I'm trying to create two figures for a scene and ran into a big problem.  Whether I load two adults or one adult and one child, the figures load on top of each other and I'm unable to separate them.  I've tried moving the first figure to the side or rear before loading the second and that didn't work - the second one loads directly on top of it no matter where it is.  Individual body parts move independently with no problem, without the other character's same part moving also.  But I can't get the characters to get the heck away from each other.  I tried the suggestion of Set Parent Figure to 'Universe' and that didn't work either.   Selecting a figure and trying to move it away from the other one just doesn't happen.  Collision settings made no difference.  There is no scene or bg loaded, only the two characters. 

In case it was a program glitch, this morning I reinstalled Poser 7 and the most recent service pack for it (3). 

Poser friends on Facebook have been extremely helpful and though he is making helpful suggestions, I'm pretty sure my explanation skills is why the tech at SmithMicro doesn't completely understand the problem I'm conveying.

Has anyone here encountered this problem, and if you did, how on earth did you rectify it?  Many thanks in advance for all and any suggestions.  :)

 That'
s because you have IK on and try to grab their hips. Move their BODY and you won't have any problems. Or turn off IK and you won't have any problems. It's not a glitch, it's how IK works.

Thanks, Trekkie, but, I just got an update from tech support (just as I was making the first post here, actually) and the problem is solved.  I now understand what was wrong and I've never felt SO STUPID in my life.  I may just look for a hole to crawl into.  :)

 Don't feel stupid :) We've all had our DOH moments with Poser :)

If you knew what I had been doing wrong you'd be rolling on the floor.  Absolutely mortifying to learn how forehead-slapping DOH you can be.  But on the bright side, when the library folders grayed out (about a month ago) and I needed tech support at least that wasn't something that I caused so I'm currently one for two.  lol

So, what was the answer to your problem?

You may save someone else some grief by posting the answer here.

We have all done "duh" stuff from time to time so don't feel bad.

cheers,
dr geep
;=]

The last time a question like this came up (characters stuck on top of each other), the solution was to moved the figures and not the camera. I guess it's the same this time ;-)

geep - the tech said to use the circle to move the bodies, and voila!  That hadn't occurred to me as I always render with single figures, had NEVER used the circle for movement and consistently moved any figure quickly and easily with the 'back/forward' or 'up/down' icons.  That process does NOT work AT ALL when you have more than one figure.  I still cannot believe the hoops I put my computer through to fix this and it all came down to a "duh" moment.   Funny thing is that I searched poser forums, poser tuts, knowledge bases and even fed search engine strings searching for the solution and nothing came up at all.  Maybe it's considered to be such basic common sense that it didn't require a mention.     :)

Dizzi - yes, that scenario is correct this time as well, unfortunately.  :)  The dilemma was that I thought I was correctly moving the figures but it wasn't working as it should.   Coupled with my  (real) Poser problem of a month ago I figured my program was having another tantrum.  The 'you're a dope' answer to what was wrong makes me cringe, but I'm glad it's not the program.  :)

 Use the dials, not the mouse. Once you have Figure 1 selected, go to that figure's BODY part and use the dials to translate it -X to the side, Y up and down and Z forwards and back. MUCH easier than using the mouse to grab an elusive circle. Half the time you get the floor or something else in the scene you never meant to grab :)

And it's not dopey at all. Poser is an odd duck and generally, the mouse isn't much of use in the posing window. Either you'll twist your people into pretzels or have a problem like the one you described here :)

Yes, select one of their bodies, then move their x so they move to the side.

Trekkie, thanks for that dial info - it is SO much easier that way.  You're the best!  :)

Did you know that ...

You can click and drag on the icon (in the Editing Tools) to move the selected Figure? :biggrin:
Movement will depend on camera view and tool used.

cheers,
dr geep
;=]

dr. geep - this is really going to sound dumb but I have to ask it anyway.  :)  The only thing marked 'editing tools' is that phrase above the preview/render block.  Can't click it so I'm not sure to what you refer.  Is there a separate place to find them or is it the commands within that preview/render block when you click V4/body and the red circle appears?  Thanks in advance for your time.

Ah, dr. geep, the second one solved it!  The editing tools weren't visible, but a simple click and they are now.  And using the Editing Tools is a very helpful tip.  Just when I was convinced I knew almost nothing about Poser I find out I know even less than that.  lol  But it's so much fun!  :)

Glad it helped ...

BTW - You can double-click on the  "Editing Tools" title to hide/unhide the actual tools, also.

Each and every tip is not only helpful, it's very appreciated.   Thank you.  You can't imagine how frustrated I'd gotten and how helpful you've been.  :)

My pleasure.

BTW - How do you like TN?

cheers,
dr geep
;=]

Try this ... Hold down the "Alt" key and click on an Editing Tool ...... :sneaky:

Attached Link: Intro To Poser 6 - compliments of Dr Geep Studios

Hi MtnMist,

This was done for Poser 6 but you may find some of the info useful for Poser 7 as well.

View it in good health.

cheers,
dr geep
;=]

We'll be moving permanently to TN within the next 12-18 mos.  We've made several trips to see which area we like best and it was tough choosing between middle and East TN, but final decision is that we'll be close to the Smokies.  We like it more with each visit and tons of research on things we'll need/like to do gave the area a thumbs up from us.  Can't wait to move!  :))

Dr. Geep - THANK YOU SO MUCH for these tutorials!!!  I feel lots of 'read this and try it' time coming on.  Wow!!!  Thank you for this generosity!!!!! -  Linda

Attached Link: 6th Floor Directory of Classes available at Poser U. - compliments of Dr Geep Studios

But, you can ...
(click the link above the image for the actual "clickable" Directory with classes)*

Linda,

You're quite welcome, it's my pleasure.

Make sure to check out all the tuts on the other floors at Poser U.  Just click the small left (or right) arrow to go down (or up) to another floor to see the classes that are available there.  Then just click on a class title to enter that classroom.  They're all FREE.  I have already paid all the required fees and the tuition for you (and everyone else, also). :biggrin:

Or you can ... click the down arrow to get back into the Lobby at Poser U.
Happy hunting.  ... and  ... Happy learning.

cheers,
dr geep
;=]

P.S. It'll be nice to be close to the Old Smokies ... just don't inhale too much. :lol:
It's beautiful country back there.  I hope you and yours will have many happy years there.

cheers,
dr geep
;=]

I'm already checking out the tuts and I really love your humorous teaching style.  Explaining magnets is a biggie for me and I'm sure for others as well.  A lot of market products (older products, anyway) instruct 'apply magnets' and if you don't know what that means the product may end up set aside and the money wasted.  

Thanks for the wishes on the Smokies.  The area is so breathtaking and reminds us of where we grew up, though nowhere near that scale.  It's just tough moving from one tourist area and heading toward another.  But at least we know what we're in for.  :)

Attached Link: 2nd Floor Directory

Check the 2nd Floor Directory for a couple of pages about Poser's Magical Magnets.

cheers,
dr geep
;=]

Attached Link: http://www.drgeep.com/p6/magnets/magnets.htm