I know this is a long shot, but here goes... Is there an easier way to set the joint parameters other than the joint editor inside poser? This is so tedious and I have a total of 36-37 of these to do. I think I'll scream. Does PhilC's CD cover this?

I'd love to know also. Since I am totaly clueless when it comes to the Joint editor. James

While I'm not exactlly clueless, I am mystified as to how some people seem to just whip them out like it's no work at all.

Pro Pack makes it a bit easier, if you don't have it, why not download their demo?

The Joint Parameters window is the best way, so you can test each joint as you change the parameters... plus, it's almost impossible to accurately do spherical falloff zones without it. Personally, I don't like doing it either, but once you're done, there is so much a sense of satisfaction... Of course, I also go ahead and change the names of the Xrot, etc, dials to the appropriate "Twist", "Bend" and "SideToSide" while I'm messing with the appropriate joint parameter.

I know this is a particular challenge for folks because it was to me at the beginning. On the CD I explain joint parameters in detail. I do not give you set values for different models, they would be too numerous to mention, but rather by a clear illustrated explanation of what each parameter does I feel than an understanding of how they work can be grasped. I found that when I could see what they were doing I could then manipulate them to perform correctly.

The section on magnets is treated in much the same way.

Remember shadowcat....if the figure is fairly symmetrical. You can use the symmetry option on the joints so you only need to do them on half of the figure in most cases. ScottA

Incidently, another hint: steal what you can, if you can find a similar figure or item "borrow" the settings (you can cut and paste all the dials for one item at a time, I'm sure you know), nobody has ever claimed anykind of copyright on joints, they are just settings on a dial. I spend way to much time in the Joint Editor, but it is often the only way!

I'll re-iterate what I said a while back -- Pro Pack makes it easier! Instead of doing all of that cutting and pasting, you simply load your figure into the pose room (which is what you're used to if you're using Poser 4), click on the tab for the set up room (your figure is automatically carried into it), and then open a cr2 library with a figure similar to yours. Double click on that figure and it's bone structure is automatically superimposed over your figure. You now allign your figure over the bone structure, delete unneeded bones by clicking on them and then pressing delete, resize, etc until all looks right to you, then click on the grouping tool and, when the window appears, click on auto group and the bones will be assigned to their corresponding body parts for you. A quick check for any ungrouped polygons (use the grouping tool to assign them to a bone (ie to the hip), then click on Pose room. Once there save your figure to a library (it's obj will be saved with it) and you're done!