Editing Objects in Second Life

So you just bought something in Second Life and the object is removing another object or isn't fitting right to your avatar? Don't panic if you've never built anything in Second Life, its really quite easy.

Alright lets say the first problem is that the object attaches to the wrong place or when you wear it, it takes something else off. When you right click an object you can wear you should see an option that says attach to. Do not use the attach to HUD as a HUD is a heads up display. It sort of floats on your screen, but won't be seen by anyone else. So when you look in this attach to display you can see what's attached wear. Make sure you have everything you want to wear on with this object so you can see what spots are taken up. Choose one that is near where you want the object. Keep in mind that some of the spots move when your character shifts. So if something is supposed to go on your head don't choose something moveable like your forearm. I like to use mouths or ears because they move with the head. So just select what part you want and you will see it attach.

Now as it attaches it's going to be in the wrong place and possibly turned all over. Don't worry! Here;s where the second part of this lesson starts.

So your object is attached but it is buried in something like hair, or is off kilter? No problem. But first I recommend that that if the object is copiable, use a copy! I can't say this enough, editing is easy, but even the pros occasionally accidentally break something. To copy just select the object and go up to edit and then paste. Wear one of the copies. I repeat work on the copy if you can.

For something really fussy like something that goes on the head its helpful to find a place where there is a pose stand or take one out yourself. This will stop the avatar from moving while you edit the parts. Sometimes you don't need one, but its good to know about pose stands when building and editing on a Second Life Avatar.

Now that your avatar is ready to be edited, right click the object you want to edit and go to edit. A little box will pop up. Don't worry about that unless you get into hardcore Second Life building. Now that's up you will see different colored arrows. These let you slide the article back and forth, up and down. Just notice where the lines go. You may have to move your camera to get a better look at what your doing. If an object is tilted wrong, start by pressing and holding down the control key. The arrows will turn to multicolored lines. Click on one and drag back and forth the direction it goes. Each color rotates the object on a different plane.

Sometimes if you have a hat, hair, arm band or something else it may not fit your avatar. Press and hold the shift and control key and you will see four white boxes. If you just click and drag on the boxes it will make the object bigger or smaller. If it is a one prim item, you will see other multiple colors, but it works the same way.

So, now that you know how to edit and relocate clothing and pieces in Second Life, you no longer need to worry about something not fitting or looking odd. Congratulations!