I don't even know how this could be implemented... A conversion process where a texture map, bump map and transparency map are combined into a RGB or CMYK image format with two extra channels (containing the grayscale information for the bump and transparency images) so that if a texture was selected, the remaining information would be contained in the file and chosen by default. It would certainly make for a less cluttered texture directory and make clothing "packages" a little more compact.

Wowsers... now THAT is a good idea...

Those of us with PhotoShop could easily add the extra channels; I'm not sure what other programs could do. The main trick is to have Poser read the combined file. (I'd imagine that the Materials Selection Menu would look the same, but we'd be loading channels instead of separate files, and could still fidget with the dials.) We do not want to go the CMYK route. That is for printers, and limits the "safe" colors to those printable with real ink as opposed to what we can see on a monitor. The blues and purples will suffer terribly. Carolly

first, cmyk isn't suitable, it's made for print, and has smaller color range than rgb. second, i don't think it would be a good idea. instead of some kilobytes for the bump (grayscale) map, you'd have to load also rgb channels into your paint application, although you don't want to work with them - more memory usage and slow reaction is the consequence. most paint applications think that added channel (or alpha-channel) is for transparency, and this should (and can) be applicated.

What if Poser just used Photoshop PSD format? As many channels as you could ever want and no need to convert when moving over to Photoshop.

Of course, that would also require people to have Photoshop or something that could save as PSD in order to make textures, right?

I think it would be a bad idea for CL to exclusively tie themselves to a proprietry file format. Which one would they go for? Whatever they chose, the majority of people would be pissed. Plus there is always the problem with copyright infringements (aka GIF).

At the end of the day, the total amount of information (excluding headers) required would be the same whether it is packaged into one or more files, but with less flexibility in using some lower res components to save memory.

My vote is with the open file formats - do any of these support multiple layers?

Don't you think that Curious Labs has already decided what features will be in Poser 5? There comes a time when you stop decided what to add, and you start programming to reach your goal. I'm sure Curious Labs reached that point long ago. So wish lists really don't apply here. You don't need PhotoShop to save in PSD format. Poser does that. You don't need PhotoShop to load PSP format. Ulead PhotoImpact loads those files, as do other fine graphics programs. Ron

Actually I imagine if someone thought of something too cool to leave out CL might find a way to implement it. You should never stifle someone's ideas Ron, some of the best ideas have come from the strangest places. 8^) Marque

oh, i'm sure that poser5 won't be the last one. but, i'm happy with jpgs; reasonable file size and quality. now, implementing procedural shaders for skin and fabric - that would be something worth thinking about. anybody said directx 9? :)

Believe me, I'm not stifling ideas. You talk about ideas coming from strange places?! How about strange people like me?! I just have an idea of how these things work. Yes, wish lists are nice... but there is a certain reality to production schedules. There is a point where the ideas stop coming into the mix, and the production keeps moving ahead. Ron

I would like to see the cmyk...Poser doesn't have to be just for web...then I can use the output in Print.

using cmyk textures doesn't mean that the final rendering also uses cmyk color space. final rendering is - and always will be - in rgb. if you are making it for print, it's better to convert it with photoshop or something similar (though psp has one of the best converting algorhythms for cmyk around), and tune it up here and there. also, you can add color profile of your target printing device. too much for ol' poser!

I don't know about that idea. There's a lot of times I switch transparencies, bumps, and textures around. It seems this option would either limit me to not doing that, or force me to load three times as much information. It would be nice if Poser could save material sets, so you could load one file and it would direct it to get the others, or something similar. Kind of like a MAT, but directly in Poser's material selection.

I am not saying to do this but no change comes from no ideas. I will be shocked if Poser 5 even comes out before Fall or next Spring....let's just say I'm not going to hold my breath. I will just continue learning C4D and Lightwave. By the time it comes out I may not even have a use for it. Marque

When exporting OBJ files Poser also saves a MTL file along with it. The MTL file tells Poser and other apps about the texture and color settings for that object. But unfortunately the MTL file does not save the Bump, and Trans information. If Poser were to save an additional file, (sort of a MTL+ file) That would save a lot of grief. (For Poser users anyway). Oh yeah and make sure it works on material names that contain spaces in them. (Just in case Curious Labs reads this thread).