What is an external runtime?

An external runtime simply means that you have your 3D models installed outside of the Poser folder.  This possible by creating a new folder and naming it runtime.  However there is a correct way and wrong way to do this.  This guide will show you the way that I create and use external runtimes.

What is a runtime folder?

     A runtime folder is the folder where your 3D content is actually installed into.  This folder is actually named Runtime. When I say that I use an external Runtime, I'm saying that the runtime folder where my 3D models will be installed is located outside of the Poser folder.  This can be either on the computer's hard drive or in my case, on an actual external hard drive.

     My external runtime setup uses a multiple runtime folder structure.  The reason it's a multiple runtime is because I use an external runtime in each top level category folder. For example, I have a folder called Bases where I store all of my 3D base models, and inside this folder I have another folder named Runtime.  I also have a category folder named Characters A4 and that folder is also an external runtime folder.  So each top level category folder has its own Runtime folder.   I use an external runtime folders because I can pick and choose what types of folders I want to appear in my library.  The benefit of this is that it allows for better library management and it makes it easier for me to find what I'm looking for in the library.  If I were to install all of my content under one runtime folder then I won't have the flexibility to show only the content that I want to show.

     Most of the problems that occur with using an external runtime folder will be user error, which is good since we can easily fix user error with a simple set of instructions on how to use an external runtime folder.   You must always remember is that THERE IS NO MANUAL MOVING OF FOLDERS AND FILES when you are using an external runtime folder.  If you are manually moving files and folders around then you are asking for trouble.  Moving installed 3D content files around will cause problems when that 3D model is loaded.  Organizing the folders before you install is the key to having a working external runtime, so we are going to that first.

Preparing your external runtime

     Before you install any 3D models into your runtime folder, you need to take some time and map out the organization of the category folder structure.  What will you name your category folders? How do you want the organization of your folders to look?  Do you want to separate shoes from clothing? Do you want to separate cars from props? Questions like this need to be answered before you start installing anything into a runtime folder.  These questions are often difficult for many people who are setting up a runtime folder for the first time, so I have provided a sample external runtime.  To be more exact, I'm sharing my external runtime folder set up minus the content.

Step 1: Think about how you want to organize your 3d models.  If you aren't sure then you can use the same multiple runtime setup that I'm using. Click here to download my external runtimes folder structure.

Step 2: If you are making an external runtime folder from scratch then make sure that you have an empty runtime folder inside of each category folder.  If you are using my external runtime setup then place the collection of folders either on your computer's hard drive or on an external drive.

Step 3: Now that your external runtime folders have been set up, you are ready to use them to install your 3D models.  The installation of the 3D models is simple.  Pick the appropriate category folder when asked where you would like to install your content.  For example, if you are using the external runtime folders that were provided, then all A4 hair will be installed in the hair folder for A4.  All of the A4 shoes will be installed in the shoes folder for A4.

IMPORTANT WHEN INSTALLING: The folder that you will choose to install content in will be the category folder and not the actual runtime folder.   If you still are unsure about how to create an external runtime folder then download the external runtime folder that has been provided.

Step 4: Add the category folder to your Poser Library.  To do this click on the add to library button and select the category folder that you want to add.  You should now be able to see your external runtime folder in your library.

Remember organizing the folders before you install is the key, so make sure that you know the organization that you want to use before installing your 3D models.  If you are still confused about this then contact me through the contact us page and schedule a live demonstration.

FAQ  #1:  What if a 3D model can be used with different base models?

Answer: When you come across this then put it in the folder for the model that you use most often.  For  example, if you install hair that can be used on M4, V4,  A4, and V3 then put that hair in the hair folder for the model that you use the most.  In my case I install most of my A4/V4 hair models in the Hair A4 folder because I use A4 more than V4.  This makes it easier to find hair that fits multiple 3d bases.

FAQ  #2:  Why doesn't my external runtime folder  show in the library?

Answer: Possible reason may be that the external drive that you have your content stored was not on when you opened Poser.  Another reason is that you didn't add the external runtime category folder to the library yet.

If you still are having trouble with creating an external runtime then request a live demonstration on creating and using an external runtime.