Freedom Reborn

Freedom Force Forums => Meshes => Topic started by: Cyber Burn on September 01, 2014, 03:59:32 AM

Title: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on September 01, 2014, 03:59:32 AM
So I'm getting ready to install Blender on my current PC, and I've looked at the Tutorials by both Ewzzy and RandomDays, so now comes the dumb question...

When installing the different requirements, do they automatically install in the correct place, or do I need to put them somewhere specific. If it helps, I am running Windows 8.1 - 64 Bit.

I know that this is the install order:

1)Python
2)Blender
3)pfyyi
4)nif scripts.

But my main concern is where to install these.

Thanks in advance for any help with this.  :thumbup:
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 23, 2014, 12:27:46 AM
So I finally got around to installing Blender, and it actually works. There are a few things I would like to learn. But I'll post my questions one at a time, hopefully I'll be able to understand things better by doing a little at a time.

Question #1: I've downloaded a bunch of Weapon meshes from: http://tf3dm.com/

The files come in different formats, some are in (.obj) format, some in (.3ds) format, some in (.blend) format, etc., unfortunately, I'm not totally sure what file formats Blender will work with. This may be a dumb question, and I apologize if there's an easy answer that I haven't found yet, but is there a list floating around that will tell me what types of files Blender can work with?
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: hoss20 on October 23, 2014, 06:29:57 AM
If you've got all of the above files installed, then you should see a list of the types of files Blender can work with when you choose File-> Import. I know you can import .obj files and I'm pretty sure you can import 3ds files, also. You should be able to just open the .blend files. (no import needed).
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 23, 2014, 01:15:49 PM
Thanks Hoss, I'm still trying to learn and understand the absolute basics of Blender, which brings me to my next question.

Question #2: When exporting a file from Blender to make it a Nif File (FFvt3R), what are the setting I should use?

Again, I appreciate any and all advice I am able to get here.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: hoss20 on October 23, 2014, 05:46:21 PM
Check out Ewzzy's tutorial: http://www.freedomforce.ewzzy.com/Blender.php (Settings are on the fifth slide)

He has a screenshot of the settings in his tutorial. To be completely honest, I can't tell what is "turned on". You would think that the highlighted buttons would mean that something is activated, but I was using another Blender tutorial somewhere and I think that when the buttons are dark means that a feature is activated. So, I just clicked everything to match Ewzzy's picture.

SickAlice, since you are skilled with Blender, maybe you could let us know what the buttons should look like if a function is activated?
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 23, 2014, 10:55:06 PM
Thanks Hoss, I had tried to export based on those settings, but when I tried to open the resulting Nif File, there was nothing there. I'll try it again though, just in case I made a mistake.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on October 24, 2014, 12:07:56 AM
Quote from: hoss20 on October 23, 2014, 05:46:21 PM
SickAlice, since you are skilled with Blender, maybe you could let us know what the buttons should look like if a function is activated?

(http://catman.freedomforceforever.com/image/blendersettings.jpg)

@Cyber Burn: I don't know the why's but Blender will often not export information that isn't actually selected, be it a nif or any 3d model format. To select everything press A and it should all show up pink like in the screencap above, then go ahead and export the nif file.

Another issue you will run into often is an error related to textures. My resolution to this is to delete any extra parts, especially when their models show up as black shadows in Blender, then export whats left and copy the new parts into the nif I'll actually be using in the end. To get ahead of this as well always keep a clean copy of the character on hand while working a project. That is to say a nif that you haven't added anything to or altered in anyway from the original. Using a clean copy will lead to less problems in the long run as well as be easier to make weight assignments with. Myself whenever I export any new piece it's always to a separate nif then I Nifskope it into the main.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 24, 2014, 02:56:52 AM
Thanks SA, I'll give that a try.

On a side note, I think I'm running a different version of Blender than you are. From the Pic, it looks like you're running Version 249, while mine says 248.

