MAKE ? like you like to make a Troll or a monster with 4 arms ..
Or want to make a IMAGE of a girl with a skirt on...
MAKE you cant  in DAZ ... render images with already made thing you CAN in daz..
When you want to make your own humans .. you need to get a modeling program
When you want to make image you need to get figures and props and load the into your scene and rnder that...
So first .. what is it you want to do..
Chris

www.blender.org  (does this still work? I have limited success...just look for Blender)
www.wings3d.com  (this does still work
Anim8tor (still at work, don't have that memorize)
Truespace (older versions are free)

that should keep 'em busy for awhile..;)

I'm really sure this is the place to ask about DAZ|Studio, but...

Neither Poser, nor DAZ|Studio are Modeler applications.  You ca'nt create a meshform, from scratch, with either application. i.e. Carrara, Wings, Blender 3D, Maya, Lightwave, 3D Stufio Max, etc.

Instead you are always importing other meshforms, but wether or not the imported figure stays the same depends on how adapt you are with the Poser Magnets, Morph Dial Spinning, Material Room prowess, etc.

I want to make person.  How do I get a person to show up on my screen?  What is the basic program I need to create a 3D image of a human being?

I want to make person. 

Snifff......

Hmmmm.... This is way over my head.

Is there a program that will let me make a person, and if so, what is it called.  I don't care about rendering or anything like that for the moment, since I don't have anything to render.  I just want to make a 3D character.

I'm completely brand new to the whole 3D thing, so what do I need build one from scratch?

Help is appreciated.

There's a difference between a 3D Image, and a 3D figure...There is really not much a thing as a 3D image.  Poser can Render your image, but you need to start with someone else's human, and then Sculpt away everything that does not look like the human you want.

To start from scratch, with Vertex 0, you need a Modeler application, like that which has been listed.  Some a free, others are moderate(Carrara is like Poser) other are very expensive $1000-$4000+.

Also, I have blender, too, but I couldn't figure out how to use that one either!!  I'm accustomed to just taking a pencil and making the shapes that I want, rather than having to figure out which tool does what etc....

so what do I need build one from scratch?

You need a program like SILO or Hexagone both round $150 or 3dMax $4000. or like already mentioned the free stuff programs..
THAT and LOADS of time to learn .. 
T
o give you a idea the books i have about modeling in 3d are at least 400 pages each...
So now you have a idea ..making a working model of a humand figure you cant just make in little time... hence the site's like DAZ and Renderosity 
 

The program I have is just called "Blender."  Is that different from "Blender 3D"?  Also, using that program, I can't do anything either.  Is there some place I can download a free sample figure to mess around with, or will I need to buy my first one?

Try MakeHuman..it has a base figure that you can morph into different body shapes, faces, etc...

To make one from scratch, you will have to have a modeling program as has been mentioned.

There are many tutorials out there to help you learn how to make models, try our tut section here and at other 3D sites. Unfortunately, there isnt a program that will make a 3D model from a pencil drawing {unless you want to try ZBrush..and thats got a learning curve and its not free}

If you want to create 3D characters, you will have to learn a specific modeling program, or several, to get what you want.

Ok first of all your not hearing what these guys are trying to tell you man. It takes alot of time to learn these programs. Once you learn how to utilize the 3d program. It will take even longer to learn how to build a human. Your better off working with daz and the free V3, michele and aiko bases and getting props clothing wich there is a load of it out there for free. Learn how to render use lighting camera angles and making your own textures and what not before you even think about takeling that project until you learn alittle about 3d. Trust me you will drive your self batty trying to just make a human in  a 3d program you have absolutly no clue about the user interface let alone the basics of 3d man!!!!

Cryoc is absolutely right....creating human characters is ALOT of hard work...it takes a loooonnnggg time to learn...I have been in 3D for years and still have not gotten to the point where I have made a human character {blobs of different forms and critters sure..but not humans :laugh:}

Quote - The program I have is just called "Blender."  Is that different from "Blender 3D"?  Also, using that program, I can't do anything either.  Is there some place I can download a free sample figure to mess around with, or will I need to buy my first one?

