# EP04 — Body Skinning

https://youtu.be/ZaPDL59FT8I?si=FxzTnVYPH_N922uG

## 1. Workflow

- If the data is already in `.sls` from a **Pick**, you **don't need to open the DCC**.
- Only reconnect to the DCC when you need to **Apply to Skin / Push**.
- Press **Ctrl+S** (File → Save) regularly to update the `.sls` file.

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## 2. Thigh

1. Create a **Thigh** layer in the Layers panel.
2. Influence: Search for `Thigh` in the Hierarchy → select **`Thigh_Seg`** (use the Seg bone, not the main Thigh bone).
3. **Flood** 1.0 → paint the **Mask** → check the boundary with **Used**.
4. For overlapping areas: **Vertex mode** → select region → Multiply 0.9 + Set Weight.
5. **Smooth** — press Shift+S to enter Smooth mode and refine the boundary.
6. Remove a bone from Influence: **Right-click → Cut Weight**.

**Mirror:** Weight Mirror → **Mask Mirror** (two separate operations).
> Weight (deformation strength) and Mask (affected region) are entirely separate data. Weight Mirror does not affect the Mask, so always Mirror them independently.

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## 3. Mirror Settings (Left/Right Naming Convention)

In the **Mirror dialog**, specify the bone name pattern:
- Example: `*_L` / `*_R` or `Left*` / `Right*`
- Bones that don't match are treated as **Center**.

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## 4. Calf

- **Calf_Seg** layer — same pattern: Flood → Mask → Smooth → Mirror.
- **Screen mode** recommended: easy to paint both front and back of limbs at once.

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## 5. Knee and Armpit Details

- Use **Lasso / Vertex** selection to grab edge loops.
- **Eyedropper** to match a row of weights → Set Weight.
- Use Surface mode to Smooth only adjacent faces.

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## 6. Foot · Toe

**Fallback Bone concept:**
- When weights are reduced to 0, it becomes unclear which bone receives the remainder.
- Set the fallback bone (usually Root or Pelvis) in **Option panel → Tools tab → Fallback Bone**.
- You can also click **[Fallback: BoneName]** at the bottom of the Influence panel.

- **Toe** bone: Keep the Mask narrow to match the natural ground-contact region. Mirror, then manually correct as needed.

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## 7. Neck

- **Neck_Seg** layer — Flood 1.0.
- A dedicated twist layer will be added in a later step.

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## 8. Layer Stack Example

| Layer | Responsible Region |
|-------|--------------------|
| Pelvis | Entire pelvis |
| Spine | Upper body |
| Thigh | Thigh |
| Calf | Below knee |
| Foot / Toe | Feet |
| Neck | Neck |