A Rigging Tools PDF Guide (nearly complete)
Thomas Windar
Posts: 272
For some time now I have been writing a PDF that contains information on rigging tools in DAZ Studio and wanted to ask something before finalizing it since its nearing completion.
So, the Guide is NOT A VIDEO. It's a PDF file with an extensive Table of Contents. It contains the following topics:
- The Basics
- What is a Rig?
- Naming Conventions for Bones
- Bone Hierarchy
- What are limits and why use them?
- What is a weight map?
- Tools
- Joint Editor Tool
- Preparation
- Joint Editor Window
- The Shared Tab
- The General Tab
- The Bulges Tab
- The Display Tab
- Joint Editor Additional Options Menu
- Customize Drawing
- Create
- Edit
- Delete
- Rotation Order
- Align
- Snap
- Memorize
- Restore
- Geometry Editor Tool
- Selection Types and Radius Tab
- Grouping Tab
- Details Tab
- Geometry Editor Additional Options Menu
- Selection Type
- Selection Mode
- Geometry Selection
- Geometry Visibility
- Geometry Locking
- Geometry Editing
- Geometry Assignment
- Morph Editing
- Subdivision Weight
- Node Weight Map Brush
- Selection Types and Brush Modes
- Geometry Selection Mode
- Paint Brush and Smooth Brush Modes
- Directional Gradient Mode
- Sphere Gradient Mode
- Weight Maps Tab
- Map Types
- Bulge Maps
- Locking Tab
- Selection Analysis Tab
- How to use Selection Analysis
- Binding Tab
- Normalize Tab
- Node Weight Map Brush Additional Options Menu
- Brush Mode
- Brush Falloff
- Gradient Falloff
- Gradient Handles
- Gradient Editing
- Selection Type
- Selection Mode
- Geometry Selection
- Geometry Visibility
- Geometry Locking
- Weight Display
- Weight Editing
- Selection Types and Brush Modes
- Figure Setup
- Rigging Type
- TriAx Weighted
- Parametric (Legacy)
- Content Type
- Geometry List
- Relationships
- Creating and Assigning Bones
- Rotation Order and Weight Maps
- Regions
- Figure Setup Additional Options Menu
- Finalizing Options
- Rigging Type
- Transfer Utility
- Property Hierarchy
- What are Pose Controls?
- Creating Pose Controls
- Process Overview
- FAQ
The guide is currently counting over 100 pages, describing what each option in each tool does.
Also contains tips, how to use them properly and how to avoid certain problems and errors.
Originally this was just a text file that contained how to use the options, since searching the net and videos for that one, freaking, slight mention of the tool usage was becoming TEDIOUS. Nobody lately writes PDF guides anymore... and the exisitng guides in the store seemed a bit outdated.
I literally describe every option there is in the tools, with minor exceptions if an option for some reason was giving virtually no effects no matter where I checked for it and how I used the figures. I can already say that these exceptions are the A few of the "Cuztomize Drawing" options in the Joint Editor Right click menu and the "Blended TriAx/General" weight mode which for some reason does not do the blending.
EDIT:
Forgot to mention - the Parametric (legacy) rigging is not described here. It's only mentioned.
Also, the guide contains an FAQ that answers some of the questions I saw asked on the forums and which are not obviously answered by the tool descriptions and their usage.
My question would be this though:
The Property Hierarchy happens to be a huge topic and would delay the guide by a lot (maybe an extra month or so in my case even). Since not all of its options are related to rigging, would it be ok to only explain the options utilized for it and describe the full tool in a later guide down the line? Would the guide still be helpful to you if Property Hierarchy only described the creation of Pose Controls?
Anyway, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.
If even one person would find such a PDF file worth having - then it was already worth the effort.
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Comments
I'm interested. I've never tried to rig an original model. I'd say release what you have and get some user feedback. A description of each tool and option would be a good reference, but I'd like to see a task oriented approach that explained what the each tool is good for and how I would use it to accomplish a task.
Example: My model doesn't rotate around the spot I want to rotate around. What tool(s) can I use to fix this and how would I use the tool to do that?
I would love to see this.
I'm going to need to learn the rig much better than I can now but whether DAZ Studio or Blender will be easier for me I don't know. I think DAZ Studio would probably be the better choice.
I think it might sell quite nicely in the DAZ Store at the right price and as a product for sell that answers your question. You need to take the other month or so and do the guide to your satisfaction, which seems to be somewhat more stringent than average.
There are a lot of similarities/techniques/skills that will carry over between the two...I just wish it was easier to actually transfer the final results between them.
Got requested to move the thread to "Commons" by the moderators. Complying.
Yes please & I am extra happy that this is not a Video :)
If you're rigging for Genesis 3 JCMs are a HUGE annoying part of the process... you should probably add a section on that.
Hey, Thomas. First off, I am happy to see someone taking such an initiative. Good for you! I will also add my vote in favour of a written guide - not everything lends itself to video presentation, despite the popularity of that format. Thanking you in advance.
I have a few suggestions that you can take or leave as you see fit.
If you are 99% there, there are two approaches you can take to wrap it up - you could solicit reviewers from amongst the community to identify any issues, or you can just put it out there marked "Draft" and let users provide feedback here. You will always have those that say you should add a section on this or that, which is fine, but it could mean that you never finish it. One way or another just get it out there and, once you are satisfied with it, call it Revision 1 and release it. As time allows you can add additional sections and release Revision 2, Revision 3, etc. To forestall the inevitable "why don't you talk about ______" from those who may not see this thread, you could add a note about future updates or sections planned. Just do it.
