Editing Arcane University:Intro to Asset Implementation

Asset implementation is bringing a modelled and textured 3D model into the game. This guide assumes you have already '''exported mesh maps''' and '''that your low poly model is complete'''. This guide is for '''absolute beginners''', and will only cover the essentials. 

'''Different types of assets''' (such as armor or furniture) '''<i>may</i> add another step''' or require a different program. There are even different ways to implement the same type of asset, and it's mostly up to personal preference.

== Terminology ==
If you are implementing your first ever asset into the game, you '''MUST''' read this article step by step, in the order it's written. But before we can get into the ''how'', we must first understand the ''what''. 

=== What is a Nif? ===
In the simplest terms, NIF is the ''file format'' a 3D model must be to appear in Skyrim. You can compare it to an .obj or .fbx, except it stores '''much''' more information. You can learn more about NIFs in their [[AU:NIF Data Format| dedicated article]].

=== What is a DDS? ===
Similarly, DDS is the 2D image file format required for textures to appear in Skyrim. It's usually converted from .png or .tga files. Learn more about it in its [[AU:DDS Data Format| dedicated article]].

=== What is a CK record? ===
'''CK''', or [https://www.creationkit.com/index.php?title=Category:Getting_Started| Creation Kit], is the program that allows us to alter Skyrim, such as adding new places, assets and quests. '''A Creation Kit record''' is stored information that the game refers to in order to know exactly what it needs to do.

For asset implementation, CK records make up a '''library of assets''' available to use in game, that level designers or implementers pick from when building levels or assigning rewards to a quest (and more).

== Clutter Workflow ==
The general clutter workflow is: Convert textures to DDS, convert mesh to NIF, set correct properties in NifSkope and lastly, create a Creation Kit record. 

=== Skyrim Substance Filter ===
[[File: Substance Painter Logo.png]]The programs you need depend on whether or not you've used the [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/44400 Custom Skyrim Shader for Substance Painter], as it combines the maps for you.

'''If you've used the filter, you only need to install''' [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23316 Cathedral Assets Optimizer] (CAO) then skip straight to 'Converting to DDS'.

=== No Filter ===
[[File: Quixel Mixer Logo.png]] If you've '''not used''' a filter, you'll need a program to manually combine maps, such as GIMP or Photoshop. The program must have an Alpha Channel (transparency support).

'''You'll also need a tool to convert the combined maps into DDS.''' See a list of programs on our [[AU:DDS Data Format|DDS wiki page]]. 

[[File: Gimp Logo.png]]The ''easiest'' option is to use <span style="color:#bf9000">GIMP</span> as it allows you to combine and export without downloading additional tools - but it also produces the lowest image quality, and does not export DXT10 ''(more on DXT10 later.)''

[[File: Photoshop Logo.png]]However, if you have Photoshop, the free and downloadable NVIDIA Texture Tools plugin produces great results. <span style="font-size:88%">''(old versions do not support DXT10)''</span>
 
==== Manually Combining Maps ====
A guide on <span style="color:#6aa84f">how to manually combine maps</span> is written on the AU's [[AU:DDS Data Format|DDS wiki page]]. In the end you'll end up with a minimum of two maps: the '''Diffuse''' and '''Normal'''.

=== Converting to DDS ===
*In both '''GIMP and Photoshop''' (w/ plugin), you start by clicking "Save As (Copy)..." and selecting '''dds''' in the list. 
*In '''CAO''', navigate to the Texture tab.

[[File:DDS_important_settings_demonstration.png|500px]]

Regardless what program you use, in the EXPORT SETTINGS you may come across several options and boxes. You only have to worry about two:

# You must choose between several '''<span style="color:#9900ff">DXT</span>''' (also called '''<span style="color:#9900ff">BC</span>''') alternatives in a drop down box. It can look confusing, but never fear! <br />For most situations you’ll need to consider only two: DXT1 and DXT5 (Skyrim LE), or DXT1 and DXT10 (for SSE). '''Find out which to use on the [[AU:DDS Data Format|DDS wiki page]].'''
# Always generate mipmaps. 

