Difference between revisions of "Arcane University:3D art"

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*[https://www.gimp.org GIMP] - free (also read [[AU:Gimp for Skyrim|GIMP for Skyrim]])
 
*[https://www.gimp.org GIMP] - free (also read [[AU:Gimp for Skyrim|GIMP for Skyrim]])
 
*[https://affinity.serif.com Affinity] [$]
 
*[https://affinity.serif.com Affinity] [$]
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*[https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/plans.html?promoid=8JD95GBM&mv=other Adobe Photoshop] [$] - Can be used with NVidia Plugin to convert maps to DDS format. PS: you sign up for yearly subscriptions, paid monthly.
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*[https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/plans.html?promoid=8JD95GBM&mv=other Adobe Photoshop] [$] - Can be used with Nvidia Plugin to convert maps to DDS format. PS: you sign up for yearly subscriptions, paid monthly.
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==Asset Implementation Software==
 
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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.
 
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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!
 
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All programs and plugins from here on out are free.
 
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===Convert Texture Maps to DDS===
 
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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.
 
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*[https://www.getpaint.net Paint.Net] ''(also read [[Arcane_University:Paint.Net_for_Skyrim|Paint.net for Skyrim]])''
 
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*[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23316 Cathedral Assets Optimizer] converts only TGA to DDS. Allows batch conversion.
 
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*[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.
 
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*[https://www.gimp.org GIMP] primarily an image manipulation program. Plugin not required (v 2.10.24). Does not support [[Arcane_University:DDS_Data_Format#There_are_tons_of_DXT_codecs.21_Which_should_I_use.3F|DXT10/BC7]] export. Results can be inferior to other DDS export methods.
 
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*[https://github.com/Unity-Technologies/crunch/tree/unity Crunch] is designed for more advanced compression, and is a command-line tool, but it also outputs excellent quality DDS when configured properly.
 
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*[https://gpuopen.com/compressonator/ Compressonator] requires an AMD graphics card, but outputs good quality and has a nice GUI. Also supports command-line use.
 
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For information regarding the various export settings, and '''how to convert your texture to DDS''', read the [[Arcane_University:DDS_Data_Format|DDS]] page.
 
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===Convert Mesh to NIF===
 
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{{note|float=right|max-width=35%|Special Edition uses a different nif format from Skyrim/Legendary Edition. However, nearly all Skyrim/LE nifs will work in SSE, and are easier to work with. SSE nifs are also less precise. For this reason, most projects use LE nifs. If you do need to convert either way, you can use [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23316 Cathedral Assets Optimizer] or [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4089 SSE Nif Optimizer].}}
 
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There are a variety of methods to convert your mesh, including both software-specific plugins, and standalone converters that are software-agnostic:
 
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*Sofware agnostic:
 
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**[[Arcane_University:CK-CMD_for_Skyrim|CK-CMD]] - can convert both ways between .fbx and nif. Also can handle havok behaviors.
 
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**[[AU:Outfit Studio for Skyrim|Outfit Studio]] - can import .obj or .fbx, and export LE or SSE nifs. Also used skin armor, creatures, or npcs.
 
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*Blender:
 
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**[https://github.com/niftools/blender_niftools_addon Blender Niftools] - For Blender 2.8+, Export/Import tool between Blender and the Nif format.
 
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**[https://github.com/BadDogSkyrim/PyNifly PyNifly] - Export/Import tool between Blender and the Nif format. Supports SSE Meshes
 
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*3ds Max:
 
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**[https://github.com/figment/max_nif_plugin/releases/tag/3.8.0 3DS Max Niftools Addon] - Niftools Addon for 3DS Max. Might not work with versions after 2016
 
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**[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
 
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===Add Collision to NIF===
 
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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.
 
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*[[Arcane_University:CK-CMD_for_Skyrim|CK-CMD]]
 
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*[https://www.afkmods.com/index.php?/files/file/2398-nifutilssuite/ NifUtilsSuite] (includes ChunkMerge) - Can transfer collision from one nif to another, or convert TriShapes to compressed mesh collision
 
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*[https://wiki.beyondskyrim.org/wiki/File:Chunkmerge_Utils.zip Chunkmerge Utils] - templates for use with ChunkMerge
 
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===NifSkope===
 
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[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.
 
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<center>{{note|Nifskope is essential for all asset implementation.}}</center>
 
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===Skyrim and Creation Kit===
 
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To view your asset in game you'll need the game. You can use Skyrim Legendary Edition, or Skyrim Special Edition.
 
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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.
 
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And finally, if you use Skyrim Special Edition, you'll want to download Creation Kit Fixes to stabilize the program, reduce loadtimes and CTDs. [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20061 SSE Creation Kit Fixes]
 
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==

Revision as of 15:43, 1 December 2025

< Arcane University
AULabel.png AU Disciplines
Project Management
Writing
Concept Art
3D Art
Animation
Implementation
Level Design
Sound Effects
Music Composition
Voice Acting

The 3D Art department takes two-dimensional concept art—usually digital drawings—and uses them to create three-dimensional models to be placed in the game world. The 3d artist must also take into account any special requirements regarding pre-existing lore, and technical restrictions required by the animation and implementation teams.

General Workflow

With the concept art imported into the modelling software, blockout modeling starts. For the high-polywork flow, the 3D artist sculpts a high-poly mesh. They then bake the high-poly details into the normal map of a retopologized low-poly version of the mesh, and add textures to this low-poly model.

  1. Blockout
  2. Sculpting
  3. Retopology
  4. UV Unwrapping
  5. Baking
  6. Texturing

After this, the asset is passed to the Nif implementation team to be exported to NIF format. It is then given its physical properties such as collision and physics. It may then be rigged/skinned to bones and animated, if necessary.

Tutorials

Weapons

Armor

Landscape

Trees and Plants

Tilesets and Architecture

LOD Objects

Rigging/Skinning

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. You must have a 3D modeling, 3D baking and 3D texturing program in order to create your asset - this is your most basic programs in the unique 3D workflow.

3D modelling and sculpting programs

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

3D baking programs

You'll want to avoid baking in Blender, as the results can be slow, prone to errors and inaccurate.

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.

  • Quixel Mixer - free, texturing.
  • Marmoset Toolbag [$] - baking, texturing.
  • Adobe Substance 3D Painter [$*] - baking, texturing. Free with Student License.
    • Substance Painter Plugin - free. if you're using Adobe Substance 3D Painter, you'll also want to use the PBR to Skyrim plugin.
    • Adobe Substance 3D Designer [$*] Create materials with nodes - not for applying texture to an asset, only to create complex materials. Adobe Substance 3D Designer is not required use, you can usually create the materials you want in Painter, but it's a powerful program for complex materials.
  • Blender Blender is not recommended for texturing assets, as all the programs above are much easier to use and superior in features and results. However, it does exist.

2D texturing program

These programs can be used to manually alter texture maps. These are not mandatory to download, but you might need one at some point.

See Also

Modelling

Texturing

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