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How do I make my DS models look like they're standing on the floor, and not hovering?

SFAMSFAM Posts: 50
in New Users

When I render my models in DS they appear to be hovering about an inch above the floor, not standing firmly on it.  Now I don't actually have a "floor", but seems no matter how much I lower my model's position I still get this hovering effect (by way of the cast shadows).  I suspect I need to create a floor plane, but I could use some help in the process of doing that.  But I don't think I actually "need" a floor, as I assemble my renders in Photoshop, so if there's a way to make my models cast shadows on the default DS invisible floor surface that look like they're standing and not hovering, I'd appreciate the help!

Thanks!

DS 4.9, rendering in Iray, using V4.2 w/Morphs++

Comments

  • barbultbarbult Posts: 24,878
    edited May 2016

    In the Render Settings>Environment on the Editor tab, scroll down to Ground Position Mode. Try changing it from Auto to Manual and set the Ground Origin X,Y,Z values to 0. Now when you move your model up and down, it should change distance from the ground shadow. If you move it too far down, some will disappear below ground.

    ground position manual.jpg
    513 x 861 - 277K
    Post edited by barbult on
  • mjc1016mjc1016 Posts: 15,001

    If you are using Iray, it should have a 'floor'...which acts as a shadow catcher. 

    In the Environment, under Render settings, make sure that the ground position is at 0, 0, 0 (or Auto in the Position drop down) and that Draw Ground is ON.  If Draw Dome is OFF and you save to png or other format that includes an alpha channel, you should end up with the model and just its shadow, no background.

  • SFAMSFAM Posts: 50

    Thank you, barbult and mjc1016!  Your tips worked like a charm!

  • FishtalesFishtales Posts: 6,162

    It may also be that the figure isn't really on the 'floor'. Try Ctrl-D on the highlighted figure and it will drop to the ground. If it disapears then zoom out until you find it and it should now show up as being on the floor. It is then easily moved into the position you want it by not moving it in the Y axis and only using the other two axis. The only time you might need to raise it is if you are using a terrain and the figure disapears below it :)

  • SFAMSFAM Posts: 50

    Thanks, Fishtales!  Actually, my model's feet were a bit below the 'floor' as I had lowered her trying to find the 'floor'.  But I do use my models to do many things that would make use of the Y axis - ride dinos, fly ships, jump, etc..  I don't know how others use their models, but I have a handful that are very finely-tuned that I use in various settings, with a change of costumes and hair, etc. to add a little variety.  I suspect I'm doing many processes "the wrong way", but I usually get the results I seek, so...  Knowing of that very helpful Ctrl-D tip will surely help get these ladies (mostly) back to Earth, when needed!

    Thanks again!

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