And there you go. Congratulations, the first step is complete!

== Convert to Nif ==

There's several programs you can use to convert your mesh to NIF. For clutter items there's mainly two: '''CK-CMD''' and '''Niftools Blender Plugin'''.

'''CK-CMD''' is a standalone command prompt tool that turns any FBX into NIF. Once CK-CMD is set up, it's arguably the easiest to use of the two. 

'''Blender Plugin''' is integrated with Blender, which is nice, however there's the chance it might break when Blender rolls out major updates.

* [[AU:CK-CMD for Skyrim| CK-CMD Download and Tutorial]]
* [https://github.com/niftools/blender_niftools_addon/releases Niftools Blender Plugin Download]
* [[AU:Blender 2.8+ Export|Niftools Blender Plugin Tutorial]]

=== Attach Collision ===

'''All clutter <span style="color:#ff0000">must</span> have a collision''', as a collision is what makes an object solid. The collision should usually be lower poly than the asset itself.

[[File:Collision Example.png]]

Before you attach a collision, you must decide on Asset Type. Scroll down to [[Asset Types]] and find out if it's clutter (a misc object or moveable static) or static. 
'''There are different ways to attach a collision''', and you can do it with CK-CMD, Niftools, or in Nifskope itself. The ''type'' of collision your asset needs will differ, so '''read about collisions in [[AU:Mesh Collisions|the article]] and about [[#Clutter Asset Types|different types of clutter]].'''

== Folder Structure ==

You have the DDS and NIF. Let's talk about folder structure.

On larger projects it's crucial to be organised, to make sure no assets go missing (making all your hard work wasted). Partner Projects structures may differ, but here's the basics. 

=== Skyrim Data Folder ===
All assets '''MUST''' be placed in your '''Skyrim Data folder'''. Exactly ''where'' your data folder is located depends on how Skyrim was installed, but this is a typical file path: ''C:\Games\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\Data''

=== Meshes and Textures Folders ===
'''<u>Step 1:</u>''' create two folders called <code>meshes</code> and <code>textures</code> directly in your Data folder.

[[File:Top_Level_Data_Folder.png|400px]]

'''<u>Step 2:</u>''' Within each of these, create a folder called “<name of mod>”. I'll call mine SCP.

Within the SCP folder you create another folder. The name of this folder depends on the asset you're creating, f.ex. armor, clutter, furniture, etc. If you're not sure, look at a similar vanilla asset and copy that.
''Folder Path Example'': "textures\SCP\clutter\"

'''<u>Step 3:</u>''': Within your category folder, you create the final folder; the folder for your asset.

[[File:Lower_Level_Meshes_Folder.png]]''Final Folder Path Example'': "'''meshes'''\SCP\clutter\bucket\" <span style="color:#6aa84f">In this folder you place your </span>'''.Nif'''<span style="color:#6aa84f"> file.</span>


[[File:Lower_Level_Textures_Folder.png]]''Final Folder Path Example'': "'''textures'''\SCP\clutter\bucket\" <span style="color:#6aa84f">In this folder you place your </span>'''.DDS'''<span style="color:#6aa84f"> textures.</span>

And there you go, it's ready for NifSkope.

== NifSkope ==
[https://github.com/niftools/nifskope NifSkope] is used to view and edit NIF files. Nifskope is absolutely '''essential for asset implementation'''. It has a plethora of uses, but we'll focus on the absolute basics.

Make sure you've set up Nifskope to search Skyrim's data folder for textures and meshes. 

[[File:NifSkope_Archives_Settings.png|600px]]

This can be done in Options > Settings > Resources. Set up both '''Paths''' and '''Archives'''.

=== Attaching Textures (BSShaderTextureSet) ===
At the moment, your NIF is textureless. This is something we'll fix in Nifskope.

Navigate to the block called '''BSShaderTextureSet - view it by expanding''' ''BSFadeNode, BSTriShape'' then ''BSLightingShaderProperty''.

