Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12356&FAQ=Y

I've noticed since "Digit" and "Computer Arts" included a free version of Poser 3 that there are alot of new folks looking for info. I've made more than my share of errors working with Poser so maybe I can provide a couple of quick tips for those just starting out.

Number 1:
Once you get a figure in the main window you are going to want to start Posing it. The most intuitive thing to do is click on some part of the figure and start moving. But my advice is to you is: don't do it. Learn to use the Parameter Dials on the side. I know it's confusing to have to have to go through the Element menu (the second little down arrow thingy below the Document Window) but you are going to be alot better off in the long run if you start there and use the Dials.

Number 2:
The book (and probably alot of well meaning people) will tell you to use the Editing Tools just above the Document Window to pose your figures. But my advice is: don't do it - at least not to begin with. Pretend they don't exist until you get well acquainted with the program. Later on you can use them but you are just going to mess up your pose and your figure if you start clicking on those buttons before you get used to the program. Please, just use the little Dials.

Number 3:
If you try to apply a pose from the Pose menu, remember to turn off Inverse Kinematics in the "Figure: Use Inverse Kinematics" drop down menu. Inverse Kinematics are especially helpful when doing animations. But if you leave them on and try to apply these predefined Poses your figure is going to look like you nailed it's feet to the floor and ran into it with a bulldozer.

Warping your figure by applying a Pose incompatible with IK (Inverse Kinematics) doesn't cause the figure any pain but it can sure effect you. Not as much as not using those Dials I was talking about though. Trying to move things with the mouse is a REAL PAIN. Remember: use the little Dials.

Number 4:
Check out the FAQ in this Forum. I've listed it as the URL link. It really covers a wealth of info and is very useful. They even mention that stuff about using the Dials instead of moving things with a mouse. But in my opinion, there just isn't enough emphasis on that point. I'm really serious about this by the way. If you don't use those dials you are really going to regret it.

Number 5:
Renderosity is one of the main things that makes Poser so fun. And you are going to love downloading free stuff and even buying relatively inexpensive stuff from the marketplace (compared to 3D models, etc. for any other programs). But then you've got to install the things. They usually come with a ReadMe and have suggestions on where to install the files.

Here's the deal: you aren't going to like where they say to put the different files. You are going to know there is a better way to organize things, after all it's your computer and you know what you are doing. So you are going to be tempted to start moving files around right off the bat. Bad idea. Just let the chips fall where they may until you get REAL GOOD with the program. Otherwise you ain't never going to find anything. It would take too long to explain why. Just trust me on this.

Like on the little Dials thing I mentioned - I'm begging you, USE THE DIALS. I mean, it's not going to cause world peace or anything like that if you do use the dials. But if you ignore this advice and start snatching and grabbing things in the Window you are likely to end up with a bad case of the "screaming-heabie-jeabie-hissy-fits". (By the way, I don't know how to spell "screaming-heabie-jeabie-hissy-fits" but I have experienced a few and they aren't any fun.)

If I can just spare one person some of the problems I caused myself by not using those Dials when I started out. Sheesh!

It took me one hour to realize that it was all about the dials! The only thing I use the mouse tools for is posing hands in closeups. And it's still really tricky.

Nice stuff Preston. I also recommend people check out our Backroom "Tips&tricks" area. The stuff I couldn't fit into our FAQ's. Is in there, and it's pulled right off of the forums. ScottA