I posted the following concern here and no admin has so far tried to help me resolve the issues. I'm however grateful to those who tried to help. I've tried the suggestions, but they couldn't help me. For instance, I decided to convert some images to Collada files and tried to import, but the images never loaded, only the file names appeared. So can the Admins here still help clarify issues for me? I especially want to know if some features cannot be accessed in the Poser trial version. I'm using the trial version and would buy Poser only if I'm convinced that these challenges would not be present in the premium version.

"1. It appears some features of Poser are not accessible in the trial version, is that correct?

2. I have followed the instructions from Poser tutorial to add figures/characters to my library, but it appears impossible. Usually, I only see the folder name, but whatever downloaded characters I add to the folder becomes inaccessible in the library as the folder is empty. Is it because I'm using the trial version? 

3. Is it possible to add my own pictures/character to the library? I mean characters I didn't download from Renderosity. If it's possible, how do I go about it?"

Thanks.

I was trying to help you in your last thread. I'm not an administrator, but I am a moderator. Hborre was also helping. He is a community member who's been using Poser for a long time and knows a lot about it. We do want to help you, but since everyone's workflows, experiences, and computers are different, we oftentimes will need to ask questions before being able to help. The more information you can give us about your problems will help us give you better answers. Screenshots can also be helpful.

1. You can add content to the trial. What other features are you having trouble with?

2. Which tutorial are you using for adding characters? Sometimes content from other sites is packaged improperly (some of our older freestuff is too) Sometimes it takes special steps for adding some things. What content are you trying to get into poser?

3. Yes, you can import content gotten from other sites. As far as images, you can't just import a picture. You have to put it on something. You can apply it to the background or as a texture for a prop.

For importing content made for poser, open the zip file.

In your \Runtime\Libraries\Character folder, put all the *.cr2 and *.crz files

Put *.pz2 and *.p2z files in the \Runtime\Libraries\Poses folder

*.fcz and fc2 files go in the \Runtime\Libraries\Face

hr2, hrz \Runtime\Libraries\Hair

hd2, hdz \Runtime\Libraries\hand

lt2, ltz \Runtime\Libraries\light

cm2, cmz \Runtime\Libraries\camera

mt5, mz5, mc6, and mcz \Runtime\Libraries\materials

pp2 and ppz in \Runtime\Libraries\props

pz3, pzz \Runtime\Libraries\scenes

for each for these files, there is a corresponding png file with the same name. That is the thumbnail and should go in the same folder.

obj or obz files go into the runtimes\geometries folder.

texture files (image files that aren't thumbnails) go under runtime\textures.

Unfortunately, not everyone zips their content into these proper directories. Because of this, sometimes using the install from zip archive doesn't work and you have to place the content manually.

For bringing in other 3d content, use file>import> [pick the format you want] your choices are DFX, Lightwave, 3D Studio (3ds), BVH motion, Wavefront OBJ, Collada/RWY, ZBRUSH, and FBX keep in mind these formats usually import into poser much larger than poser's own content. Sometimes it's not visible in the camera because of this.

I hope this is enough to get you started until you can answer my questions for the rest.

Thank you, RedPhantom  for this wonderful lesson!!

So lucid !!

Thanks, RedPhantom.

1. When I select a dress and double-click on it or drag it to a character, the Conform command under the Edit menu becomes inactive. As a result, I’m not able to make the dress conform to the figure. Again, I tried to access the Cloth Room, but it never worked for me.

2. I actually followed Steve Harms’ tutorial on Library part 1 and Library part 2 and tried to add people, animals, clothings, etc to my Library, but it didn’t work.

3. Can you please, point me to a tutorial or screenshots that will help me add content as you described? I would be most grateful.

4. My other concerns are explained in the two screenshots attached.

Thanks very much.

The major issue I see is that you added your additional content to the Program Files folder which is a restricted folder in Windows and controlled by UAC (User Account Control)  Even with Administrative access, Poser will have problems accessing, recognizing, and writing back data to the runtime location.  Your content installation should be in a shared location, as initiated by your main Poser installation, commonly the pathway chosen should be Windows (C:) > Users > Public > Public Documents > Poser 12 Content.  I see by your screencap that you do have the Poser 12 Content so all the additional content should have gone there.  