[[File:BSShaderTextureSet_Location.png|500px]]

This will open up the Texture list, where you will enter the file paths for your textures. 
* '''No. 1''' is where we will put our '''Diffuse''' map.
* '''No. 2''' is where we will put our '''Normal''' map.

It's important that the texture file paths aren't absolute, as that creates issues when transferred to other computers. '''They must be <span style="color:#6aa84f">relative</span>.'''

'''YES:''' <span style="color:#6aa84f">textures\SCP\clutter\bucket\bucket_d.dds</span>

'''NO:''' <span style="color:#ff0000">C:\Games\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\Data\</span><span style="color:#6aa84f">textures\SCP\clutter\bucket\bucket_d.dds</span>

=== Tweaking Properties ===
You'll spend a fair bit of time in the '''BSLightingShaderProperty''' node. This is the main place where you assign and adjust specific properties of your asset. Play with ''Glossiness'', ''Specular Color'' and ''Specular Strength'' and see how it affects your asset.

: ''Tip: Study in-game items (dds and Nifskope) to learn how to make things look good in game. <span style="color:#9900ff">You cannot export SSE Nifs as obj or into Blender.</span> [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4089 Convert it to LE.]''

'''For more information regarding NifSkope, Nifs, DDS's and textures, read [[AU:NIF Data Format|NIF Data Format]]. This guide only touches the surface, there's much more to learn.'''

== Creation Kit ==

It's time for the last part of the tutorial... creating a record in Creation Kit!

If you've not even heard about Creation Kit before now, you must first install it. To ensure you install the right version, follow [https://www.creationkit.com/index.php?title=Category:Tutorials the tutorial on creationkit.com]. You can find various tutorials on the right hand side. If you're using ''Skyrim Special Edition'', also install the [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20061 SSE CK Fixes]. Trust me.

=== Clutter Asset Types ===
Creation Kit has three different types of '''clutter''': misc object, moveable static, and static.

==== The defining properties of a [[File: Creation_Kit_Misc_Object_Icon.png]] Misc Object ====
* Objects the player can manipulate in game
* Player can pick these up and add them to their inventory

==== The defining properties of a [[File: Creation_Kit_Moveable_Static_Icon.png]] Moveable Static ====
* Player can manipulate/grab in game
* Player cannot add these to their inventory

==== The defining properties of a [[File: Creation_Kit_Static_Icon.png]] Static ====
* Player cannot manipulate, grab, move, interact with, or otherwise influence it.
* Also includes architecture pieces and landscape pieces without animation.

You need to deduce which type fits your asset, and apply collisions and create Creation Kit records accordingly. Once you know what type your asset is, the rest is fairly easy. 

'''When you open Creation Kit''', click '''File > Data''', enable '''Skyrim.esm''', then click '''OK'''. It may take a couple of years to load up, make a coffee or something while you wait.

'''Follow Bethesda's [https://www.creationkit.com/index.php?title=Bethesda_Tutorial_Creating_an_Item Guide on Copying an Item].''' While the guide copies an amulet and not clutter, workflow applies to all assets. In essence, find an asset that's more or less identical to what you've created, copy the record, and edit the specifics.

[[File:Creation_Kit_MiscItem_Menu_Asset_Implementation.png|500px]]

Most item windows display this information (more or less). ''Don't worry about Scripts, Keywords or Destruction Data, that's more advanced.''

In the Model box, navigate to your NIF file in the Data folder. 

And that should be it! Before you close Creation Kit, take note of the Form ID - you can see it in the Object Window.  

=== Testing Your Asset ===
To test your new asset in game, open console command (the tilde key (~)) and type <code>player.placeatme <Form ID></code>. If you're not sure about the Form ID of your item, you can write <code>help <item name></code>, such as <code>help wooden bowl</code> to retrieve it.

== Armor Workflow ==
For '''armor implementation workflow''', watch [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Vxb8Ff9ws this video] by Astolf.