I was reading the Poser manual and found this:  "Poser allows you to import geometries as a single file with groups within the file." How is this done? In my modeling program I group the different objects but, when I import into Poser I have only one object in props. I want to have separate props. I know I can spawn props with the group tool, but then I have to redo all the materials.(pita)
Thanks hope there is a way.

Then you'll need to import each group as a separate object into Poser if you want them separate. If you still want them arranged the same as in your modeler though, import with no options checked.

Laurie

work with one obj per prop. Grouping within the obj lets you set up figure body parts using the phi file method. 

The grouping within the obj is also useful for other things, like separating meshes for the cloth room.

markschum: not sure what you are saying here. "Grouping within the obj lets you set up figure body parts using the phi file method. "

He means that the mesh groups of all figures (and conforming clothing), are really object groups of a wavefront-obj file. Be it via the phi file method (where you supply a text file describing the rigging hierarchy to rig a model) the setup room or etc, body groups of a figure are really mesh groups, as understood by an obj file.

Exactly. If you want to create a figure, it's best to keep all the groups together in one obj file. If you want to make separate props, it's better to import each group individually. You can separate the groups in the group editor, but it's much easier to just import each one from your modeler.

Laurie

Poser itself does not seem to recognise the parts within an obj but the phi file does. There was documentation in Poser tutorials I think explaining the phi file method of figure making. Its very good for machinery.  Material groups are recognised of course.

there is a utility called phibuilder that helps get the file syntax right.

phibuilder is for PC only. at least the one I found.

Quote - Poser itself does not seem to recognise the parts within an obj but the phi file does. There was documentation in Poser tutorials I think explaining the phi file method of figure making. Its very good for machinery.  Material groups are recognised of course.

there is a utility called phibuilder that helps get the file syntax right.

It does recognize it, but that is not immediately obvious from the user's point of view. If you click on the grouping tool on the just-imported obj file while in the setup or clothing room, you'll see a list with all the mesh groups. The thing is, until poser KNOWS what to do with them, it just hides them from the user.

As to the phi file method for rigging things, I agree, it is an excellent rig tool when machinery is involved.