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Cyber_Burn_33/Blender_Settings_01_zps458caa43.jpg) (http://s199.photobucket.com/user/Cyber_Burn_33/media/Blender_Settings_01_zps458caa43.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: hoss20 on October 24, 2014, 04:54:59 AM
Hey, Cyber. I'm sorry, but for some stupid reason, I pointed you towards the import settings, but there was the picture of the export settings there, as well. One thing to keep in mind is what SickAlice pointed out. When you are done editing the nif, you should select Show All Hidden Pieces if you hid some while editing and then Select All before exporting. When I've done this, I haven't had any problems, but there were times when I forgot to Select All and my resulting nif was broken
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on October 24, 2014, 07:49:29 AM
I'm using 2.49b as recommended by the plug-in developers as well as the same Python versions they called for.
http://niftools.sourceforge.net/wiki/Blender (http://niftools.sourceforge.net/wiki/Blender)

" Alt+H " is the hotkey to unhide all parts when needed.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 24, 2014, 01:15:45 PM
@ Hoss: Thank you. I'll add that information to my notes.

@ SickAlice: I had thought I had downloaded things according to Ewzzy's instructions, but I'll go back and download the files suggested in the link you provide.


Again, thank you both for your help.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 25, 2014, 01:20:54 AM
OK, new dumb question time.

Question #3: Should I un-install everything I've already installed and start fresh? Or can I just install the updated files?

I'm assuming I would need to un-install everything else before I install the new files, but I would prefer to make sure.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on October 26, 2014, 12:30:14 AM
Personally I'd uninstall everything and do a clean install.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 26, 2014, 12:34:50 AM
Thanks SA, that's what I was thinking, but hearing it from someone who knows verifies it so I don't mess it up.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 26, 2014, 02:58:26 AM
Looks like I may have to go back to using Ewzzy's instructions. I tried this: http://niftools.sourceforge.net/wiki/Blender

Unfortunately, I can't seem to install everything. I'm thinking it may be because I'm running a 64 Bit System, and the Python 2.6.6 is geared for a 32 Bit System.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on October 26, 2014, 04:36:42 AM
I have Windows 7 x64. Looking at it I have 2.6.4. installed (just noticed this) . Works fine (my understanding is Blender 2.49b needs 2.6.x.). It's been awhile and I can't remember the exact link but I found that installer (x64 version) somewhere on Python's homepage.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 26, 2014, 04:38:39 PM
Thanks again SA, I just found the 2.6.4 x64, so I'll give this another try and see what happens. I appreciate all of your help.



EDIT: So I'm looking at the Blender - NifTools page, and I realize that it recommends that 2.4.9 be used for Import/Export only, and that 2.7+ be used for "Production Work". Is it possible to have 2 different versions of Blender set up on your Computer?

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Cyber_Burn_33/Blender_249_Info_01_zpsfea0c8f2.jpg) (http://s199.photobucket.com/user/Cyber_Burn_33/media/Blender_249_Info_01_zpsfea0c8f2.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on October 26, 2014, 10:17:32 PM
I never tried it though the answer on the Blender forums is a big yes. I don't think you need it though, I'm not limited by 2.49b or at least in any way I'm aware of. I.e., I am able to do production work fine in 2.49b. Perhaps the plug-in was still unstable for 2.49b at the time that article was written, just guessing here.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on October 30, 2014, 07:38:33 PM
For a little jump start here is a cheat sheet for weighting as according to Randomdays tutorial.
-
Line up the new 3d object to the original mesh. You can do this how Rd shows by positioning the bones OR you can adjust the 3d object itself (body or just a piece your adding) either in Blenders edit mode or in another 3d program and import it thus bypassing the bone part. After you have everything lined up:

If you haven't already:
0a.) Select the new 3d model and switch to Edit mode.
0b.) Select Meshes>Faces>Set Smooth
0c.) Switch to Object mode and select the object again
0d.) Press Ctrl+A. A menu will come up. Select Scale and Rotation to Obj Data.

Once any of that has been done:
1.) In Object mode, select the original body and/or piece you wish the new one to act like (like a cape for example) using Right Click on your mouse.
2.) Select the new 3d model using Shift+Right Click.
3.) Switch the Window Type to Scripts Window.
4.) Select Scripts>Object>Bone Weight Copy.
5.) Set Quality to 3. Hit OK.

After the weighting process completes switch back to Object mode:
6.) Select the original mesh and delete it (Right Click+delete).
7.) Select the new weighted mesh.
8.) Select the Scene Root using Shift+Right Click.
9.) Hit Ctrl+P. A window will pop-up. Select Armature.
10.) If everything isn't already unhidden do so now by pressing Alt+H.
11.) Press Alt+A twice to make sure everything is selected.
12.) File>Export>Netimmerse/Gamebryo. Check off the box for the desired game.
13.) DO Not Copy Over the original character.nif! Name the new one something else.

