Hi all I am hoping somebody can point me at a simple utility that will take an .obj file and create separate files for each of the groups in it. For example processing a figure exported from Poser would create separate .obj files named head.obj neck.obj chest.obl etc. Obviously important to keep the vertices in the correct order so that the individual files can then be used as morph targets. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks

Poser grouping tool. Import the OBJ, make sure it is selected, click the grouping tool icon, click the Spawn Props button. Each group will be an individual prop. **or just export from Poser one group at a time as morph target.

Message edited on: 06/09/2005 15:09

Thanks for the reply. I think I need to explain a little more what I am trying to achieve. After modifying a figure, normally with conforming figures attached, I export it as an .obj file for further tidying up and modification in a modelling application (usually Metasequoia, Wings or Rhino). To work on the figure as a whole I edit the .obj file and remove the group lines so that it imports as one figure. That way deformers work across joins, on the figure as a whole. Once I am satisfied I save it, and regroup it by cutting and pasting the original face data into the file. At the moment I have to reimport the file into Wings and then export each individual group, not so bad if it is only dealing with a single torso but a bit tedious once fingers start getting involved! What I hope to do is automate this process.

I'm not sure I get what your doing but when I do Morphing on a characters full body I use a utility called Compose. Link to it found in here. http://www.morphworld30.com/tutorials/extract.html

Then I use Travelers tutorial here just to understand it. http://www.morphworld30.com/tutorials/rhino2.html

The utility merges all the groups so you can work whole body on a characters OBJ. Then running the OBJ back through the Compose utility breaks it back up into Morph targets. It's was not easy for me to learn but it's the ONLY way I know how to do it. I've asked around for other ways but never had an easier way suggested.
By the way you have to have java for it to work.

Good luck. :)

My brain is just a toy box filled with weird things

Attached Link: http://www.designertoday.com/tabindex-17/tabId-72/itemid-1678/DesktopDefault.aspx

The linked tutorial is probably the easiest (and cheapest) way to do it. It uses Anim8or as the modeller, but of course you can use any other, as long as it imports and exports OBJ nicely (without rescaling or reordering the vertices). The important part is the exporting of a single group from Poser, which is a built in feature. You don't need the grouping tool or Compose if you're just working on a single group. -- Edit -- That is what wyrwulf said, but I missed it the first time...

I actually use Compose all the time, because I'm used to it, but it can be quirky. Poser 3 couldn't export single groups, so an external application was needed, and I've stuck with it.

Message edited on: 06/10/2005 04:36

Thanks for the replies. I do use compose occassionally, must admit I didn't realise I could have merged all the groups with it. All methods seem to end up with having to export the different groups one by one which is the part I am trying to avoid. As all I need for a morph target is the vertices I'll dig out VB and have a go. Should while away those warm summer evenings :) Anybody want a copy if it works?

You can also merge groups with UVMapper - just save with the "export as single group" option checked. UVMapper can be used to re-group your mesh, using the UVS import feature; but it can't split the grouped mesh into separate OBJs, you still need Compose (or equivalent) for that, so you may as well do the whole thing with Compose if you're happy with it. "Anybody want a copy if it works?" For me, it depends on what "it" is... :) But somebody somewhere is bound to want it!

Attached Link: http://home.online.no/~kjellil/Index.htm

How about staale's "Poser's Little Helper"? http://home.online.no/~kjellil/Index.htm

Hey Thanks wyrwulf This looks like exactly what I'm looking for.

You're welcome. I had forgotten about that utility.