Ornatrix Maya | How to transfer hair to another scalp? 1st method

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through the process of transferring hair from one scalp to another in Ornatrix Maya while preserving all modifiers. This method is particularly useful for 3D artists looking to maintain hair styles when changing character models. Note that groups are not preserved using this method, but it is currently the best workaround as of September 11, 2024.

Step 1: Align the Scalp and Head

• Position the new scalp close to the new head.
• Ensure it is properly aligned, accounting for any rotation.

Step 2: Export the New Scalp

• Export the new scalp's position in OBJ format.
• This step is crucial as it prevents Ornatrix from recalling the old position.

Step 3: Prepare the Scene

• Save your scene file.
• Temporarily remove all modifiers except for the Edit Guides modifier.

Step 4: Convert Guides to Curves

• Use the CurvesFromStrands modifier.
• In the modifier settings, select the option to "Separate Curves".

Step 5: Group and Export Curves

• Group the resulting curves.
• Apply Reset Xform to the grouped curves.
• Export them in .ma format.

Step 6: Import the New Scalp

• Open your saved scene.
• Temporarily hide the old scalp with hair.
• Import the new scalp and apply Reset Xform.

Step 7: Import and Convert Curves

• Import the curves you exported in .ma format.
• Convert these curves back to guides using the FurBall preset.
• Make sure to include GroundStrands in this step.

Step 8: Align the Scalp with the Head

• Use the Wrap tool to perfectly align the scalp with the head.
• Export both the new head and the aligned scalp in OBJ format for use in the wrapping program.

Step 9: Create FastWrapping Node

• In the wrapping program, assign the first slot to the scalp and the second slot to the head.
• Create a FastWrapping node to align the scalp with the head.

Step 10: Save the New Scalp

• Create a SaveGeom node and save the newly aligned scalp in OBJ format.

Step 11: Import and Create BlendShape

• Import the newly saved scalp.
• Create a BlendShape for the old scalp by selecting the new one first, then the old one.
• Navigate to Animation Editors > Shape Editor, and create the BlendShape.

Step 12: Check Hair Alignment

• If the hair does not follow the new shape when switching, assign GroundStrands again and adjust the slider.

Step 13: Final Adjustments

• Convert the resulting guides back to curves and export them.
• Import the curves, apply Reset Xform, and turn them back into hair using the appropriate preset.

Step 14: Transfer Modifiers

• Transfer all modifiers from the old hair to the new hair.
• If any groups were assigned to Clump, recreate them in the Edit Guides since groups do not transfer with this method.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively transfer hairstyles from one scalp to another in Ornatrix Maya, ensuring that all modifiers are preserved. Although groups may need manual recreation, this method streamlines the process of changing character models while retaining hair details. For more advanced techniques or troubleshooting, consider exploring additional resources or tutorials on the subject.