Hi

Im Currenlty experimenting with a 2 part mat INJ on some shoes im working on.

My idea was to have matt INJs for 4 different BUMPs (leather, fabric, pvc etc.)The Bump matts would also contain the reflection matt, highlight and spectacular permaeters.

Then have a seperate set of secondary matts to apply the colour map (diffuse map) only.

I know its possible to have a seperate matts for bumpmap and a diffuse colour (like the 'Superhose for V4' - for example) Im looking to make the same setup but with a texture map instead of a simple diffuse colour.

But so far Im having a partial success but with a couple of issues:

First off  the 'diffuse' values for the (primary) bump mat are getting in the way even if i set them to 'none' and '0' It just forces the color matt to come out almost black.

My second problem is when I load the secondary (diffuse) map I seem lose the Bump map (though refection map and everything else seems to be intact.

Here is how my diffuse matt Pz2 is edited.

{

version
 {
 number 4.01
 }
figure
 {
 material Interior
  {
  textureMap ":Runtime:textures:Dogz:Ballerina flats:Matt 7 Red.jpg"
  }
 material Exterior
  {
  textureMap ":Runtime:textures:Dogz:Ballerina flats:Matt 7 Red.jpg"
  }
 material Trim
  {
  textureMap ":Runtime:textures:Dogz:Ballerina flats:Matt 7 Red.jpg"
  }
 material Sole
  {
  textureMap ":Runtime:textures:Dogz:Ballerina flats:Matt 7 Red.jpg"
  }
 material Preview
  {
  textureMap ":Runtime:textures:Dogz:Ballerina flats:Matt 7 Red.jpg"
  }
 }
}

Seem to almost work, my concern with the above is that poser is in no way being told that this texture map is diffuse map only, Im guessing this could be why Im losing the bump map from the first Matt?

Does any one know of cheapish product that uses the same formula/combination as I am? Ill be happy to buy it, just see what I can learn from the pz2s. I dont like to be a copy cat but looking at other artist files in a text editor is often a good way to learn :)

If you want to add/combine material elements you may find that a Python scripted method will work better. Look at the WacrosaddSubSScater.py script for an example.

I don't believe there is a way to accomplish that with pz2's unless a script wizard can encode a program to work through Python.  I think everything must be inclusive into 1 file; pz2 have a tendency to overwrite previous settings.

Thanks guys, fair enough, It maybe that Ive bitten off more than I can chew, it might be better i stick single mats. I dont think im quite ready for python scripts yet Phil, maybe later down the line :)

There's a util called Shader Spider which may be able to do what  you want.  I don't have it but IIRC it can create partial MATs.

Probably simpler to create a single MAT for each variation you need, though. 

Shader spider is $10 im not sure it works with poser 9 and also it mentions outputing a partial mat to an FX6 format.

Since im attempting to make a commerical product I will need to stick to Pz2. Looks like I have to go for the more conventional option, (especially given my novice level with Poser Content creation in  general.)

Im concerned Ill have too many textures lol. plus I need to think about duplicate Daz Stuido shaders too, since poser shaders dont work properly in DS. Its a bit of nightmare to be honest.