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Install Manager vs Daz Connect

brvsnbrvsn Posts: 213
in New Users

hi there guys..

I just started using DAZ 3D and I'm still reading the basic guide: I read and understood the section about different ways to install content from my account, but I would like to ask if there are any particular pros and cons of using a method instead of the other one.. from what I see the installation folder change (but I can pick folders) from one tool to another and I see a section in the info panel of the items where it says Installed No while on the contraryit's installedbut I used Install Manager. so this could be annoying but nothing serious..

is there something else or that's basically it?

Thanks a lot

Comments

  • NorthOf45NorthOf45 Posts: 5,485

    Hm-m, no one wants to touch this one. surprise There are lovers and haters on both sides, and you can find many ...heated discussions about both. I don't want to point to specific conversations because they are usually rants and complaints about one or the other, and don't really paint an accurate picture.

    Spend some time browsing the threads, or search for relevant keywords or phrases like "Installing Content", "Using Connect", or "DIM vs. Connect" (the internal search is almost useless, best to Google it from outside).

    DIM is a more traditional download-and-install method, Connect is cloud-based installation to your computer. DIM gives you more control over how to manage your products, Connect, very little other than the installation location. There is no decisive technical advantage that I can see, the content gets installed one way or the other. It is probably more your personality that will determine which you prefer. DIM is more of a roll-your-own, I'm-driving, I've-got-this type of environment, whereas Connect would appeal more to the Just-make-it-work-I-don't-want-to-know-how, I-don't-have-time-to-mess-with-it crowd (not that there's anything wrong with that, that's just my opinion, I've always used DIM).

  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 100,804
    edited March 2020

    One potential advantage of Connect is that for updates it downloads only the updated files, not the whole Zip as DIM does. Morph expansions for some content (Victoria 4/Michael 4/Kids 4/SubDragon) must currently be installed through DIM, as must plug-ins, some shaders and some scripts (anything that places files in the application folder). Both give the choice of which content directory to use (organising content after install is better handled with links or through categorsation). Connect can isntall needed files (that it knows you own) on scene load, if some products used are not installed.

    Post edited by Richard Haseltine on
  • brvsnbrvsn Posts: 213

    thanks a lot for replying guys

    I got your points and I'll search for more, see you around ;)

  • barbultbarbult Posts: 24,240

    I've returned to Daz Install Manager (DIM) after numerous frustrations with Daz Connect. I posted my rational for returning to DIM here, 

  • Silver DolphinSilver Dolphin Posts: 1,608

    I think Connect works better for new users because it does not need supervison. As stated above people that tinker and like to fix and break things will not use connect. I make my own content from time to time so I prefer DIM but if you just want it to work and don't want to know what is under the hood connect is probably the way to go. One thing to note connect does not work on stuff you buy at other sites so when you start building your libary with stuff you buy at other sites my suggestion is not to mix them but start a seperate libary for that site so you know where it came from and what the license is for that item. This goes for free stuff as well (just because they let you have it for free does not mean you can use it any way you wish!). I wish daz had a way to display what the license for each item was like inside of studio!!! This would solve some problems for me when wondering if I can use a 3d asset in a render or a project. I am in a rush to finish!

  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 100,804
    Silver Dolphin said:

    I think Connect works better for new users because it does not need supervison. As stated above people that tinker and like to fix and break things will not use connect. I make my own content from time to time so I prefer DIM but if you just want it to work and don't want to know what is under the hood connect is probably the way to go. One thing to note connect does not work on stuff you buy at other sites so when you start building your libary with stuff you buy at other sites my suggestion is not to mix them but start a seperate libary for that site so you know where it came from and what the license is for that item. This goes for free stuff as well (just because they let you have it for free does not mean you can use it any way you wish!). I wish daz had a way to display what the license for each item was like inside of studio!!! This would solve some problems for me when wondering if I can use a 3d asset in a render or a project. I am in a rush to finish!

    Rob suggests either adding tags or keywords http://docs.daz3d.com/doku.php/public/software/dazstudio/4/referenceguide/interface/panes/smart_content/information_panel/tags_page/start ,  or using groups http://docs.daz3d.com/doku.php/public/software/dazstudio/4/referenceguide/interface/panes/smart_content/products_page/results_view/start#group . I have created additional stores, using http://docs.daz3d.com/doku.php/public/software/dazstudio/4/referenceguide/scripting/api_reference/samples/metadata/add_store_id/start , but that requires creating a new product for each freebie set which may be more than some people wish to do (I've also created stores, in the CMS sense, for the other stores I buy from).

  • SevrinSevrin Posts: 6,306
    Silver Dolphin said:

    I think Connect works better for new users because it does not need supervison. As stated above people that tinker and like to fix and break things will not use connect. I make my own content from time to time so I prefer DIM but if you just want it to work and don't want to know what is under the hood connect is probably the way to go. One thing to note connect does not work on stuff you buy at other sites so when you start building your libary with stuff you buy at other sites my suggestion is not to mix them but start a seperate libary for that site so you know where it came from and what the license is for that item. This goes for free stuff as well (just because they let you have it for free does not mean you can use it any way you wish!). I wish daz had a way to display what the license for each item was like inside of studio!!! This would solve some problems for me when wondering if I can use a 3d asset in a render or a project. I am in a rush to finish!

    DIM works with assets bought elsewhere if you package them using https://www.daz3d.com/content-package-assist

  • IvyIvy Posts: 7,165
    edited March 2020

    Then there is the Manual install method,  which I prefer Manual download and installing the zip file into a sandbox first before installing into main content drives.  So I can see the file structure. I use daz studio for animation and for my use I find often I have to reduce sizes of texture maps and its easier to do it before installing the product into my content folders, then having to go back and hunt down all the files later.   I prefer "Manual downloads of zip files for that 1 reason.  I never use connect I did not like the way the DRM managed my content asset in custom categories. I do use dim occasionally for plugins & Studio software updates other wise I much rather manual install all my content especially 3rd party content from other 3d sites. .  i wanna see and know exactly what I am installing into my computer.

     

    Sorry for the edit my dyslexia is showing today

    Post edited by Ivy on
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