The following article will outline the basics of how to model an item that is designed to fit a triax figure (i.e. Genesis). In this article we will be using a 3D modeling application [of your choosing] and DAZ Studio 4.x. We will describe how to take the target figure into your chosen modeling software and build clothing that will Fit (WIP) that figure. It is important to understand that while an image or text on this page may refer to a particular clothing item, like a shirt, the basic concepts covered here also apply to any number of items designed to fit to the figure, including hair.

• Prepare the Target Figure for Export
• Model Your Item
• Assign Material Groups
• Add Details to the Model
• Next Steps

In order to build an item, such as clothing or hair, that is designed to fit to a particular figure, in this case Genesis, you must export that figure from DAZ Studio 4.x to use it as a template - much like a tailor would use a mannequin. In order for your 3D modeling application to import that figure, it must be exported from DAZ Studio in a format that is supported by that application.

• Open DAZ Studio 4 and load the Genesis figure.
• In the Parameters Tab, go to the General/Mesh Resolution group and change the Resolution Level to Base.
  • This prepares the figure for exporting the base mesh in its modeled state, without influence from deformations or subdivided surfaces.
• From The Main Menu Bar, select File > Export...
• Once the File Export dialog appears, choose a folder to save the file to, name the file, select Wavefront Object (*.obj) from the Save as type: drop down menu and accept the dialog.
• In the OBJ Export Options dialog that appears next, select the DAZ Studio (1 unit = 1cm) option from the Convert From DAZ Studio To: drop down menu and then click the Accept button.

Now that your target figure is exported in OBJ format, you are ready to begin modeling your item (i.e. clothing, hair, etc) in your 3D modeling application of choice.

• Load/Import the target figure into your modeling application.
• Using the figure as reference, model your item around it.

• Make sure to create material groups and assign logical names to them (i.e. Shirt, Collar, Sleeve, Trim, etc.)
• If you are unclear on how to create material groups in your modeling software, you may also assign polygons to named surfaces within DAZ Studio using the polygon_group_editor.

• Decide whether the mesh details (ie. wrinkles, zippers, buttons, seams where panels are sewn together, etc) need to be modeled in or if you will be using displacement/bump maps and textures to make it look realistic.
• Making the model symmetrical isn't required, but can make your life easier when doing the rigging later on. If you want asymmetry in the end, you can add that through morphs.

This is a general overview on how to model items such as clothing or hair for Genesis. We encourage you to add details in both the model and the materials to create products that will be compelling to customers.

The next sequential step to follow is to create the UV set for your item. Continue on to the Basics: UV Mapping Guidelines (WIP) article to get started.