You need to understand how the Library is categorized and how content is divided among each category.  The Library recognizes 10 primary folders: Character, Pose, Face, Hair, Hand, Props, Light, Camera, Materials, and Scene, and depending on the particular file format, each will occupy its specialized folder.

I reread your post with the screencaps and you mention that you have followed Steve Harms' tutorials so you have some familiarity with the common Poser terminology.  Tell me how you obtained the additional content you wish to install and how you installed them.  No matter how trivial this may sound, newbies always manage to either overlook a particular step or are unfamiliar with how to decompress Poser-ready files.  That is why it is so important to convey as much information as you can remember to make it easier for us to determine the correct approach.  I don't want to overwhelm you to the point of giving up, you are genuinely interested in pursuing Poser, so let us help.

Thanks, hborre.

Actually, I just downloaded and installed Poser on my drive C, so the content I showed in the screenshot was taken from the program files in the drive C. I didn't really add any additional files to the Program Files folder. However, if you can assure me that the problem can be solved by uninstalling and reinstalling Poser, I'm more than willing to do so. What steps should I take to prevent the problem if I have to reinstall Poser?

For the additional content, I actually downloaded them from Renderosity, and I tried using the Add Library tab but failed. I also tried another step that I have forgotten now, and also failed. 

And for the 10 primary folders: Character, Pose, Face, Hair, Hand, Props, Light, Camera, Materials, and Scene; I actually thought they come preloaded with their respective contents, is that correct? If not, what steps do I need to take to add the content that Steve Harms shows in his tutorials?

Thanks.

The content directly downloaded from the Posersoftware site is bundled into the correct folder hierarchy so that decompressing the files into the Library should be completely painless.  However, the Add/Remove Library icons are just for importing established runtime folders that have been externally created by the user.  For example, if I wanted to install all my La Femme content into one exclusive location, I would create a folder entitled La Femme or La Femme Content and unzip all my files into that folder but, again, provided that those zip files contain the correct folder hierarchy as I mentioned before.  Looking into a zipped file, the first folder you should see is Runtime.  Of course, there will be other folders that will not appear in your library but those will contain additional files like textures, geometry, documentation, etc.  

Below is an example of a compressed file that is set up correctly for installation.  As I mentioned above, the primary folder is called Runtime, and I can directly decompress the contents of this file into an external Library runtime, in my case Dawn.  

Now, this is just an example of a manual installation into an external runtime folder.  You can have multiple runtime folders categorized in any way you want, by Characters, by models, by props, by scenes, etc.  This is just to organize your content into some cohesive manner for easy access within the Library.  I have over 100 runtime folders on my hard drive and there are others that can boost the same or higher.  

But you want to add content as quickly as possible so that you can play with the program.  This is how you will easily add content within Poser.  On the upper left-hand corner on File, open the contextual menu, and navigate to 'Install from ZIP Archive...'.   A search browser will open, and navigate to where you downloaded your content on your drive.  Highlight the Zip file and click on the open button.  A new window will appear asking for a location in which to install the content.  It will appear as below:

You will be installing a runtime so if you open the contextual menu next to it, it will show you a list of all your runtime folders connected to your Library.  For you, just a few. For me, the hundred or so that I have created myself.  At this point, you need to decide where you will be installing your new acquisition, either Poser 12 Content or Downloads.  Weigh this decision wisely, once you are committed and you change your mind to create external files, there is literally no turning back unless you delete everything and start from scratch.  Click Install and you're done.  At the lower right-hand corner of the Library panel, you will find this tiny icon,  , which is the refresh button.  Press it to refresh the window and you should see your new content in the folder you selected to install.

Thanks, hborre.

1. I followed the exact steps you outlined on how to quickly add content to the library, but it didn't work. It seemed to have installed alright, but when I checked the appropriate folder in which I installed it in the Library, I couldn't see it.