From here open up your new nif and the old one using Nifskope and put the new part into the old mesh. Adjust and add texture settings like you normally would and adjust the position of the new piece (the relative Translation and Rotation will be located in the node you dropped it in).
Save your work and your done.
-
Tip: Often when working with any specific mesh it will open up in Blender in a certain pose making it very hard to line up a new model with. Always work first with the base mesh and then move your work from there to the desired one. So use male_basic, female_basic and so on as they will be in an easy pose to work with. For Ink's female meshes use Storm Classic. For Gren's/JP's I find it's best to Skope that body into a basic and work from there, like take his male and put it into a male_basic. Ewwy's crymsin female can be worked from the original but you'll run into the hassle of trying to work with several meshes that way, so either put the choice body in a male_basic mesh or delete every body but the one you want and work from that nif copy instead.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 31, 2014, 01:26:55 AM
I am always eager to add more notes to the collection, so I definitely appreciate this.

On a side note, I had to go back to Blender 2.4.8 because I could not get 2.4.9 to install. But since I'm still in the "Noob" category, that's alright, I figure this will still allow me to learn a little at a time.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on October 31, 2014, 10:46:26 PM
You'll have to say how that version works out. Mainly I listed all that because the keyboard shortcuts are a lifesaver. I use most of that every time I use Blender and before I knew that I was sitting scratching my head. Trust me it will come in handy in the long run.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on November 28, 2014, 10:48:48 PM
So I've been trying to mess with Blender a bit here and there, trying to follow Ewzzy's instructions, but I'm getting a bit stuck.

https://plus.google.com/photos/+AndrewEwzzyRayburn/albums/5382176135159911697/5382176336730970642?banner=pwa&pid=5382176336730970642&oid=117728804930366927763

This is pretty much where I start getting stuck. I can't figure out how to bring the face up close like on the top right, and therefore, I am having trouble seeing what I am actually doing. Does anyone have any idea what I am doing wrong? Thanks in advance for any help on this.

Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: hoss20 on November 29, 2014, 12:29:57 AM
There are two ways to do this. Either use the scroll wheel on your mouse or hit Ctrl and the "+" symbol on your number pad to zoom in or Ctrl "-" to zoom out. You can also use Ctrl and the direction arrows on your number pad (2, 4, 6, and 8) to move the mesh up, down, left, or right. You'll need to reposition the mesh as you zoom in or out to keep the area you want to work on in view.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on November 29, 2014, 02:18:25 AM
^ added, you can zoom using the mouse wheel as hoss says. You can also move the view Up/Down by holding Shift and moving the mouse wheel, Left/Right by holding Ctrl and moving the mouse wheel. I usually use that method as my finger is already on the wheel to zoom in and out anyways.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on November 29, 2014, 05:01:28 AM
Much appreciated guys, I'll give that a go. Thank you.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on November 30, 2014, 02:10:35 PM
This is lame I know but I got more down packed just by referring to the manual starting with the section on the user interface on up and still turn to it whenever I'm lost to date:
http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Doc:2.4/Manual (http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Doc:2.4/Manual)
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on November 30, 2014, 07:07:15 PM
Very much appreciated SA, I had the site saved on my Wife's IPad, but it kept crashing it. I forgot about it after a while, so I appreciate you posting this link.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on December 31, 2014, 10:28:55 PM
So I've been trying to use RandomDay's Blender Tutorial to import Characters into FFvt3R. Unfortunately, I have yet to succeed.

The first area that I seem to be having trouble with, is getting into "Edit Mode":
To make him look a little better, go to Edit mode, leave everything selected (yellow lines and pink faces) and go up the "mesh" button to the left of the "Edit Mode" button. Click on it and from the popup menu, select faces -> set smooth. Going back to object mode, he looks a bit different.

I click on the box where it says "Object Mode", but the only thing that pops up is "Object Mode". I know there are supposed to be other options (Edit, Sculpt, Etc.), but for some reason, only "Object Mode" is showing up.


