File Locations for Version 4.6 -- Loading Clothes

bnh-2314704

I am new to DAZ. Using version 4.6.3.5.0, 32-bit, on Windows 7, and I wonder if a problem occurred when I did not delete a 2013 version of DAZ before I updated to this later version..

The User's Guide for this 4.6.3.5.0 version, nicely included in the download, does not mention the process of loading 3rd party clothing files, or the process of telling DAZ Studio 4.6.3.5.0 where to find these new files.

When viewing various tutorials on the internet that used earlier versions of DAZ Studio, it appears there was a "scan" feature that would locate the newly installed files, as described in this tutorial: http://vimeo.com/37494277 Apparently this feature is not included in version 4.6.3.5, as the icon referenced does not contain the scan option.

I've downloaded numerous DAZ clothing files from a site called sharecg.com and the ReadMe files, and even the nicely produced .pdf files that accompany these .zip files, do not make sense when it comes to the location of files on my computer, even when the originators describe them as intended for Windows 7 and DAZ 4.6..

On my computer, it appears that DAZ Studio Pro, 4.6.3.5.0 chooses to locate the critical People, Data and Timeline files -- as well as other critical files -- by default, under the Libraries Folder located on the C drive. It further places various essential files in different locations on the subsequent My Documents and Public Documents Folders. It then places a separate DAZ 3D folder in the My Documents Folder, and a different DAZ 3D Folder (plus another My DAZ 3D Folder) under the Public Documents Folder. Wow. Duplicate folder names under My Documents verses Public Documents folders. I've always used a D drive for the content and render products. The only thing on a C drive is the actual program itself, usually assigned to the Program File by default.

Are some of these redundant folder names left-over from the previous 2013 versions of DAZ that were not deleted when I updated to version 4.6.3.5.0.?

The paths identified in 3rd party clothes files for DAZ 4.6 do not remotely coincide with what I see on my computer. So my next question is, was there a major change to file location folders in this 4.6.3.5.0 version, which deprecates all previous version of DAZ, and how does one tell DAZ Studio to place the new clothes files into the proper categories so that they appear in the Smart Contents folder along with all the other clothes files contained in the basic default version of DAZ Studio?

Should I delete DAZ 4.6.3.5.0 and all DAZ folders I can find, then re-load this new version?

When will you add to the User Guide a chapter on file location and Smart Content recognition for clothes as they apply to this new version?

I must be doing something very wrong, because surely all of you DAZ users who have been successfully using earlier versions of DAZ Studio certainly didn't find all of your files missing when you updated to version 4.6.3.5.

I would also appreciate some discussions on "draping" and "dynamic" verses -- what -- "non-dynamic" application of clothes on DAZ models. I understand that the term "dynamic" means that the clothes move appropriately with the rigging movement of the characters, as opposed to what -- just hanging there?

Am I right that the Poser software product, which apparently DAZ also owns, produces 3D models that do not move, i.e. are not rigged? I ask because the terms "pose" and "poser" are used without clear distinction, and for a new user this is confusing.

Thank you for any help.

Jaderail

Smart content in the Smart Content Tab is only built into DAZ 3D content and not even all the older content has been made Smart at this time. Smart content uses a file called Metadata, it is this file that instructs DAZ Studio to link the file to other content in the Smart Tab. Most third party content will never have a metadata file so most will not be Smart content on install. There is a tutorial or two on creating your own Metadata files for DAZ Studio in DAZ Studio itself. If a item is not smart the Content Library Tab can be used to find all content installed smart or not.
The content Folder for DAZ Studio 4.6.3.50 is exactly the same as a content folder for DAZ Studio 2 or DAZ Studio 3. Only the name of the folder has changed. There are now more DAZ Studio only type folders that are used only for DS 4.0+ content but everything else is the same. To install Third Party content to the new folder is exactly the same method as it was before. Most third party content comes in a Runtime folder as you know. This folder gets Merged with the DAZ Studio content folder Runtime just as it was done in the Past. All files Above the Runtime folder go into the Main content folder just as before. Nothing changed except the content folder Name and the fact it now holds more DAZ Studio only content folders than it did in the older versions of the program.
The content Paths must be setup properly to read DAZ Studio Format content and Poser Format content just as it was needed in DS3 or DS2 that also has not changed.
I hope this helps some.

JimmyC_2009

would also appreciate some discussions on “draping” and “dynamic” verses—what—“non-dynamic” application of clothes on DAZ models. I understand that the term “dynamic” means that the clothes move appropriately with the rigging movement of the characters, as opposed to what—just hanging there?

Dynamic clothing does in fact 'just hang there'. It is designed to look more natural in a 'draping' situation, it is often more realistic looking than it's counterpart 'conforming clothing' which does move with the model. Dynamic clothing would be very useful when used with capes and loose fitting clothing. Conforming clothing is the norm, and I seldom use Dynamic at all. DAZ Studio uses a different method than Poser, so Dynamic clothing for Poser does not work inside DAZ Studio (and vice versa).

Am I right that the Poser software product, which apparently DAZ also owns, produces 3D models that do not move, i.e. are not rigged? I ask because the terms “pose” and “poser” are used without clear distinction, and for a new user this is confusing.

Poser is owned and controlled by Smith Micro, and has nothing to do with DAZ 3D. Poser models are rigged as well, and DAZ 3D do make Poser models as well. All of the DAZ 3D figures prior to Genesis, were in Poser format (CR2), and DAZ Studio has always been able to read Poser file types (most of them anyway).

Poser and DAZ Studio both use pose files to place characters in a particular pose (standing, sitting, lounging etc.) There are also files called 'MAT Poses' which can alter the material applied to clothing or hair, but that is another story. There is a lot to learn in 3D graphics in general.

You are asking your questions in the right forum though, if we can help any more, just ask.

bnh-2314704

Thank you both for helping me with the broader picture. Smart Content is different from Library Content because of embedded Metafiles. Got it.
Thanks for the history of Poser and the compatibility issues with DAZ. The path file issue was surprising to me because of the duplicate folder names and the use of Libraries and its subsequent division for placing content files. Apparently that's fine in DAZ. I thought I had installed the program incorrectly.

I'm trying to learn DAZ to produce some material that will be intercut with live video footage, and I was picking up on everything so quickly until I came to clothes. It helps to get a broad picture of the concepts and terminology involved. Thanks again.