I have a model with mulitple assigned materials - unfortunately there are no groups when I go into the Group Editor. I would like to spawn props - to break the model down but I cannot.

Is there a way to turn the assigned Materials on this model into a group - so that I can deconstruct the model and spawn props?

I haven't tried it but isn't that one of the functions of the Group Editor?

Select the material and Assign Group, I think.

If not, why not just throw the model into something like Wings and create the groups yourself?

Sam I've been asking SM for that feature. Wouldn't in be nice if we could assign "Fur" as a group in the hair room? Your suggestion is fantastic!

Yes, you can create new groups from material zones, IF those material zones already exist on the model, and if you're using Poser 10 or higher. I'm not sure if it works in Poser 9 or below. (The group editor tool got a major overhaul in Poser 10).

Open the group editor, create a new group and name it whatever you need, then click the Add button and you'll get a dropdown menu. Select Material from that menu and you'll get another dropdown menu listing all the materials that currently exist on the model. Select whichever material you want to be in that group. The selected area will turn red on the model, showing that it is now part of that selected group. Rinse and repeat until you've created all the groups you need.

Yes. It's a very complex model with LOTS of faces and areas and it would take a long time to select each component separately. Most, are already identified by materials. There is no assign group or anyway that I can see to make the materials "hilighted" so that you could then make them a group.

Bingo! Was not aware of that, thank you AmbientShade!!

hamiltonpl posted at 2:52PM Mon, 24 October 2016 - #4287766

Yes. It's a very complex model with LOTS of faces and areas and it would take a long time to select each component separately. Most, are already identified by materials. There is no assign group or anyway that I can see to make the materials "hilighted" so that you could then make them a group.

You have to create a new group first, then add the material to that group. So basically, the reverse of how you're thinking.

Also, It's important to specify which version of Poser you're using, because things change and/or get added from one version to the next.

Welcome, Boni.

I am on Poser Pro 2012 and YES that does work! Thank you.

"Is there a way to turn the assigned Materials on this model into a group"

Literally yes there is. Open the obj file in a text editor. Do a global search and replace, changing "usemtl" into "g".

This is amazingly helpful. And will be covered in my upcoming Webinar. Yes, it is coming. As a first one it is taking time to get all together. This will be helpful for dynamic hair.