I don't have Poser yet (but very soon). A question I couldn't find in the manual.

Is it possible to import a CR2 file > detach skeleton > export mesh to modeller > modify mesh > import back in Poser > reatach the skeleton again?

If you are thinking morph targeting, then there is no need for that workflow.  Typically, parts can be exported as OBJ, modified (as long as no vertices are altered), and used as morph targets for your CR2 mesh.

No, I have to modify the mesh (adding vertices, welding, etc). Because of this I bought Poser 7. I have to detach. But not sure if I can reatach it to the skeleton again. I have no idea if I can save the skeleton, export mesh only and get it back.

Quote - No, I have to modify the mesh (adding vertices, welding, etc). Because of this I bought Poser 7. I have to detach. But not sure if I can reatach it to the skeleton again. I have no idea if I can save the skeleton, export mesh only and get it back.

Normally this is not a problem, but it gets much easier, if you arrange your cr2 file without any embedded geometry (ie use the 'figureResFile my.obj" in the the cr2). Then you can overwrite the obj with your modeling app to your heart's content (you have to reload the character in poser, though). Only thing to remember is to assign an appropriate group to vertices you add in your modeler. And this does not work with morphs, only for the skeleton, so better save morphs for last.

When you are adding the new vertices and polygons, be sure to group them with the same GROUPS as those around them (how to do this will depend on what modelling software you use - but will be a feature called groups or parts most likely).  In many versions of Poser since the Poser 4 Pro Pack you can inherit a skeleton from an already rigged figure with a new figure, provided the groups have the same internal names (this is critical).  There are tutorials both here in Renderosity's Tutorial archive, and over at Daz3d for doing this.

Also, usually to modify meshes you do not have to "detach" the skeleton, you don't usually even have to export them back out of Poser.  In your modelling software, when importing the object, go straight to the geometries folder in Poser and you will usually find the geometry right there, usually already in Wavefron OBJ format.  With some props and a few figures they may have embedded geometry and require you to export, but I always check the Geometry folder first (just be sure to save it with a different name when you are done, or to a different place - or you will lose the orriginal).

Quote - With some props and a few figures they may have embedded geometry and require you to export, but I always check the Geometry folder first.

Not the case. What I want is part of the main mesh.

Quote - Normally this is not a problem, but it gets much easier, if you arrange your cr2 file without any embedded geometry (ie use the 'figureResFile my.obj" in the the cr2). Then you can overwrite the obj with your modeling app to your heart's content (you have to reload the character in poser, though). Only thing to remember is to assign an appropriate group to vertices you add in your modeler. And this does not work with morphs, only for the skeleton, so better save morphs for last.

So just overwrite the main obj. Sounds very good. Will give it a try. Probably have Poser this week.

Thanks for the answers.

Quote - > Quote - With some props and a few figures they may have embedded geometry and require you to export, but I always check the Geometry folder first.

Not the case. What I want is part of the main mesh.

That's what I am talking about, the main mesh. It is the case. Many props and figures use External Geometry - that is, the actual Mesh (i.e. the OBJ or 3DS file) is stored in the poser Runtimes Geometries folder and is only referenced by call lines in the CR2/PP2.  All you have to do then is import this file directly into your modeler and you have the main mesh.

For those figures and props that do not have a file in the Geometries folder, they use what is refered to in Poser as Embedded Geometry which is that all of the mesh data is stored in the actual CR2/PP2 - in these cases you need to Export the mesh object from Poser to have an actual mesh to work on.

Wavefront OBJ are actual text files containing identifier strings and coordinate data. These are your actual meshes that most poser content uses (some use 3DS or another format, but Wavefront is the most interchangeable and widely accepted).

Also, saving over the orriginal mesh was what I recommended NOT doing, as it will ireversibly destroy your orriginal mesh, and any changes will be permanent.  I STRONGLY recomend saving your new mesh to a different location or under a different name, and/or making a backup of the orriginal mesh.  Simply renaming a new mesh to match the name of the old one will not adapt it's skeleton, you will need to go into the figure setup room and follow tutorials on how to inherit the rigging from and existing figure.

Here's one tutorial that talks about the Poser setup rooms and briefly and specifically addresses using the rigging from other figures.  While written for an older version of Poser it works with Poser 7 and 8 as well:

http://www.daz3d.com/i/tutorial/tutorial?id=693&_m=d

you can also find a lot of useful information and tutorials at the Smith Micro website:

http://poser.smithmicro.com/

If stripping embedded geometry from a model, this might be an easy solution:

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/details.php?item_id=48560

I think I got. Was a bit more compliated as I thought of. I have the embedded geometry.

For everything (or nearly so) you ever wanted to know about Poser rigging look for this book

Secrets of Figure Creation with Poser 5 by BL Render. 

Yes, it was written when P5 was new but not all that much has changed in Poser rigging since the release of Poser ProPack.

Quote - For everything (or nearly so) you ever wanted to know about Poser rigging look for this book

Secrets of Figure Creation with Poser 5 by BL Render. 

Yes, it was written when P5 was new but not all that much has changed in Poser rigging since the release of Poser ProPack.

 

Yup I have heard from a couple of sources that is an excellent book - I am planning to pick it up myself. 

Mostly rigging of figures has been unchanged for the last 10 years, except for the discovery of scripting codes such as ERC and others.  What has mainly changed through the versions is how joint zones and parameters are handled and interpreted - which may cause some compatibility issues from newer versions to older.  A good rule is if you want to make the figure compatible with older versions, try to do the setup and rigging in the oldest version you intend to make it compatible with.

Quote - For everything (or nearly so) you ever wanted to know about Poser rigging look for this book Secrets of Figure Creation with Poser 5 by BL Render. 

Yes, it was written when P5 was new but not all that much has changed in Poser rigging since the release of Poser ProPack.

Thanks for the advice. Just bought it (Amazon). Looking at the book index, this is exactly what I need. Thanks.