Good on ya, bud.
I would love this,I am completely lost with rigging,I think you should keep it simple and only include the bits that apply to rigging in the Propety hierachy.To much information can be confusing,People can learn this bit another time.It sounds really helpful there is definately a need for this.
Pdf is the best kind of tutorial for me, so, yes, go on!
I'm interested. Anything that will help to improve rigging would be a great help.
I would welcome this as well, but agree with barbult that specific examples to go along with the reference guide approach would be much more useful.
Definitely interested.
And yes, a specific example for common problems would be helpful.
A pdf like that would definitely be worth having :)
Was considering it, although (from my point of view on the matter) JCMs are not really a part of the Rigging process as much as they are important additions to the Morphing process. Of course that is just a personal look into it. I was considering actually releasing a second PDF guide later containing an in-depth look at setting up Morphs, JCMs, MCMs and an in-depth look into the Property Editor. for this matter.
I am glad to hear that actually. I was a bit worried that - seeing how most tutorials are videos - how a PDF would be welcomed.
I am definitelly planning to support the guide later as I get feedback. Your idea of Revision 1 is very sound - I might take it.
I'd say the guide is at 98% now, so I am not sure if I'll be adding any extra features to it now. But I am considering making more PDFs if this one happens to be helpful to people.
As much as I would love adding specific examples, it is literally impossible to describe every single problem that could happen while rigging.
That's why instead I opted for describing in-depth (as much as possible that is) what the functions are, how they work and when applicable, when or why you would use them.
Anyway, thank you for the feedback. I hope this will live up to expectations, but I cannot promise anything. I will however make sure to continue working on it if people find problems or have questions.
Oh good. I've used Blondie9999's rigging tutorial and managed to get the job done, but by the time I was doing it I was already trying to translate instructions for Studio 4.0 into 4.6 and that was awkward. Would appreciate an update. Would particularly appreciate an update that is not on video.
Working on it. Also
- Added a list of "What is the Tool used for?" for every tool.
- Added how Rigidity functions and how to set it up..
- Added Rigid Follow Nodes and how to properly use them.
- Added Rigidity Group Editor and its functions.
Will add a bit about GeoGrafting as well since its a part of the Geometry Editor.
I came onto the Forum to ask for help regarding this matter. I've only been at modelling for about three days now, and I've managed to create a lovely little (very simple) dress in Zbrush that I want to rig, but... It honestly makes me want to pull my hair out. Trying to find information, and then following that information, and then it not working... I'm absolutely demented and I feel like I've lost all momentum in my work flow... I thought I was doing so well, and now rigging makes me want to give up!!!
This guide cannot come quick enough. I even have the tutorial from Littlefox (Ladyfox?) and I'm not making any progress what so ever. So demotivated. X.X
And now I feel the pressure of expectations on me. Don't be discouraged though - rigging when you are a beginner is a trial and error process.
I cannot give a release date though.... its complicated.
Nice to see some additional documentation/tutorial in written form. Video tutorials are nice to get some results quickly, but as a non-native english speaking person I find it a lot easier to look up specific subjects or details later in written form. So that's very welcome.
Josh Darling's YouTube videos may be helpful. For example, here is an older one about rigging clothing. Look through his list of other videos for more advanced techniques with Daz Studio, too.
No pressure! Release it only when you are happy with it.
NOOO! Don't feel pressured!!! I think I was just venting some frustration out of my system rather than trying to push you, lol!!
Barb, thank you for the resource!! I'll watch it, go through his videos and fingers crossed, I'll move forward a teensy insy bit with my problem, lol, that's all I need to refresh my motivation. Thank you guys, and Thomas, DO NOT FEEL PRESSURED. XD
Hey Thomas, maybe a section *really* explaining weights and how they're distributed would help. Oftentimes I run into issues with my weightmapping and had to remind myself that my own intuition was incorrect :)
PDF!!!!!!!!!! Text!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not sure if this is what you had in mind, but in the guide I have written:
"Where the map is created"
"Where does it go when you paint it"
"Where does it go when you erase it"
"Where it goes when you smooth it"
"Where it goes/how it is distributed when you use the automated processes"
"Why it is important to create a map for the Root Bone first"
If there is something you wish added at this point, do let me know. If I can fit it into the guide, I'll do it.
Also I see people like the idea of this being a PDF. I'm glad that is the case.
Why not do both? PDF and quick vids that show what you do? And explain it better in PDF
some people need visuals to learn...
...did Ninjas go through this thread?
Anyway, "do both" is not always a valid option for different reasons. One thing is that you are trying to cram around 120+ pages of information into video format, which by itself will take a lot of time. Assuming I could speak perfect english.... and let's say I am no Professional Voice Actor.
Another thing is that the purpose of the Guide is not to just teach you rigging (even though it contains a Process Overview to teach the basics). The PDF contains Documentation for the tools - all collected into one, clean Guide - that can be checked every now and then if you forgot how something works.
Whenever you are like "Dang, how did you use that one, stupid option...." you can just open it and be like "AHA! Let's go back to work!".
A PDF would be great, will watch for its release. Good luck!