Hi I have Poser Pro 2010 on iMac.

I have , in my Render Settings   Smooth Polygons  checked, does it has to be checked or can just uncheck it.
I am not even quite sure what it is for.
Someone told me I should have it checked.

Excuse my written English, I am German * living in UK *

Petra

I believe the default is unchecked.  However, there have been problems with both smooth polygons active in the render settings and active on the models themselves, you get a bloat effect after rendering.  If you see this occurring, uncheck the feature in your render settings.

 thank you very much for your fast reply, I shall uncheck it.

Petra

Smooth Polygons will result in more natura lrendering of organic models. It  can cause some straight edges to become bent. If this occurs, uncheck the smooth polygons box for the ITEM, (on the properties tab of the item control panel.) I always render with this checked to get the softest possible curves.

Quote - Smooth Polygons will result in more natura lrendering of organic models. It  can cause some straight edges to become bent. If this occurs, uncheck the smooth polygons box for the ITEM, (on the properties tab of the item control panel.) I always render with this checked to get the softest possible curves.

Thank you for explaining this to me.
I shall check it again and do as  you do.

Petra

To be more precise, checking smooth polygon in the render settings activate the smoothing only for the objects that have smooth polygon checked in their own setting (which is on by default for all objects).
Personally, i don't always see a real benefit with smooth polygon on, so i first try with the option uncheck (you save some rendering time and computation). I check it only if i see a hard edge somewhere.

 Petra, I recommend you do a quick test render ('draft' render settings) with smooth polygons on, so that you can see how your picture looks first. With it turned on you get a lot less sharp points on meshes, and curved items like hair look more natural. But some items with sharp edges (like boxes or walls) might look bowed or bent out from the inside. Give it a try to make sure. ^_^

 Thank you everyone, I think Seaview123 made a good suggestion and I shall do a fast render first with lower render settings to make sure all is well.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply to my cry for help.
Petra