Arcane University:Mesh Export to NIF

< Arcane University:3D Art

Basics

• To review the specifics of the NIF data format used for meshes, check Nif Data Format.
• To review the specifics of the DDS data format used for textures, check DDS Data Format.

Export

Meshes can be exported by the following applications:

• Blender export plugin (Blender version 2.7x)
• 3DS MAX export plugin (Max versions xxx)
• CK-CMD (any 3D program that can export to fbx)
• Outfit Studio (any 3D program that can export to obj)

Blender 2.7x Export

The process for direct export from Blender 2.7x is documented on Blender 2.7+ Export. It allows for directly exporting from Blender to a full NIF, but you will need to merge the created NIF with separately created collision using Chunkmerge. The advantage of this method is that you do not need any intermediate files and can export directly from Blender. The disadvantage is that it does not work for all versions of Blender - but every older version of Blender is also available for download.

3DS MAX Export

The process for direct export from 3DS MAX export is documented on 3DS MAX Export. It allows for direct export from 3DS MAX to a full NIF. The advantage of this method is that you do not need any intermediate files and can export directly from 3DS MAX. The disadvantage is that it does not work for every version of 3DS MAX, and will therefore need to be updated when updating 3DS MAX.

CK-CMD

• https://github.com/aerisarn/ck-cmd

Outfit Studio

The process for exporting using Outfit Studio is documented on Outfit Studio Export. The advantage of this method is that it allows for exporting for any 3D program which can export to OBJ, as well as not being dependent on that program's version. The disadvantage is that you have to work with intermediate files, which makes it harder to quickly test out small edits in-game. Furthermore, any rigging will need to be done within Outfit Studio, as OBJ files cannot contain rigging information.