[Figure 3-32] Bodybuilder

Changing the custom BodyBuilder parameter results in a muscle man, as shown in Figure 3-32.

4.   Select File, Save As and save the file as Bodybuilder.pz3.

Create a Parameter Group
1.       Open Poser with the default mannequin visible.

2.       Select Window, Parameter Dials to make the Parameters/Properties palette visible, if necessary.

3.       Select the hip element in the Document Window.

4.       Select the Create New Group option from the pop-up menu at the top of the Parameters/Properties palette.

5.       In the New Group Name dialog box that opens, name the group X-axis parameters.

6.       Select and drag the xTran, xRotate, and xScale parameters and drop them on the new group name.

7.       Repeat steps 4-6 to create groups for the Y-axis and Z-axis parameters.

[Figure 3-33] Custom parameter groups

After expanding each of the new groups, the Parameters palette looks like the one shown in Figure 3-33.

8.   Select File, Save As and save the file as Custom parameter groups.pz3.

USE SYMMETRY, LIMITS, BALANCE, AND INVERSE KINEMATICS
Human figures have a wonderful symmetry that you can use to your advantage. If you work to get the right arm in a perfect position, you can use the Figure, Symmetry menu command to copy this pose to the left arm. Two other common properties that you can mimic using commands found in the Figure menu are limiting the movement of the various body parts to be realistic and having Poser compute the center of mass to have the figure maintain its balance.

[Figure 3-34] Left and right side symmetry

Using Symmetry to Copy Settings Between Sides
If the pose you are trying to realize is symmetrical, you can make it perfectly symmetrical by copying all parameter values applied to the left side of the figure to the right side and vice versa. Simply select the Figure, Symmetry, Left to Right, or Right to Left menu commands. This causes a dialog box to appear asking if you want to copy the joint zone’s setup also. Figure 3-34 shows a simple figure whose left arm and foot were moved and its poses copied to the opposite side.

Copying and Pasting Arm and Leg Poses
To copy the assumed pose of just an arm or a leg to the opposite arm or leg, select Figure, Symmetry. The options include Left Arm to Right Arm, Right Arm to Left Arm, Left Leg to Right Leg, and Right Leg to Left Leg.

Swapping Sides
If you’ve spent some time posing a figure only to realize that you’ve got the right side confused with the left side, you can use Figure, Symmetry, Swap Right and Left to fix the problem. This command symmetrically swaps all poses on either side of the figure’s midline. There are also options to swap right and left arms and legs.

Straightening the Torso
As you pull on a hand or an arm to position the arm, you’ll often find that the torso will follow. To straighten the torso, select Figure, Symmetry, Straighten Torso. This option leaves the arm and leg poses in place, but straightens the torso.