Editing Arcane University:3D Art

{{Trail}}{{Template:AUDisciplines}}
The '''3D Art''' department takes two-dimensional [[AU:Concept Art|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 [[AU:Animation|animation]] and [[AU:Implementation|implementation]] teams.

== General Workflow ==
With the [[AU:Concept Art|concept art]] imported into the modelling software, [[AU:Blockout|blockout]] modeling starts. For the '''high-polywork flow''', the 3D artist [[AU:Sculpting|sculpts]] a high-poly mesh. They then [[AU:Baking|bake]] the high-poly details into the normal map of a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8kQiccJetw retopologized] [[AU:Mesh Polycount Comparisons|low-poly]] version of the mesh, and [[AU:Texturing|add textures]] to this low-poly model. After the asset is [[AU:Mesh Export to NIF|exported to NIF format]], it is given its physical properties such as [[AU:Mesh Collisions|collision and physics]]. It may then be rigged/skinned to bones and [[AU: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|Rigging bows with 3ds Max and NifSkope (pdf)]] by Artisanix
=== Armor ===
=== Animated Objects ===
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DrN_AS28qk Animating Crash Course - Basic Static Animations in Blender (video)] by Hayden Price
*[[AU:Exporting animated statics using ck-cmd|Exporting animated statics using ck-cmd]]
*[[AU:Nifskope Hinge Constraints|Hinge Constraints]]
=== Trees and Plants ===
*[[AU:Flora Workflow|Flora Workflow]]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE0Tm0RBRuc Creating and Texturing Grass (video)] by David Pynkoski (Beyond Skyrim)
=== Tilesets and Architecture ===
*[[:File:Bernstein_Mike_ModularKits3d.pdf|Modularity in Creating 3D Game Environments (pdf)]] by Mike Bernstein
*[http://blog.joelburgess.com/2013/04/skyrims-modular-level-design-gdc-2013.html Skyrim’s Modular Approach to Level Design] by Joel Burgess (Bethesda)
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhW8CY8XkFg How We Used Iterative Level Design to Ship Skyrim and Fallout 3 (lecture video)] by Joel Burgess (Bethesda)
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBAM27YbKZg Fallout 4's Modular Level Design (lecture video)] by Joel Burgess (Bethesda)
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx9H2MW-sTs How to Create Tilesets (lecture video)] by Zix (Skywind)
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfPwxTmx73w Snapping Tutorial (video)] by Zix (Skywind)

=== LOD Objects ===
*[[AU:LOD Model Creation|LOD Model Creation]]
*[https://morroblivion.com/forums/3d-models-and-textures/guideline-for-lod-model-creation Guideline for LOD model creation (forum thread)] by Grumpycat (Skywind)

==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. One of each category is mandatory to create a unique 3D asset. 

===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] [$] - baking, texturing. 
*[https://www.adobe.com/products/substance3d-painter.html Adobe Substance 3D Painter] [$*] - baking, texturing. Free with Student License. 
**[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/44400?tab=description Substance Painter Plugin] - free. if you're using Adobe Substance 3D Painter, you'll also want to use the PBR to Skyrim plugin.
**[https://www.adobe.com/products/substance3d-designer.html/ 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.
*[https://www.blender.org/download/ 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. 

*[https://www.gimp.org GIMP] - free (also read [[AU:Gimp for Skyrim|GIMP for Skyrim]])
*[https://affinity.serif.com Affinity] [$]
*[https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/plans.html?promoid=8JD95GBM&mv=other Adobe Photoshop] [$] - Can be used with NVidia Plugin to convert maps to DDS format. 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 Texture 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. 
*[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.
*[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.
*[https://gpuopen.com/compressonator/ Compressonator] requires an AMD graphics card, but outputs good quality and has a nice GUI. Also supports command-line use.

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===
{{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].}}

There are a variety of methods to convert your mesh, including both software-specific plugins, and standalone converters that are software-agnostic:

*Sofware agnostic:
**[[Arcane_University:CK-CMD_for_Skyrim|CK-CMD]] - can convert both ways between .fbx and nif. Also can handle havok behaviors.
**[[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.
*Blender:
**[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
*3ds Max:
**[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
**[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.

*[[Arcane_University:CK-CMD_for_Skyrim|CK-CMD]]
*[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
*[https://wiki.beyondskyrim.org/wiki/File:Chunkmerge_Utils.zip Chunkmerge Utils] - templates for use with 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 CTDs. [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20061 SSE Creation Kit Fixes]

==See Also==
*[[AU:NIF_Data_Format|NIF Data Format]] explains NIFs, the file format Skyrim uses to read meshes
*[[AU:DDS_Data_Format|DDS Data Format]] explains DDSs, the file format Skyrim uses for texture images
*[https://www.twitch.tv/videos/53095530 Start to Finish Game Asset (Video on Twitch)] By Bartalon
'''Modelling'''
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTfIo_bezqw How to Model Anything in 3D - Modeling Fundamentals (Youtube)] by FlippedNormals
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVbIOHAI3iY 6 key principles for 3D modeling (Youtube)] by CG Cookie
'''Texturing'''
*[https://store.substance3d.com/blog/see-how-team-modders-uses-substance-recreate-skyrim How a Team of Modders Use Substance Painter to Recreate Skyrim] article on Substance Painter blog by Hayden Price
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e6zvJqVqlA What is Texel Density and How to Master it (Youtube)] By malcolm341
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVsIIkJNkjM What is Texture Padding and How to Master it (Youtube)] By malcolm341
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmuHLe6MjEA UDIMs - Modelling and Texturing Essentials (Youtube)] By FlippedNormals
*[[Arcane University: Hiding Texture Seams with Blended Decals|Hiding Texture Seams with Blended Decals]] By mathy

[[Category:Arcane_University-3D_Art| ]]