XGEN GUIDE GEOMETRY/SCALP RENAME
A tool to rename XGen geometry
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I know the following steps are quite daunting for a tool that is suppose to be used to simplify the work!

As you know, XGen is very finicky, even when writing scripts for it. And as there are many ways a user can set up their XGen files, it is necessary to take the precaution steps when it comes to renaming anything!

The tool make sure that all .iff files, extra attribute names are still linked properly even after renaming.

If you run into any issues with this tool, please help by sending me a scene so I can further bullet proof it!
  • Last updated: Pre V.12.00
NOTE:
  • Before using this tool, it's HIGHLY RECOMMANDED that you try it with a test file first to see if it works on your machine. You can download the 'renameTest.zip' file and use that scene for testing this tool.
  • Please use this tool only when absolutely necessary. With different ways of scene setup, this tool 'may' not work with your setup. It's highly recommended to do a back up of your scene using the 'Deep Backup' tool before using this tool. 
  • This tool is built for XGen Guide based set up only. It will not maintain the groom if you use on Groomable Splines
  • If you have any Guide Colors assigned using the Guide Color Tool, renaming procedure will not work. Please delete the 'xgtGuideColor_' expression from XGen's Expression tab, and recreate the Guide Color layers again.
Steps: 
In my scene, there is one XGen collection (bear_col), that is consists with two XGen descriptions (bodyFur_des, pawFur_des) and each is bound to a scalp geo (baseA, baseB).
  • In this scene I would like to rename my scalp geo names from baseA and baseB to body_GEO and paw_GEO
1. Do a Deep Backup
2. Launch the XGen Guide Scalp Geo Rename Tool. 
  • Select the scalp geo (1)
  • Click on Diagnose (2)
3. This step is for those that wants to dive into what will be renamed.
  • Ptex maps associated with the scalp geo such as texture, mask, clump maps, points, etc, will all be listed at the top.
  • The .xgen file will be listed at the bottom. Before renaming, please screen through the files to make sure correct files are listed. 
4. Enter a new name. 
NOTE:
  • The tool will go through a series of naming checks. If the renaming failed, please follow the warning messages.
  • The name can not exist in any nodes in scene
  • The name can not be the same as existing 'collection' or 'description' folders inside your current scene folder.
  • The name can only start with alphabets
5. ​A prompt window will show up, by clicking Yes, you agree that due to many reasons, renaming can cause issues with XGen and you will be responsible for the damage caused to your work, if any.
6. After clicking on Rename, the tool will go ahead and rename the associated files listed in the diagnostic. If you see the following error saying it can not find the 'original' scalp geo name (in my case, it's baseA), it is normal and safe. Please do a XGen preview refresh to see if the error persists.
7. Please test the scene to see if XGen is still working. Move the Guides, paint a map, refresh preview, etc. If anything goes wrong, please try using the deep back tool to roll back to the previous scene. In my scene, both scalp geos (baseA and baseB) renamed (body_GEO and paw_GEO).
NOTE: 
  • If you have any Guide Colors assigned using the Guide Color Tool, renaming procedure will not work. Please delete the 'xgtGuideColor_' expression from XGen's Expression tab, and recreate the Guide Color layers again.