Arcane University: Mesh Export to NIF

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In order for your mesh to be used in Skyrim, it must be in .nif format. There are several ways to do this, depending on what 3D software you use.

  • Any 3D programs (see requirements)
    • CK-CMD
    • Outfit Studio
  • Blender
    • Blender Niftools Addon
    • PyNifly
  • 3DS MAX
    • 3DS Max Nif Plugin

A number of these methods do not directly support Special Edition nifs. However, this can be circumvented using SSE Nif Optimizer or Cathedral Assets Optimizer, both of which can convert LE meshes to SE format and the other way around.

CK-CMD

CK-CMD is an independent command-line software you can use to, among many other things, convert FBX files to NIF and the other way around. You can download it on its GitHub page. The advantage of this method is that it allows for exporting for any 3D program that can export to FBX. Limitations: Does not directly support SE nif files.

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. The disadvantage is that you have to work with intermediate files, which makes it harder to quickly test out small edits in-game. Limitations: The OBJ format cannot store vertex weights or vertex colors, so any rigging will need to be done within Outfit Studio.

Blender Niftools Addon

You can export directly from Blender using the Blender Niftools Addon. Which version you should use (and how you export) depends on which version of Blender you are using. 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. Limitations: No collision handling, and does not directly support SE nif files. Both of these limitations can be handled with workarounds.

Blender 2.7x

The process for direct export from Blender 2.7x is documented on Blender 2.7x Export.

Blender 2.8+

The process for direct export from Blender 2.8 or up is documented on Blender 2.8+ Export.

PyNifly

PyNifly, like the Blender Niftools Addon, allows for direct import/export of nif files. Unlike the Blender Niftools Addon, it has support for SE nif files and handles simple collisions (non-MOPP).

3DS MAX Nif Plugin

The process for direct export from 3DS MAX export using especially made plugin 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. Limitations: Does not directly support SE nif files.

See Also

  • 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.
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