Why is it... Daz Studio?
Why is it that everything I buy for Poser comes with a Read Me file with tips on installation and useage, but virtually everything I buy for DS has no such advise on how to effectively use content?
I'm often left too figure out for myself how to use DS content properly without vendor help in many instances. For example the Genesis 3 Female Merchant Resource just comes with files but no suggestion on how apply them, and HD content doesn't come with any instructions on how to actually use and render HD content in DS. Not very user friendly I must say.
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The point of the Merchant Resources is for artists to create their on textures using the merchant resources as a starting point. Merchant Resources are for experienced uses who are familiar with applying textures to surfaces and creating their own materials.
For the HD products did you see if there were any HD dials in the product? Which HD products are you referencing? Sadly some say "HD" but don't have HD dials, however some do, so it just depends.
Surely it's not to hard to add a simple Read Me txt file on how to plug in maps and set values for the simple of mind. I would say that not all buyers of merchant resourses are actually merchants and experienced users of DS. Just grunts like me wanting good maps for thier characters. There seems to be a level of elitism I'm not used to as an ex-Poser user. An assumption that all people are experienced users.
HD is used to describe both High Density morphs and High Definition textures. And as I said in the other thread on the merchant resource, it is not for directly plugging in to the surface channels it is for making textures.
It's not about elitism. Merchant resources are designed for a particluar purpose. So they don't have elements of a "ready 2 go" product. Often enough merhcant resource textures are low quality, because there isn't much point in putting a ton of great detail into the product that is expected to be reworked completely by the end user.
When reviewing produt pages be sure to read if they come with Iray, 3Delight or Poser presets You will notice merchant resources do not come with presets. In the future this may help you pick out products to fit your needs.
Just by the fact that they are labeled 'resources' should be indicative that they are not 'normal' products and are geared more to those who already do know what they are doing...namely content creators.
We are limited as to what we can add to a readme. The readme's are a stock format and the same for everybody. We can add a few noted to it. If you go to the actual readme page then it will show you a file list where to find everything.
HD should mean HD morphs, at least on products recent enough that thsoe were available - .dhdm files in the \Data folder.
Even if the readme format is limited, helpful vendors include PDF documents with their products. SickleYield used to do this regularly. Dumor3D recently created a great document about HDRI lighting. It really does make me buy more products from vendors that provide that kind of help.
As far as readme's for DAZ products, they are available online now, with the exception of older products that have traditional readme's installed to a readme folder on your hard drive. The information available online contains at a minimum a files list and where to find the product in the Content Libraries. Many vendors also include tips and additional product info. If you use DIM to install DAZ products, you can bring up the online product documentation by clicking on the "i" icon to the left of the Status column on the Ready to Download, Ready to Install and Installed tabs.
For products I don't own, but am interested in, I note the SKU and product name on the product page and look it up here: http://docs.daz3d.com/doku.php/public/read_me/index/start
Psst!....hey Ashley,
over here....behind the bushes....it's me, Bob in Poserville. Come on back, we have documentation...and cookies.
Merchant Resources for skin actually come with more than the old resource packs you used to get long ago. As was explained, they are meant for someone with some expertise to create their own skins. They are meant to be worked on, and although some can be applied to the figures as is, they don't always. However, they are normally set up so they work with the figure's UV layouts and that is half the battle rather than starting with a mish mash of photos you have to painfully piece together to work with the UVs.
If you're working with 3Delight, this is a good tutorial on the surfaces in DS. http://www.daz3d.com/tutorial-introduction-to-character-surface-settings
Hopefully someone will do one for Iray. The first thing to do, though, is learn what the different surfaces are and how they work. Then you can tackle using a merchant resource. :)
OP could you Please with sugar and sprinkles correct that title to DAZ studio
I keep looking for and expecting the German recording or TV studio with the hipsters drinking lattès
That was funny.
Thanks for the replies guys (&gals). I only used merchant resources as an example, in fact virtually nothing for DS comes with included usage instructions, which is the opposite to Poser content.
I just found it a bit preplexing, that's all.
merchant resource would be worst example.
If you exchange the number at the end of this URL, http://docs.daz3d.com/doku.php/public/read_me/index/22192/start , you will get to whatever readme information is available. The other thing you can do is look in the Daz PA Commercial Products for a thread started by the PA on their product and ask any questions there because the PA will be monitoring the thread.