Custom Furniture with Custom Sitting Pose for IMVU

We are continuing our investigation into using IV's toolkit to create poses. Last time, we created a sitting pose and added reference blocks for a furniture item in the scene. Generally, you create the furniture item first and the pose to fit the furniture, but we did it in reverse. Now, let's explore how to use this scene data to create a furniture item without disrupting the created pose.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Checking Object Mode

First, ensure you are in object mode for everything. The reference point corresponding to the seat node must be added relative to where the avatar is positioned. Go to the add menu, drop in an empty cube, and place it at the 3D cursor (0,0,0) which corresponds to the origin of the avatar.

2. Naming and Organizing Objects

Renaming and organizing help keep everything clear:

Empty object: Seat_ref
Seat object: Seat_mesh
Books: Book1_mesh and Book2_mesh

Save the file (e.g., file number four).

3. Creating a New Scene

From the file menu, select "New" -> "General" and don't save the previous work. Create a new, clear workspace. Append the objects from the previous file into this new scene, ensuring that all required objects (seat mesh, books, and seat ref) are appended correctly.

4. Grouping Objects

Assign the seat reference as the parent object to all related objects (books and seat), ensuring they move as a group when adjusted. This avoids misalignment when positioning the furniture item. Check the structure and ensuring objects are properly aligned before moving to the next steps.

5. Positioning Furniture and Adding Seat Node

Using the toolkit, drop in a custom seat node set. Align this seat node set relative to the seat reference using "Object -> Snap -> Selection to Active". This properly positions the custom seat node relative to the pose.

6. Preparing for Export

Unhide the necessary components and position the seat node set accurately. Clear any unnecessary animations from objects to avoid misalignment during export. Group all necessary objects under the "Furniture export" collection.

7. Assigning Materials

Without detailed UV unwrapping, assign simple materials to each object (e.g., green for seat, orange for book1, blue for book2). This setup allows multiple textures for each object.

8. Exporting

Use the toolkit's export button, avoiding the default blender exporter. This ensures proper configuration for IMVU.

9. Import to IMVU Studio

In IMVU Studio:

Create a new project for rooms and furniture.
Import the pose file first, then the furniture item file, ensuring correct skeleton association.
Adjust settings, materials, and nodes as necessary.

10. Final Adjustments and Upload

Configure triggers and actions for the custom pose, ensuring proper alignment and functionality. Finally, add relevant metadata and upload the product to IMVU.

Keywords

Custom Pose
IV Toolkit
Furniture Item
Object Mode
Seat Node
Append Objects
Grouping Objects
Materials Assignment
Export Process
IMVU Studio
Skeleton Association

FAQ

Q: What is the importance of object mode in this process?
A: Object mode ensures that all added references and objects are correctly positioned within the scene, maintaining the overall structure.

Q: Why is it necessary to clear unnecessary animations before export?
A: Clearing unnecessary animations avoids misalignment and unexpected behavior in IMVU since animation data can reset positions upon import.

Q: How can we assign different textures to each object without UV unwrapping?
A: Assign simple materials with different colors to each object, allowing IMVU to use one-pixel by one-pixel image textures automatically generated from assigned colors.

Q: Why should we import the pose file before the furniture item file in IMVU Studio?
A: Importing the pose file first helps prevent skeleton overrides and ensures the correct animation data is applied to the furniture item.

Q: How do we ensure the custom pose works correctly with the furniture item?
A: Properly align the custom seat node with the seat reference and verify the setup in IMVU Studio by adjusting and previewing the custom actions and triggers.