Editing Arcane University:3D Art

{{Trail}}
A '''3D artist''' can create shapes based on [[AU:Concept Art|concept art]], writing and discussions as well as what is required by the [[Arcane University:Animation|animation]] and [[Arcane University:Implementation|implementation]] teams. For the Gamebryo Engine and the context of Skyrim, a 3D artist must take into account [[Arcane University:Mesh Polycount Comparisons|standard polycounts]] for their low poly 3D models.

== General Workflow ==
With the [[Arcane University:Concept Art|concept art]] imported into the modelling software, [[Arcane University:Blockout|blockout]] modeling starts. For the '''high-polywork flow''', the 3D artist [[Arcane University:Sculpting|sculpts]] a high-poly mesh. They then [[Arcane University:Baking|bake]] the high-poly details into the normal map of a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8kQiccJetw retopologized] low-poly version of the mesh, and [[Arcane University:Texturing|add textures]] to this low-poly model. After the asset is [[Arcane University:Mesh Export to NIF|exported to NIF format]], it is given its physical properties such as [[Arcane University:Mesh Collisions|collision and physics]]. It may then be rigged/skinned to bones and [[Arcane University:Animation|animated]], if necessary.

#[[Arcane University:Blockout|Blockout]]
#[[Arcane University:Sculpting|Sculpting]]
#[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8kQiccJetw Retopology]
#[[Arcane University:UV Unwrapping|UV Unwrapping]]
#[[Arcane University:Baking|Baking]]
#[[Arcane University:Texturing|Texturing]]
#[[Arcane University:Mesh Export to NIF|Mesh Export to NIF]]
#:{{#dpl:
  |category = Arcane University-3D Art-Mesh Export to NIF
  |shownamespace = false
  |nottitlematch = Mesh_Export_to_NIF
}}
#Adding [[Arcane University:Mesh Collisions|Mesh Collisions]]
#[[Arcane University:Animation|Animation]]

== Skyrim Data Formats ==
Skyrim uses NIFs and DDS file formats to read and render objects in game. That means your mesh must be converted to a NIF and textures to DDS.
* To review the specifics of the NIF data format used for meshes, check [[Arcane_University:NIF_Data_Format|Nif Data Format]].
* To review the specifics of the DDS data format used for textures, check [[Arcane_University:DDS Data Format|DDS Data Format]].
* Software for converting files can be found under [[Arcane_University:3D_Art#Asset_Implementation_Software|Asset Implementation Software]].

== Asset-specific Tutorials ==
=== Weapons ===
*[[AU:Nifskope Weapons Setup|Nifskope Weapons Setup]]
*[[File:Tutorial_skyrim_bows_from_3ds.pdf]] (Bows with 3ds and Nifskope)
=== Tilesets and Architecture ===
*[[File:Bernstein_Mike_ModularKits3d.pdf]]
*[http://blog.joelburgess.com/2013/04/skyrims-modular-level-design-gdc-2013.html Skyrim’s Modular Approach to Level Design] by Joel Burgess
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBAM27YbKZg Fallout 4's Modular Level Design (lecture video)] by Joel Burgess
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx9H2MW-sTs How to Create Tilesets (lecture video)] by Zix
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfPwxTmx73w Snapping Tutorial (video)] by Zix
=== Armor ===
=== Misc Items ===
=== Statics ===
=== Trees ===
[[File:BSLeafAnim.png|thumb|left]]
<br clear=all>
=== Harvestables ===
=== LOD Objects ===
*[https://morroblivion.com/forums/3d-models-and-textures/guideline-for-lod-model-creation Guideline for LOD model creation] by Grumpycat

==Basic Software==
As a 3D artist you have to use a variety of software and plugins to achieve the results you want. Below you'll find several alternatives within each category that are suitable for asset creation.  

===3D modelling and sculpting programs===
All 3D artists need a modelling and sculpting program to create the geometry of their asset.

*[https://www.blender.org Blender] - free, modelling and sculpting. (also read [[AU:Blender for Skyrim|Blender for Skyrim]])
*[https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/overview Maya] [$] - modelling. (also read [[AU:Maya for Skyrim|Maya for Skyrim]])
*[https://www.autodesk.com/products/3ds-max/overview?term=1-YEAR 3ds Max] [$] - modelling. (also read [[AU:3DS_Max_for_Skyrim|3ds Max for Skyrim]])
*[https://pixologic.com ZBrush] [$] - sculpting. (also read [[AU:Z-Brush for Skyrim|ZBrush for Skyrim]])
*[https://www.autodesk.com/products/mudbox/overview Mudbox] [$] - sculpting. (also read [[Mudbox for Skyrim|Mudbox for Skyrim]])

===3D baking programs===
You'll want to avoid [[AU:baking|baking]] in Blender, as the results can be slow, prone to errors and inaccurate. 

*[https://xnormal.net xNormal] - free.

Some texturing programs are also good at baking. See list below for what options offer baking. 

