Hello all, I'm curious to know if there is a way to make a 3ds or obj file poseable? For example 3d cafe has a seahorse model that I would like to pose, but right now downloaded "as-is" I can only import it to poser for placement in a scene. I know that this is probably a silly newbie question but any help would be appreciated. Regards, mithrandir2K

Yes you can. Check out the tutorial section for an indepth explenation. I'd start out simple and experiment on some primitives. First divide the prop into segements where you want it to bend. You can do it in Poser with the grouping tool. How ever I'd do it in a modelling app or UVmapper. Uvmapper problly being the easiest. First import the 3ds into poser then export it as an obj. The pic I've uploaded is of a medieval mace. As you can see I've high lighted the different sections of the handle and moved them. If I want to make the handle posable I would name the diferent sections. Just highlight a piece... move it... rename it... and on to the next. When you've named everything assign a new map to the whole thing. this will bring the template back together and make your textureing easier. Now save that puppy. Go back into Poser and Import your obj. Select your object and open the grouping tool. Hit spawn prop. This will break the object ito all the groups you named in UVmapper. Now go to the heiarchy editor. Move the different parts so as to make a chain of them. For example a finger goes under a hand and that geoes under a forarm and that under upper arm, etc. It all finally goes under one object. You higlight this object hit create figure. Give it a name and voila you've got a new figure in your library. Open up a new window and then load up your figure. Hope I made some kinda of sense.

Attached Link: http://www.sams3d.com/Tutorial.htm

We also have a in depth tutorial if you need that also, very easy to follow. Hope it helps. Sharen

Thanks Sharen and Cybermonk. Guess We all know what I'll be up to until the wee small hours of the morning. lol See you again soon. Regards, Mithrandir2K

Yes indeedy, LOL, either Cybermonk our my tutorial will help you alot. Happy reading, and glad to be of assistance. Sharen

No problem, once you get the hang of it, it want seem nearly as bad. Definately check out Sharen's Tutorial as mine was a bit on the rambling side. Ok more than a bit. :) Good luck

You also use the Pro Pack's Setup Room to cut a large amount of time off the process and see almost real-time results. :-) Anthony Hernandez Curious Labs