To have a figure to use with Daz Studio, or with Poser, you go to www.daz3d.com and get a figure... some are free, some are for purchase. I think figure named Aiko is free right now. 
When you get her, you need to install the files in their proper place (read instructions and readme files).
Once it's there, you'll be able to bring the figure into DAZ studio and mess around with her.

If you don't know how to model things in 3D, you prpbably don't need to mess with blender right now, it's a bit more high end application. Does a lot more things, but it's much harder to learn too, especially for a beginner.

I don't think he's asking how to model a human character.

Conniekat8, I think you're on the right track.

All this talk of making leads everyone to start offering modeling tips, when I think all Naaman is asking is how to get a 3D figure on his screen.

@Naaman, when you download Aiko, chose the installer with DS appended to the end. That installer will create the setup DAZ studio prefers.

Yes, I agree with Connie, I don't think he's asking how to model something. He's wanting to know how to get a figure into Daz and then generate a render with it.

Unfortunately i don't use Daz|3D so I  don't have any tutorials on how to use it.

Does anyone who uses Daz|3D know of really basic newbie tutorials on how to use it? Such as:

• how to load a figure
• how to add clothing
• how to add some lights
• how to generate a render

Well wif thats what he/she want ..
its better to " Ask how does DAZ STUDIO work "  in the DAZ STUDIO forum.. 

Chris

Quote - - how to load a figure

• how to add clothing
• how to add some lights
• how to generate a render

I don't know of any tutorials, but, It's very similar to Poser!
After the figure is installed:
Open program
go to Windows>and make sure content is checked ON
a little directory style browser will appear that can be navigated through
Navigate to 'Figures' then find figure name, might be DazPeople
In the lower pane find a picture of the human figure, and double click.
After couple of minutes of loading, the figure will appear in the main window.

Once the figure is there point at a body part, let's say an arm, find a "PARAMETERS" tab on your screen, and slide the dials named TWIST, BEND or FRONT-BACK around, and watch your figure move it's arm.

That should get him started... I hope.

Quote - Well wif thats what he/she want ..
its better to " Ask how does DAZ STUDIO work "  in the DAZ STUDIO forum.. 
Chris

Wouldn't it be nice if overwhelmed newbies knew just the right things to ask, and right places to ask in.... 

Quote - "Well wif thats what he/she want ..
its better to " Ask how does DAZ STUDIO work "  in the DAZ STUDIO forum.. 
Chris"

Wouldn't it be nice if overwhelmed newbies knew just the right things to ask, and right places to ask in.... 

Mmm somehow i get the idea you made it look like i mean it in a bad way...
But i dont ... if thats what is asked its better to ask in DS forum no ? all DS users there ...

I did not want to diss anybody .. i just stated that asking DS users is better then poser users

Chris

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showforum.php?forum_id=12452

Here is a link to the Daz|Studio forum.  As Bar-Code suggested, it would probably help you more to post in there asking how to "work" the program instead of "how to make" something.

Ask for new user tutorials that show you how to:

• load a figure
• put clothing on it
• add hair
• pose it
• add lights
• generate a rendered image.

QuickStart.pdf
DS_Manual.pdf
Both of those documents are in the 'docs' folder of the D|S install.
They can probably answer most of the questions about getting started with using the program.

There are also D|S tutorials on the DAZ website.
http://www.daz3d.com

Well, I took this quote:

[quote I'm completely brand new to the whole 3D thing, so what do I need build one from scratch? to mean he wanted to build a character from scratch....

Regardless, Im going to go ahead and move this thread over to the D|S forum so maybe he can get more advice from those folks who use D|S exclusively.

Thanks gang!

~Jani

Its hard to start out , isn't it, especially when you have no clue about anything.
What is the beginning?
Where is the beginning?

Yikes....

I guess the main thing is to know what you want to end up with, then figure out how to get there.
So if this poster wants to make a model, or just get a model into DAZ Studio to render it, we need to know that in order to point to a specific direction, otherwise, he/she is getting the kitchen sink with the water thrown his way...and is still clueless. Too much information.