===3D texturing program===
We recommend these programs to texture your asset, as the tools at your disposal are vastly superior to Blender. 

*[https://quixel.com/mixer Quixel Mixer] - free, texturing. 
*[https://marmoset.co Marmoset Toolbag] [$] - baking, texturing. 
*[https://www.substance3d.com/products/substance-painter/ Substance Painter] [$*] - baking, texturing. Free with Student License. 
**[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/44400?tab=description Substance Painter Plugin] - free. if you're using Substance Painter, you'll also want to use the PBR to Skyrim plugin. 

===2D texturing program===
These programs can be used to manually alter texture maps.

*[https://www.gimp.org GIMP] - free (also read [[AU:Gimp for Skyrim|GIMP for Skyrim]])
*[https://affinity.serif.com Affinity] [$]
*[https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/plans.html?promoid=8JD95GBM&mv=other Adobe Photoshop] [$] - PS: you sign up for yearly subscriptions, paid monthly.

==Asset Implementation Software==
When you've finished your textures and low poly mesh, they must be converted into Skyrim friendly formats, and implemented into Skyrim. In some of the Partner Projects your work as a 3D artist finishes here, and an asset implementer takes over. However, in most projects you are encouraged to implement your own asset. This is also what we recommend in the Arcane University, as it allows you to see and fix errors in your mesh and textures that's not visible until you see it in game. 

Asset implementation is a big topic, and more complicated assets require a thorough knowledge of Nifskope and Creation Kit. However, something as simple as a bowl can easily be done!

All programs and plugins from here on out are free. 

===Convert Maps to DDS===
Skyrim uses the [[Arcane_University:DDS_Data_Format|DDS]] file format for all their texture maps. Export your textures in PNG or TGA, prepare your diffuse and other maps, then convert the images to DDS.

*[https://www.getpaint.net Paint.Net] ''(also read [[Arcane_University:Paint.Net_for_Skyrim|Paint.net for Skyrim]])''
*[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23316 Cathedral Assets Optimizer] converts only TGA to DDS. Allows batch conversion.
*[https://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-texture-tools-exporter Nvidia Texture Tools Exporter] can be downloaded as standalone program, or as Photoshop plugin. Standalone program allows batch conversion. 



For information regarding the various export settings, and '''how to convert your texture to DDS''', read the [[Arcane_University:DDS_Data_Format|DDS]] page.

===Convert Mesh to NIF===
Skyrim uses [[Arcane_University:NIF_Data_Format|Nifs]] to read and render assets in game. There are a variety of methods to convert your mesh. 

*[[Arcane_University:CK-CMD_for_Skyrim|CK-CMD]] - once set up, you drag and drop .fbx onto the ck-cmd conversion file to generate nif.
*[https://github.com/niftools/blender_niftools_addon Blender Niftools] - For Blender 2.8+, Export/Import tool between Blender and the Nif format. 
*[https://github.com/BadDogSkyrim/PyNifly PyNifly] - Export/Import tool between Blender and the Nif format. Supports SSE Meshes
*[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4089 SSE Nif Optimizer] Used to convert meshes from LE to SSE format and vice versa
*[[AU:Outfit Studio for Skyrim|Outfit Studio]] - also used to rig meshes, such as armor. 
*[https://github.com/figment/max_nif_plugin/releases/tag/3.8.0 3DS Max Niftools Addon] Niftools Addon for 3DS Maxs. Might not work with versions after 2016
*[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/84041 Apenov 3DS Max Plugin] Another Plugin for 3DS Max, works with versions up to 2018. Supports some SSE Meshes

===Add Collision to NIF===
Your mesh needs a collision to become solid in the engine. Read the [[Arcane_University:Mesh_Collisions|collision wiki page]] for details on what program to use.

*[https://github.com/niftools/nifskope/releases Nifskope]
*[https://wiki.beyondskyrim.org/wiki/File:Chunkmerge_Utils.zip Chunkmerge]

===Nifskope===
[https://github.com/niftools/nifskope/releases Nifskope] is a program that allows you to open NIF files, view and alter NIF's properties and contents, and export NIF files into other file formats readable by other programs such as Blender. 
Nifskope is where you attach your textures to the NIF and specify shader settings for it to appear correctly in game.
Nifskope also allows you to browse the Skyrim meshes BSA (archive) without using a BSA unpacker. 

<center>{{note|Nifskope is essential for all asset implementation.}}</center>

===Skyrim and Creation Kit===
To view your asset in game you'll need the game. You can use Skyrim Legendary Edition, or Skyrim Special Edition.

Depending on which Skyrim you own, you must download the Creation Kit that goes with your version: Creation Kit Legendary Edition, or Creation Kit Special Edition. See [https://www.creationkit.com/index.php?title=Category:Getting_Started Creationkit.com] for more information.

And finally, if you use Skyrim Special Edition, you'll want to download Creation Kit Fixes to stabilize the program, reduce loadtimes and CTD's. [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20061 SSE Creation Kit Fixes]

[[Category:Arcane_University-3D_Art| ]]