The second area that I seem to be having trouble with, is figuring out how to see what Textures are actually used by the Mesh:
To see what textures are being used by the mesh, click on the "Window Type" button on the far left. We'll leave 3D view and got to Outliner view. You'll probably have to scroll wayyyy over to the left, by holding the middle mouse button down, to see what we're looking for. Once you scroll over, click the arrow key to open up the mesh info. You'll see the various parts of the mesh by material and what textures are being used for them. These are the only textures we need - the rest in the ripper directory were for the background areas.

I can get to "Outliner View", but I can't figure out how to see which Textures go with the Mesh from there.


And third, at least until I can get through this part, is adjusting the "Pose" of the Mesh:
Now that they are as close as possible, we need to adjust their poses to be as exact duplicates as we can. Select the .nif and enter pose mode. Turn on X-ray to see the entire armature. Adjust the position of the individual bones with the "R" rotate key. The main body should be all right and just the arms and legs might have to be adjusted. Adjust one limb at a time, doing the upper portion first and then the lower ones. Adjust each limb in both front view and side view. Last, some of the bones might be too long or short to match the new mesh, so we can adjust the length of the bone to extend or shrink the mesh to match. Changing the length of the bones also changes the size of any mesh attached to it. This doesn't matter for the main mesh, but will for the other items. You'll have to rezero the size of any that's been changed with "Ctrl" +"A" You can adjust the length of a bone by selecting it in Pose mode and changing its Scale Y value on the transform panel.


If I'm understanding this correctly, I want to adjust the Bones of the "Male_Basic" Mesh to match the positions of the new (.Obj) Mesh? Not the other way around? And this is done using "Pose Mode"?


Wow, and this is just the first lesson.  :wacko:

I definitely appreciate any advice and clarification that I can get here. Thank you.


Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: hoss20 on December 31, 2014, 11:55:11 PM
I can help with your first problem, as it's happened to me before. When you first import your nif, everything is showing as selected. Just right-click on the piece you want to edit and all of the other menu options will now show up for you to choose from. If you haven't hidden anything and still want everything to be edited, then just hit 'A' to Select All again and the menu options will still be present.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on January 01, 2015, 01:00:11 AM
That worked, thank you Hoss!  :thumbup:
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on January 01, 2015, 04:17:39 PM
1.) As hoss said, the object in question first needs to be visible, secondly it needs to be selected. Once selected the rest of the options in the menu will be there.

2.) For textures on the right of the drop down menu where you select the mode (Object, Edit, Pose) is a smaller drop down menu. In that menu you can select the display type one of which being Textured to see the texture on the model. This doesn't work 100% of the time depending on the model but won't work in other 3d programs all the same. On the tab below these drop down menu's on the far left is a widget called " Links And Materials ". The material name for the selected object is listed there as well as any other relevant information about it. Manipulation of the texture is past me here in Blender as I use a different program for texturing myself (I like the features in Milkshape better).

3.) Correct. As you do this the male basic (or whichever) mesh will move (pose) as you move the bones. What your actually doing here is using that system to line-up the vertices from the male basic with the new object so that the weights from the vertices can be copied where they'll need to be. So your lining up the hands from the male basic with the new mesh, the arms, the feet, the legs and so on. Blender then examines what's lined up with what so it knows what sections of the new mesh are supposed to be aligned to what bones of the male basic one. The position of the new mesh won't be retained in the final nif anyways as it will adjust back to whatever position the animation is normally in in game/Ctool. This is only used as a measuring stick for copying weights. Always remember to hit Ctrl+A before leaving Pose mode to assign the Current Post as the Rest Pose, else none of what you did will matter when you get to the weight copy part.

Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on January 01, 2015, 05:53:32 PM
Thanks SA, I found the "Links and Materials", so I'll give this another try, hopefully this weekend.

