I'm having trouble importing a Wavefront OBJ file into Poser 6. The progress bar goes from 0 to 100%, and then... the object doesn't show up in the scene window. I can rotate the camera all over the place, but I can't load any other files, do anything else. I have to shut down Poser, then start it up again. Rebooting the system doesn't help. Any suggestions?

Guy

Have you tried 'cleaning up' the model with UVMapper or maybe run it through Spanki's STOMP utility?  I've had good luck with UVMapper Pro correcting problem models, but I think the free version will do the job.

A lot could depend on the number of polygons and the dimensions of the object.  Depending on the application that made the object file in the first place, Poser might think the object is several miles wide and pretty much choke.  I've also had trouble with files over 10 Mb in size

• Roni

Quote - Have you tried 'cleaning up' the model with UVMapper or maybe run it through Spanki's STOMP utility?  I've had good luck with UVMapper Pro correcting problem models, but I think the free version will do the job.

I have UVMapper, but I'm not sure how to use it to clean up a model; can you give me any pointers with that?. I'll look for STOMP, too.

Sure.  I run the three routines circled in red when I have a problem model.  I'm no guru with this stuff, but it seems to work frequently.

I get that after I've tried a couple of different ones. And it does it with 3DS models too. It's almost like Poser get bored and goes on strike. Shutting down and restarting is the only way I've found to get it going again.

"I'm having trouble importing a Wavefront OBJ file into Poser 6."

I should have asked what the source of your obj file is.  That might be an issue as well.  A few months ago I stumbled into the observation that both Hexagon and Silo create bloated obj files, especially Hexagon (up to 50 times the size that the obj file 'should' be).  However, in Hexagons case there is an easy work around and Hex gives you a nice lean obj file:  save the file in Hex format first, then export as obj.  Don't know of a work around for bloated obj files created by Silo.

edit:  ...oh.  And don't forget to check that it's not just a scaling issue ;)

I'm not sure what program the original were created in, but I've gotten results of a sort by loading up the obj in Cinema 4d and re-exporting them as an obj. The obj now loads in Poser, but the material zones have now vanished (it's all one big material). I can use the obj files as is, but I'd prefer to have the material zones back.

Guy

Quote - "I have UVMapper, but I'm not sure how to use it to clean up a model; can you give me any pointers with that?"

Sure.  I run the three routines circled in red when I have a problem model.  I'm no guru with this stuff, but it seems to work frequently.

Aargh. I have the free UV mapper, not the $60 one. Thanks for the advice, though; when I can afford the Pro version, I'll probably get it.

Guy

"...I've gotten results of a sort by loading up the obj in Cinema 4d and re-exporting them as an obj. The obj now loads in Poser..."

That's a good sign.  Do you have another app capable of loading and exporting obj files?  If so then I'd suggest trying that.  Maybe your mat zones will come through.

I just tried Hexagon, but it was... unproductive.

Carrara 5 doesn't seem to produce workable obj's, either

Carrara 5 is usually pretty good with obj files, but it might not be able to clean up whatever it is about your file that is causing problems.  If you like you can email me the file (so long as there are no copyright or other issues) and I'll try cleaning it up in UVMapper Pro and send it back to you. Send me a pm if you'd like to try that.

...sorry, but just to be sure :):  Did you open the obj in Hex, then save it in Hex format, then open it in Hex format, then export it to obj?

It's a commercial file that I bought here on Renderosity ( http://market.renderosity.com/mod/bcs/index.php?ViewProduct=42483 ). I'm waiting for his permission to send you the files.

Guy

...well.  We better pass on that idea.  I don't want a commercial file via email even if the vendor does give permission.  Maybe ask the vendor to try a clean up of some sort?  He/she probably has UVMapper Pro or something capable of the same tasks.

The promo page for these weapons says "NOT POSER COMPATIBLE".  So apparently the author has some issues with them too.

Quote - ...sorry, but just to be sure :):  Did you open the obj in Hex, then save it in Hex format, then open it in Hex format, then export it to obj?

Well, no, actually... but when I tried just now, it didn't work.

Guy

Quote - "I'm having trouble importing a Wavefront OBJ file into Poser 6."

edit:  ...oh.  And don't forget to check that it's not just a scaling issue ;)

No, there really isn't anything there. I checked to see if any props were present, and they weren't.

Guy

He's produced some other non-poser specific files which I have been able to import to Poser, so I was hoping these could be, too. Oh, well, it's only $5.

Guy

I downloaded the demo version of UVMapper Pro, and checked the concave, degenerate, and collinear facets, but it didn't seem to find anything wrong.

Guy

OK, I think I've done it. I imported the model into Cinema4d and saved it as a C4D file. Then I re-opened the C$D file and exported it as an OBJ. When I imported the OBJ file into Poser, the OBJ showed up with separate material zones. The object looks a bit different from the original, but it's not too bad.

Thanks for all the help, people!

Guy

Guy,

Go download my Riptide Plugin for C4D... it's a free .obj import/export plugn for C4D that will fix your material problems.

Cheers,

• Keith

Thanks, Keith! I'll let you know how things go.

Guy