I even recorded the screen to show you, but it seems this forum doesn't allow video content. Please, where can I send you the recorded screen for you to see that I followed those exact step but it still didn't work?

2. Apart from that, where and how can I make get these other characters/figures/actors as shown in the attached screenshot? It's boring working with only LaFemme and LaHomme as the only characters/figures/actors I have in my Library.

Thanks a lot for the assistance.

Show me a screencap of your downloaded content file.  Those files you are showing me in the screencap are not Library recognizable.

1. Below is the screencap, please. Meanwhile, the installation I did and reported that it didn't work, I didn't do it from the files you said are not Library recognizable. I downloaded them from the free stuff on Renderosity, as you can see from the screencap.

2. How do I get the Library recognizable versions of those same files that you said are not Library recognizable?

Thanks.

Provide a screencap of an open zip file of one of those files you posted.  I think I know exactly what is happening.

Arrimeh posted at 8:58 AM Sat, 14 May 2022 - #4438599

2. How do I get the Library recognizable versions of those same files that you said are not Library recognizable?

You don't. Those are information files that are used by the files in the library. Andy.dat would be referenced by Andy.cr2 which should be in your library.

As far as the files you list in your last screenshot, some of those aren't made for poser and won't work in it without a bunch of hoops that you might not want to take the time to learn while on the limited time of a free trial. Anything that says it's for genesis, g2, g3, or g8 fall into that category. Yes, they may have come from this site, but we do support other software content besides poser.

Looking at some of your other content, the ones for tres ninjas are for Daz studio, not Poser. Carnotaurus is a video rather than 3d content. Nemesis74s dinosaur tube is a png for a 2d program such as photoshop or gimp. DocMikeB_dinosaur-robot_76845 is for poser and should work with the installer. Here are step-by-step instructions. Forgive me if they seem very basic. I used to teach preschool and have a tendency to oversimplify things. I didn't check anything after the dinosaur tube so I can't say for those.

1. Run the file>install from zip archive

2. navigate to wherever you have DocMikeB_dinosaur-robot_76845.zip installed. select it and click open

3. tell poser where you want to put it. I chose the default downloads choice for simplicity. Click on install

you might need to hit the refresh button in the downloads folder to get it to show.

some other library tips.

If you click on the three dots at #1, it will open some setting options at the bottom of the library

Click on the item list panel at #2 to give you a separate thumbnail panel see #3

#4 are tabs that will give you more options for each of the choices in #2

#5 is an indexing in progress indicator. while it's there, poser is indexing your library and the search may be slower

#6a and 6b are refresh buttons. 6a will fresh that specific folder and its subfolders. I'm my example, it will refresh the poser 11 content character folder. 6b will refresh the whole library

#7 is a tiny, easy-to-miss dropdown menu that allows for floating the library if you want to move it around the screen or put it on a second monitor.

The biggest issue I now see is that the actual Poser main runtime is not listed in the Library.  All the content has been installed according to all the data files appearing in the repose folder shown in the illustration above.  You will need to add that runtime to your library as well, otherwise, you will be beating yourself to death trying to find your content.  To add that runtime folder, go to the 'Add Library' button on the upper-right hand corner of the Library panel, click on it, and navigate to the Poser runtime.  In your case, Program Files > Poser Software > Poser 12 is the pathway you must follow.  At this point, the damage has been done regarding content location, everything should have gone into either the Poser 12 Content folder or the Downloads folder.  ATM, the only corrective action is to uninstall Poser and delete the main folder completely; uninstalling Poser alone will not delete content.  And attempting to move the content now will completely break the program.

1. Below is the screencap.

2. You're right, I was able to successfully add DocMikeB_Dinosaur_robot to my Library.

3. How do I know if a particular file is Poser compatible, so that i can avoid downloading incompatible files?

Thanks

Read the descriptions closely.  Learn to identify key red flags like DAZStudio, Genesis X.X, 3rd party software, file formats that don't exist in Poser or can't be imported into Poser, etc.  Be aware of texture freebie content that is specifically created for models that must be purchased and installed.  Know what you own and have installed, it will save you grief in the long run from bloating your runtime with useless content that you don't have.