Thank you both for being so patient with me. It really is appreciated.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on January 01, 2015, 09:10:12 PM
No thanks needed. I enjoy passing along anything that's been taught to me in turn. Especially knowing that down the road I'll see a result of it in your work.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on May 10, 2015, 06:39:25 AM
Not sure whether it fits here but I ran an experiment tonight and wanted to share and make a note of it somewhere. I did a multiple weight copy successfully tonight. It was rather rough but I believe this was because I didn't properly align the meshes as I just wanted to see if it was possible. Anyways to do a multiple weight copy go through the normal RD weight copy process. Before going to the copy step however select the multiple meshes you want to copy from. The Object > Join Objects (or Crtl J). Then copy the weights from the newly joined mesh and follow through the process as usual. That's it, easy peazy. My test was to make a single piece cape for Storm that both joined up at the wrists like the side capes do, fanned out the where the cape hangs at it's lowest point then back up to join at her midsection. So I joined the female bald, the side capes and cape into one mesh and copied from that. I can see where this will be a useful trick.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: detourne_me on March 10, 2016, 03:49:56 PM
Hi All,  So I'm trying to get into Blander.  I've been able to import a variety of file types, and thanks to your tutorial SA I can now weight the body parts properly, so they line up well and look good with keyframes.
The biggest issue I have now is textures. I just exported one nif, but it won't even load up the texture files.  I've pointed to them in Nifskope. and trying to mess around in Blender, I think I have the materials pointing to the right textures... but still the nif gets grayed out. completely!

Any ideas to fix the textures?
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: daglob on March 10, 2016, 11:06:42 PM
You might need to export it again, and check the paramaters. I exported one that didn't use either *.tga or *.dds.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: detourne_me on March 11, 2016, 02:47:38 AM
Ok,  I've tried exporting a .obj into a .nif first without making any modifications, just so I could do the weighting and everything after. 
I've even checked it in Blender, the texture shows up. and after exporting it calls for the .dds and normal NifTextureProperties stuff...
But still, all black, can't fix it.

Is there a way in Blender to change the referring texture from a .png to a .dds or .tga?
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on March 12, 2016, 02:50:46 PM
When you export a nif in Blender on of the checkboxes is to auto assign "dds". Uncheck that before exporting. Blender will remember your choice thereafter so you should only have to do it the one time.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Amazo Version 2.2 on March 16, 2016, 04:01:03 PM
is there a fix for warped mapping? i've tried converting obj pieces like weapons and vehicles into nif files, and i've also tried importing obj files into the nif files, but then when i try to export wiremaps, i just get a big blob that doesn't work. does anyone know if there's a way around this?
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on March 16, 2016, 10:51:09 PM
Unfortunately Robot, it pretty much seems to be a crapshoot. I've tried different versions of NifSkope, different ways of getting the (Obj.) into the (Nif.), and sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. I haven't figured out what makes the Textures work correctly yet. Hopefully someone better versed in either Blender or NifSkope will be able to answer this one.

EDIT: I should state that out of maybe a dozen attempts, I've had 1 success.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: SickAlice on March 19, 2016, 06:06:11 PM
You have to manually remap them in that case in a 3d modelling program. Myself I do mapping/texturing in a different program (Milkshape) and then import my finished model into Blender so I wouldn't know the Blender process but I can't imagine it would be too difficult after reading a tutorial on the Blender site.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on March 20, 2016, 08:47:33 AM
This is probably an easy fix, but I can't seem to find it. I've gotten this error on a few of my exports now, but whatever this "Ka" is, I can't seem to find it. Would anyone happen to have any suggestions here?

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Cyber_Burn_33/Blender%20Error_zpsude5agv4.jpg) (http://s199.photobucket.com/user/Cyber_Burn_33/media/Blender%20Error_zpsude5agv4.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on March 20, 2016, 09:02:50 PM
Quote from: detourne_me on March 11, 2016, 02:47:38 AM
Ok,  I've tried exporting a .obj into a .nif first without making any modifications, just so I could do the weighting and everything after. 
I've even checked it in Blender, the texture shows up. and after exporting it calls for the .dds and normal NifTextureProperties stuff...
But still, all black, can't fix it.

Is there a way in Blender to change the referring texture from a .png to a .dds or .tga?

I've been having the Blacked Out NIF issue as well. If you're having the same problems that I'm having then I think I have the fix.

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Cyber_Burn_33/Black%20NIF%20Error_zpsnajboald.jpg) (http://s199.photobucket.com/user/Cyber_Burn_33/media/Black%20NIF%20Error_zpsnajboald.jpg.html)

If you look at the Trident that I exported, it has a second NiTriShape (Trident 1). Highlight that, and hit "Remove Branch", and it "Should" solve your problem. But that's assuming you're having the same issue I've been having. I hope this helps.

And I know it's a given, but I have to say it anyway, don't forget to back up your work before making any changes to it.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on July 26, 2016, 02:34:17 PM
Quote from: Cyber Burn on March 20, 2016, 08:47:33 AM
This is probably an easy fix, but I can't seem to find it. I've gotten this error on a few of my exports now, but whatever this "Ka" is, I can't seem to find it. Would anyone happen to have any suggestions here?

