Editing Arcane University:3D Art

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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.

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.

*[[File:Tutorial_skyrim_bows_from_3ds.pdf]] (Bows with 3ds and Nifskope)

*[[File:Bernstein_Mike_ModularKits3d.pdf]]

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBAM27YbKZg Fallout 4's Modular Level Design (lecture video)] by Joel Burgess

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfPwxTmx73w Snapping Tutorial (video)] by Zix

=== Misc Items ===

=== Statics ===

=== Trees ===

[[File:BSLeafAnim.png|thumb|left]]

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=== Harvestables ===

*[https://morroblivion.com/forums/3d-models-and-textures/guideline-for-lod-model-creation Guideline for LOD model creation] by Grumpycat

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.   

*[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.  

These programs can be used to manually alter texture maps.

*[https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/plans.html?promoid=8JD95GBM&mv=other Adobe Photoshop] [$] - PS: you sign up for yearly subscriptions, paid monthly.  

When you've finished your mesh (low poly) and textures and maps, it's time to convert it into Skyrim friendly formats, and implement the asset 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!

===Convert Maps to DDS===

Skyrim uses [[Arcane_University:DDS_Data_Format|DDS]] file format for all their texture maps. You'll want to export your textures in PNG or TGA, prepare your Diffuse and other maps, then convert to DDS. Converting is super easy! Just load the .PNG in your program, then click Save As > DDS. For information of the various export settings, read the [[Arcane_University:DDS_Data_Format|DDS]] page.  

*[https://www.getpaint.net Paint.Net] (also read [[Arcane_University:Paint.Net_for_Skyrim|Paint.net for Skyrim]])

*[https://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-texture-tools-exporter Nvidia Photoshop Plugin]

*[https://www.gimp.org GIMP] (also read [[AU:Gimp for Skyrim|GIMP for Skyrim]])

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 (not the latest version). Export/Import tool between Blender and the Nif format.  

*[https://github.com/BadDogSkyrim/PyNifly PyNifly] - Export/Import tool between Blender and the Nif format.  

*[[AU:Outfit Studio for Skyrim|Outfit Studio]] - also used to rig meshes, such as armor.  

Your mesh needs a [[Arcane_University:Mesh_Collisions|collision]] to become solid in the engine. Read the 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.  

And finally, 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]