In that recent screencap, the zip file is pointing to content that can only be opened in DAZStudio.  You do not want to install that file into Poser, it will not be recognized nor seen in the Poser Library.  The author Winterbrose only creates DAZ content; avoid this vendor unless you have the experience and knowledge of converting those items over to the Poser environment.

Thanks very much, hborre.

But is there a specific site from where I can access and download free Poser compatible files? I want to practise some more before my trial license expires in some 8 days' time.

Thanks very much. I'll research on how to convert such files for use in Poser.

Meanwhile, is there a specific site from where I can access and download free Poser compatible files? I want to practise some more before my trial license expires in some 8 days' time.?

You can download stuff from here. We do have poser things

These show if it's 2d or 3d. This was taken from the new freebies page

This shows what software and figure it's made for. Note, most poser content will be compatible with newer versions of poser so this should work in 12. (this is not an example from the cowboy boot tattoo above. that was for genesis)

An easy way you can get to the 3d content

Unfortunately, there is no split between poser and other 3d software.

Freebie sites have dwindled considerably so the only site I can recommend, ATM, is Renderosity.  Depending on your interest, you might find a few gems.  When you search the freebie section, there will be a category breakdown on the right-hand side of the webpage.  Click on any of those that interest you and peruse the descriptions.  I can't elaborate any further because each author has his/her way of posting descriptions that may be intuitive or completely confusing.  You just need to determine if it's correct for you.  I won't recommend DAZ 3D; although they have some spectacular freebies each week, determining if they play nicely with Poser is another hassle.  So, stay away from that site until you gather some practical experience first.  

If you have problems, don't hesitate to post in the forum, users are willing to help novices.  But be wary of the advice, some users assume that you already know your way around Poser which can be frustrating when trying to digest the information.  Be patient and provide as much detailed information as possible, even provide screencaps to drive a point.

Noted with thanks, RedPhantom

Thanks so much, hborre and RedPhantom and everyone who helped me find answers to my questions.

One last thing, though. The first day I installed Poser, I mistakenly made some change to my character and they eyes got closed and some fat eyelashes appeared, as can be seen in the screencap below. I have since tried in vain to reverse the changes. Could you help me do that?

There are 2 ways to restore a figure to its default setting in Poser, actually, there are 3 ways.  One way is to perform an undo under the Edit tab of the tool banner.  The second way is also under the Edit tab, Restore > Figure.  The Third way is under the Figure tab > Zero Figure.  Be aware, with the exception of the Undo feature, that the other two methods will reset the figure to its default state, and any extensive modifications to the figure will be erased completely.  You can also do the keyboard strokes Ctrl + Z to undo the changes.  

I also must add, right-clicking on the Preview window will open a contextual menu with command selections to do similar functions.

Those look more like the transparencies were removed in the material room. In the material room tab, click on the edit tab. Choose the materials that need to be fixed. By looks, it's the eyebrows, eyelashes, and eye surface, and set the transparency to 1 or possibly you preview transparency limit got set to zero change it to 90% or more

Usually, that is due to whether you have OpenGL or SreeD selected as a Preview Display.  Switching between them will display different detail.  

In this particular case with the eyebrows, the PhysicalSurface node competes with the PoserSurface node, clicking on Superfly Root on the PoserSurface node will correct the transparency.  Also, the Diffuse_Value should be 0, not 1 as illustrated.  The Specular_Value should also be 0, this applies to the EyeSurface material zone.  Whoever set up the materials didn't bother to double-check the settings.  It took me less than 5 minutes to figure this out.

This is the OpenGL display in preview:

In SreeD:

Thanks so much. I've been able to do it.

Glad it worked for you.  I don't know if you plan to test Superfly rendering, but just keep in mind that you may need to change the PhysicalSurface back for Superfly rendering, although I don't think so.

Noted. Thanks.