A bit of deduction from his previous message where he asks specifically about what software to use for animating and posing, he wants just to get a figure into a program, deck it out, and render...possibly to animate it.

i guess...
what say you naaman?

Attached Link: Daz3D's Victoria 3.0, Michael 3.0, Aiko 3.0, and Hiro 3.0

FYI - WHile the base V3 is free, and you could could use Poser's Magnets with her, until your hearts content; the lion's share of her power(out of the box) is with her Head and Body Morph Pack, which is currently on sale at DAZ for %50 off, which I hav'nt seen in years.

Yes, I just wanted to know how to get things going.  I guess the I will start playing with the victoria model for now.

As for it taking a long time to master, well, it took me 20+ years to get where I am with my 2D art (I am 26), so I don't expect everything to be a cake walk.  But it's something I'm interested in and am willing to put in the time.

Thanks for helping me out everyone.

Just for reference, the character I created that I want to make a 3D version of can be found about half way down this thread:
http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=2701991

Mmm somehow i get the idea you made it look like i mean it in a bad way...
Yeaa, it did come across to me that way a little. If you didn't mean it that way, my bad. Please accept my apologies.  Perhaps I have a bit of an overprotective streak for newbies LOL!

As for modeling, at first I thought the person wanted to model a character, but then I thought to myself, if the best he can do describing what's on the screen is dots and boxes, and is asking about Daz Studio in a Poser forum, then making a human probably doesn't mean model one from scratch ;)  but more like, how do I make a character appear in my blank scene.

@Naaman  Hey, that's awesome work in 2d.  Coincidentally, she looks pretty suitable for Aiko character, especially her face.  To create her, for starters, use some of the pre made figures (Like victoria or Aiko, to name couple of more popular ones) and modifications (morphs) available for them. As you get the hang of how Daz Studio or Poser work, eventually you'll start doing more and more custom work, and use applications to really make things from scratch.

I don't know what's harder to resist, wanting to make your own stuff, or making use of all the wonderful pre-made content :)

If you go to the DAZ forums, there's a sticky thread in the DAZ|Studio Discussions forum with links to tutorials - that by Judee3D is good and has been useful for a lot of people - and another thread (blows own trumpet a bit) with a list of frequently asked questions that may help with some of the common stumbling blocks once you've looked at the tutorials.

As I recall, DAZ has a "Getting started" tutorial built right in, that takes you through most of the basics.... it's accessed either off the Help menu, or as a tutorial.  I know it's in the manual. Lou.

Infamous quote, "When all else fails, read the manual". :lol:

Okay, so I found the manual!!!  Whohoo!!!  I was originally looking for one in the software, but it turns out I had to download it from the DAZ website (I only accidentally stumbled across it, too!).  So I've got things going with the default figure, but it's not quite sophisticated enough as far as what you can do with the figure.

I want to be able to manipulate the individual bone structures and individual muscles and such, rather than just increase the scale of a partiular body part.

So, if I download V4, is that compatible with the free version of DAZ?  And is V4 simply a more sophisticated version, or can I get some software that will enhance the default Victoria that I have (I think it is V3)?

I noticed some muscle maps/muscle morphs over on the DAZ website, but I can't tell if they are just textures or if they actually allow manipulation of individual muscles/muscle groups.  Does anyone know for sure?

http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/itemdetails/-/?item=4175

http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/itemdetails/-/?item=3940&spmeta=ab

As for mastering the software, that will take me a while, but it seems that the "base" software is a little bit too limited to accomplish the level of detail that I'm going for.  That is, I already know what I want it to look like, and I already know what (exactly) needs to be changed in order to make what I want, but the kinds of changes possible (i.e. scale changes) don't permit me to do exactly what I want to do.

Thanks for all the input so far.  It has been really helpful in getting me started.

the muscle maps are textures...they will only look like what you see in the promo images...they do not deform the mesh.

