Returning User
Lotharen
Posts: 282
Greetings everyone. Its been a while since I've used Daz and I have a question. I really don't remember the best way to install all my content and was looking for advice. Is install manager still the best way?
Also, is there a prefered method for organizing the content once downloaded? I don't have a ton of stuff but enough to be a little daunting lol. I was thinking of installing the content to a folder on a different drive and Studio on my C drive.
Anyway, thanks in advance for any information and nice to meet everyone again!
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Welcome back ! Yes, Install Manager is the best way as well as the only way now to install products from Daz Store. What you're planning to do would be fine. Just correctly configure all the needed paths in DIM before downloading your products. Then install.
Thanks crosswind. Is there anything I need to install on the C drive with Daz? I seem to remember there was a 'post' something file that needed to be on the same drive. Could be misremembering.
Thanks again for the confirmation. Must appreciated.
At first, you just need to download Install Manager (DIM ) and install it on C drive. Then configure Settings in DIM. After configuration is done, you download products, then let DIM install them. PostgreSQL cms, Daz Studio, etc. will be installed to C drive as default by DIM...
Here's a tutorial from Jay , you may take a look - https://youtu.be/UZau8cv5saQ?si=5a1438uGUw1XUp9A
It is also possible to install most content through daz Studio itself. If you are on a limited bandwidth that can be beneficial as it does not need to redownload the whole product zip if there is an update, just the fiels that have changed. Also, you can then have DS install missing content 9that you own) if a scene you are loading requies another product.
Install manager does not have to go to C:, though it is small enough that it probably doesn't matter for almost all users.
Ahh, makes more sense now. Thank you very much everyone! Ill will start working on this later tonight as see what kind of trouble I can stir up, lol.
Welcome back.
IMHO, DIM is still the 'best' way to install, compared to Connect or central. Compared to manual installation, it's a bit more complicated.
As for where you intall to, whether default, a secondary drive or a network location, that's just a matter of mapping the directory/directories in CDM(Content directory manager, F2>Content tab>Content directory manager(very bottom of the pop out), or Right click on the 'Content library' tab and select 'Content directory manager') that you have selected to install to.
I do suggest making a new content set, as opposed to just using the 'current directories' set alone. This allows you to make a backup of the ContentDirectoryManager.dsx file(\C:\Users\[name]\AppData\Roaming\DAZ 3D\Studio4. note: this is a 'hidden' folder and requires enabling 'show hidden files/folder/drives' in file explorer options under 'view'). In CDM, either make a 'new' set, by clicking the 'new' button, and adding the directories you intend to use, or select the 'current directories' and press the 'copy' button to make a copy of the set and add any additional directories you want to it.
Organization is kind of complicated, and no matter which method you use, it's going to be time consuming.
In software, you can use CSM to categorize content, use 'Link' files to make pseudo copies of assets, or simply copy the files themselves to whereever you want.
Outside of software, you can copy files from any directory to any directroy you wish, as long as they are mapped in CDM.This applies to user facing files, DUF/PNG, DJL(link), Cr2, etc. Don't move files in the Data, Geometries, Textures, or any non-default folders in the Runtime directory, as this will break content.
If using DIM for install/uninstall, you'll have to manually remove copies or link files, and, IIRC, references in the CSM, as they aren't listed in the DSX file(s) used by DIM.
As for a recommendation for organizing, I use the Folder/file method and extensive use of link files.
I start with parent folders, such as Architecture, Animal, Monster, Weapons, Vehicles, Props, EFX, Materials, and the various Genesis geneations(G1, G2f, G8m, etc).
Depending on parent folder, i may or may not have sub-folders. Monster, for instance, doesn't have sub-folders, just using the original working folder from the Zip file. Whereas, the various Genesis figures have multiple sub-folders, such as anatomy, base, character, clothing, props, etc, and each of these may or may not have sub folders. Clothing, for instance, is broken down into armor(fantasy), armor(scifi), Uniforms, shoes, shoes(boots), underwear, sleepwear, etc.
Because i organize this way, i use Link(DJL) files instead of just making copies of the originals. This allows me to rename the link file, or move it anywhere, and it doesn't effect the original. It also saves drive space.
Note: don't move link files in dazstudio, as it'll create a real copy of the original files, and not a copy of the link file, only move them in windows explorer.
This method can still be used, even if you install via DIM, you'll just need two sets of directories. The base set will be for installation, and the secondary will be for working. The working directories will contain nothing but Link(DJL) files.
Map both sets of directories in CDM, and put the working directories higher than the install directories. i recommend putting an empty folder as a break in between the two sets. You can name it whatever you want, but i'd suggest making it noticeable. I use "---demarc---" as the folder name.
There's a scrips(http://docs.daz3d.com/doku.php/public/software/dazstudio/4/referenceguide/scripting/api_reference/samples/specific_ui/create_asset_links/start) which will allow you to quickly make an entire folder/drive's worth of link files. This can be rather time consuming, depending on amount of assets, so, push the button and go have a coffee/tea break.
Note, Whether using the script, or the option in DS to make links, it will default to the top directory in CDM. As such, i'd recommend making a new folder and putthing that at the top of the CDM list.
best of luck.
Again, IMO, firstly, if you use DIM, DO NOT use Daz Connect at the same time... let alone Daz Central which is already discontinued...
2nd, better learn how to well use Smart Content which is much faster than Content Library in terms of searching / filtering / organizing. I'm sure you'll benefit from that.
Thanks again. That was really indepth and I feel you just scratched the surface. The link file directory sounds interesting and I may look into that. I'm going to take it slow so I don't overwhelm myself. I have enough content for it to get crazy fast. So, baby steps lol.