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Cyber_Burn_33/Blender%20Error_zpsude5agv4.jpg) (http://s199.photobucket.com/user/Cyber_Burn_33/media/Blender%20Error_zpsude5agv4.jpg.html)

I hate to do this, but I'm going to give this one a bit of a "Bump" here. I still seem to have this issue quite often when trying export Static Meshes, which unfortunately, puts them at a halt. I know I have to be misreading something, but for the life of me, I can't figure it out. Would anyone be able to help me get past this?

Very much appreciated, Thank You.   :thumbup:
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: cmdrkoenig67 on July 26, 2016, 02:40:36 PM
I would love to try my hand at reshaping meshes and such, but I'm technically challenged and a lot of this stuff goes right over my head.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: daglob on July 26, 2016, 02:59:44 PM
Never had that error. Have you tried hitting the "use defaults" button? Have you located texture KA? Does texture KA have an extension?

I've had it export stuff with no textures listed. But then I could choose them and everything was fine.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: detourne_me on July 26, 2016, 07:04:00 PM
that's a fairly common error for some meshes.  Pretty simple to fix.
http://imgur.com/a/g83ad
Here is a quick tutorial I made for adding Textures to meshes in Blender.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: daglob on July 26, 2016, 10:09:09 PM
I'd love to see that in a PDF posted on CB resources site...
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on July 26, 2016, 11:45:58 PM
Since you both are Mods on that Group, you should be able to make changes, add Files, Etc. as you see fit.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on July 26, 2016, 11:51:48 PM
Quote from: daglob on July 26, 2016, 02:59:44 PM
Never had that error. Have you tried hitting the "use defaults" button? Have you located texture KA? Does texture KA have an extension?

I've had it export stuff with no textures listed. But then I could choose them and everything was fine.

I've been looking for Months, and on multiple Meshes. I still have no idea where to find "KA", or what it is. As soon as I have some free tome, I'll try DM's suggestions and see if that helps.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: detourne_me on July 27, 2016, 02:33:43 AM
KA only appears on some meshes. It depends on which methods the devs used making the meshes, or the way the ripper took and compiled the mesh from the game.  I think it usually refers to an alpha layer in the mesh. As the Map To is usually set to Alpha, not Col.
Don't worry about it really, just delete it. And focus on gettingg the base texture to work properly.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on July 28, 2016, 06:23:49 PM
Hey DM, I'm sorry to keep bugging you, but would you happen to have any sort of instructions/guide/whatever for using the Autodesk FBX Converter to convert (.fbx) and (.dae) Files into (.obj) Files?
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: detourne_me on July 29, 2016, 02:12:01 AM
Sure thing.  I'll make one now for you. 

(http://i.imgur.com/alwjXxE.png)

Just those three steps and it should work.  Add all the .fbx files you want to convert, select OBJ for the destination format, and click convert.
I've done it about 50 times and never had any trouble with it.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on July 29, 2016, 07:25:05 PM
This is awesome DM. The FBX Files convert to OBJ without any problems at all. But for clarification purposes, I'm converting the DAE Files to FBX Format, and then converting those to OBJ Files. Is that right, or am I overthinking this?
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: detourne_me on July 30, 2016, 03:11:19 AM
Oh thats right!  you need to do the extra step for dae.  I've only done that a few times.
Yeah, it's pretty simple, converting like that.

I was always worried about data loss though in all the conversions.... I wonder if there is any,  I know i've had to normalize some meshes before, because they got a bit fuzzy,  but I'm not sure if that was due to the conversions.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on July 31, 2016, 03:12:07 PM
Converting from (.Dae) to (.FBX), I've actually had a few issues. In some cases, I get an error message stating that the Mesh didn't convert, and in other cases, I get an error message stating something about there not being enough parameters. But for the most part, this is working out well. I really appreciate you suggesting this, and I'm even more grateful for the help you've provided with it.
Title: Re: Blender For Dummies...
Post by: Cyber Burn on October 28, 2017, 06:19:12 PM
For those wanting to try experimenting with Blender, here's a very simple YouTube Video I found that show what you need to get started.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7SFfWJpEKo