The morphs, the lower link yo provided, will change the actual muscles/shape of the model...that's what you need...

EXCEPT THE FACT YOU ARE A GREAT ARTIST ALREADY....yo can use what you already have, at least in still images. Poser, which came before DAZ Studio was meant as a 2D artists model./form, to manipulate in a 2D program...you can add shape to the legs , arms, etc...shadow  and so forth to achieve what you need rather than in the actual model.

But I realize you now want to do it in 3D....so get the morphs. You can also manipulate the mesh itself without the morphs...at least in Poser...I don;t use DAZ Studio, so not sure how much you can change the figure in there....see if there are magnets or morphing tools within DAZ Studio.

Hi,

I read this as well, and I am a bit happy I did.
some things were made more clear.

The problem is that I have problems with focuss and concetration, I get medication and treatment for this (ironic since I almost was a biology teacher).

But it's hard for me to understand things, can't even instal the nifty apollo stuff:(.
I have downloaded a lot of freebies but I am affraid I have too muc, confuses me tons:(.
ah well, I wil keep on trying:)
thnx for tips like these and the sweet people whom are oh so helpfull.

sincerly

ok, im sorry as this may be the wrong place to post this, but i cant seem to find where to post a new thread on here, ive created several models and forms, using DAZ, (dont ask, it was a serious pain, and im now downloading something easier to build them in) but daz 1.5 to quote thier phone lines "doesnt support making bones" do any of you know where i can find something to make the bone forms? and if possible, something with a short download, as im on dial-up... thank you

Quote - but daz 1.5 to quote thier phone lines "doesnt support making bones" do any of you know where i can find something to make the bone forms? and if possible, something with a short download, as im on dial-up... thank you

What exactly do you want to do? Make an existing model poseable with bending joints (and thus adding bones and a skeleton - using the specific meaning these words have for 3D artists)?
Or do you want to create these hard whitish things to be found in real live humans and animals (and thus follow the popular meaning of the word "bone" outside the 3D community)?

For the first you need Poser (provided you intend to use the resulting figure in Poser or D|S) and for the second any 3D modeling program will do.

If you haven't foud anything try this tut...

http://www.tuitzone.com/DazTut.html

It helped me to get started....also check out the free items on Poser and at Daz website....they do have alot to offer....I am still very new to all of this but  I did find some good tut on daz site explaining what are things like texure and how to apply them......I did a lot of searching on both site for the tut I was looking for. They are there but it does take some time to search thru them to get what you may be looking for.

Garden Angel

Quote - So, I downloaded DAZ and installed it, but I can't figure out how to make... anything.  I click on the tools, but they only make boxes out of little dotted lines.

Let's say I want to make a human being.  Where do I start so that what I put on the screen stays there?

Quote - What exactly do you want to do? Make an existing model poseable with bending joints (and thus adding bones and a skeleton - using the specific meaning these words have for 3D artists)?
Or do you want to create these hard whitish things to be found in real live humans and animals (and thus follow the popular meaning of the word "bone" outside the 3D community)?

To be more specific, I was trying to make the "poseable joints" type, and I have found a program by the name of Blender which helps me to creat these bones. It is however, FAR more complex and dificult to fine tune but it is a very effective program.

P.S. I appologize for not returning to the thread sooner as I have been exceptionally busy.

Quote -
To be more specific, I was trying to make the "poseable joints" type, and I have found a program by the name of Blender which helps me to creat these bones. It is however, FAR more complex and dificult to fine tune but it is a very effective program.

Thing is, you won't be able to use Blender-rigged figures in D|S. The joints won't translate over. One of the limits of these programs.

Quote - I want to make person.  How do I get a person to show up on my screen?  What is the basic program I need to create a 3D image of a human being?

At least this question I can answer!  You have to use a modeling program in order to be able to make characters from scratch.  Now hopefully you have had some experience with this because a LOT of work is involved with making characters from scratch. 

There are a lot of free modeling programs that you can download from the internet.

Judee has a fabulous beginers  tutorial that you can dowhn load free from the DAZ website.