In this episode I’ll show you how to install 3D Content with Install Manager into another directory of your choice.

By default, Install Manager will use a folder called “My DAZ 3D Library”, but sometimes you may need a second directory to install content in. For example, to keep pre-release files separate from “release versions”, or perhaps you’d like to keep Genesis 2 content separate from Genesis 3 content.

For those occasions, you can tweak both Install Manager and DAZ Studio, and define several other directories. In this episode you’ll find out how to do it.

In this episode I’ll show you how parent objects to one another, and how to create groups, and the implications either of these actions has on your scene. I’ll also explain the Null object and when/how to use it.

Understanding these concepts means you’ll be able to build scenes more efficiently: hierarchies let you move multiple objects around at once, make them (un-)selectable and (in-)visible.

Oh yes, and I’m explaining the concept of selectability and visibility as well. A fun packed episode it is indeed!

In this episode I’ll show you how to change the location of the Pivot Point in DAZ Studio. It’s the point at which the 3D manipulator gizmo shows up and from where objects are translated and rotated. Blender calls this the “origin point”. DAZ Studio uses the Joint Editor to manipulate this point.

While I’m at it, I’m also showing you how to use multiple viewports, so this will be our first exercise in placing an object in relation to another in 3D space.

In this episode I’ll show you how to manipulate objects in the viewport using numeric values and the Parameters Tab. This can be useful to make precise adjustments to the alignment and placement of your objects.

In this episode I’ll show you how to manipulate objects in the viewport using four tools: the translate, scale, rotate and universal manipulator tools. I’ll also explain the concept of world vs local/object coordinates and touch on screen coordinates.

These are tough concepts to grasp, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be flying around your objects and position them where you want them to do in no time.

Podcast: Download (Duration: 14:00 — 12.8MB)

In this episode I’ll talk you through the various Viewport Drawing Styles.

The default we usually see is “texture shaded”, which is a nice compromise between displaying a good looking “live” picture, while keeping your computer responsive for navigating and posing.

However, with larger scenes your system may become slower and less responsive. We can use a lesser detailed Drawing Style to bring responsiveness back into our scenes.

Podcast: Download (Duration: 20:22 — 18.7MB)

In this episode I’ll show you how to navigate your 3D world within the viewport. I’ll explain several ways to do this, and I’ll also show you how to customise the modifier keys for faster navigation using your mouse and keyboard.

In addition, there’s also a fully immersive way to “walk” through your scene using the ASD and W keys. I’m going into more detail on how to navigate like that here or on my View in iTunes Store.

Podcast: Download (Duration: 15:35 — 14.3MB)

In this episode I’l explain how we can utilise Install Manager to update both DAZ Studio as well as content if and when updates are available. I will also show you how to update Install Manager itself.

This happened to me today and was not a planned part of the series, but I found it was a good opportunity to demonstrate how to handle updates (since we’ve just been talking about it a few days ago).

Podcast: Download (Duration: 6:38 — 6.1MB)