SFM Poster Tips

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[sfm-poster-tips]

hi i need to ask something about the importing animation sequences: 1) every time I import one it will start at the beginning of the scene. how can i make the animation start in a specific point in the timeline that i want? 2) Is there a way i can stop the imported animation and immobilized the character doing a specific pose?

Hi!

To answer the first question, once you have imported the animation, have a look at the motion editor in the timeline. Drag the left side of the green selection bar in the point you want to start

and then hold alt and click and drag the selection bar so you can move the animation to the desired point

you can also cancel all the unwanted animation entirely, just select the part you want to remove and press delete.

To keep a certain pose in an animation still, just put the cursor in the pose you like and the drag “Playhead” in the procedural menu, it will flatten all the animation curves.

[evilwitchy-deactivated20211222]

Particles interactive!

It’s time to announce a new “SourceSTUFF” interactive. It’s time to test your skills in particles. You are allowed to use snow, storm, fire, smoke and other different effects that Source Filmmaker is capable of. Show what you are capable to do with particles. Minimum of photoshop — maximum of particles and Source Filmmakers capability. Think, imagine, create and improvise! There can be an unlimited amount of work from a single person. 

You can leave links to your pictures here — http://waitsama.deviantart.com/journal/Particles-Interactive-634979718 Deadline is set to 29-th of September. Best works will be published in the next SourceSTUFF issue!

Picture made by ScurvyOrange

[sfm-poster-tips]

Any tentaspy model?

Um. Sort of. 

The Octospi mod download can be found here. Otherwise there are tentacle models on SFMLab here.

[sfm-poster-tips]

How do you remove the armbands on the shirtless models? I can't seem to find the armband section in the body groups. :/

Did you download the TF2 player models or the Garry’s Mod models?

[sfm-poster-tips]

How about a lighting tutorial?

There’s a fair few that exist, and even for when you’re not searching directly for SFM. Photography tutorials such as DesignTaxi’s darkroom studio lighting tutorial (pictured above) work really well. 

One that never fails when in doubt is 3-point lighting. UberMunchkin on Facepunch has a tutorial for how to do this for SFM HERE. 

(You’ll notice some of Soldier’s polygons showing in his final picture. This is directly related to SSAO, MaxofS2D talks about how to handle that in this tutorial HERE.)

[sfm-poster-tips]

Hi, I'm trying to add the Thrilling Track Suit to my scout model, but it doesn't seem to show up in SFM. Any idea why?

Chances are it’s not in SFM yet. You’ll have to manually update your SFM’s TF2 files by porting the new TF2 content over to SFM. Here’s a guide on Steam explaining how to do that with GCFScape. The most important VPK packages for this will be tf2_misc_dir.vpk and tf2_textures_dir.vpk

(Keep in mind if you’re using “Add Team Fortress 2 Item” that this will not work for any items not in SFM until SFM updates to include them on the list. You will have to look up the items by filename in the models directory.)

[kinsie-sfm]

Have a handy guide on how to override textures using Material Overrides.

There are a lot of reasons why you’d want to change the texture on one specific instance of a model without changing it for all of the others. Maybe you want to use alpha layers to punch a hole in a zombie to expose it’s gooey innards, Left 4 Dead style. Maybe you want to change the text on a billboard without changing it on other billboards. Maybe you want to give two Scouts different hair colours. Or maybe you want to go completely nuts with the Resizable Texture Panels and have access to more than 16 textures. Who am I to judge?

Whatever reason you wanted to do this, doing so before version 9.8.6 of SFM was a real pain - material overrides did not support changing texture paths, so either you’d have to temporarily replace one of the existing skins on the model, or you’d have to hex/recompile a duplicate with the skins you want. Both time-consuming and annoying!

As of 9.8.6, however, this issue has been fixed and you can now change texture paths more or less on a whim. Let’s learn how to do it!

[sfm-poster-tips]

When lighting Pyro's face (or mask), his/her/their lenses seems to shine and I want to show the arsonist's emotion.

A phongboost should change the intensity of the shine. Try adding override materials to the Pyro in SFM, then located Pyro’s mask texture for the applicable skin (RED or BLU). Right click on that texture’s green text and add a “float” attribute, type in “$phongboost”. From there, you can control how bright the phong is via decimal points from .01 to as high as you’d like to go. (We recommend staying around one digits if possible.)

[sfm-poster-tips]

What do tou know about $phong shading? ($phongboost & $phongexponent)

LordAardvark has done a good job of explaining how both work in this post HERE. Please be aware his blog is NSFW otherwise it’s a great post to explain how to apply the two commands and what they do. I’ll C&P the part where he explains what they do:

I’m not sure how well-versed you are with Source phong, so I’ll give a real quick rundown on each. Phongboost is a multiplier - the higher the number, the brighter the phong. Phongexponent is a diffusion factor - the higher the number, the tighter the phong will look. Really low values (like 0.5 or 1) gives a really dull sheen, where high values (like 64) give a tight sheen. 

[sfm-poster-tips]

How do I move my models when they already have cosmetic and I added tf2 items to them.

If you’re trying to move an attached cosmetic from the rootTransform, you won’t be able to do so. Select the other bones - e.g. bip_head, prp_hat or prp_helmet for some hats - to move them. 

If you mean remove a cosmetic from a class such as Soldier or Engie’s helmets, there are ways to do that if you right click the model and check the Bodygroups options. Some you might have to rescale the cosmetics away e.g. Sniper’s glasses in the Unknown bodygroups. 

[hyperchaotixanimation]

Here it is! The long awaited tutorial on how to make 360 videos in SFM!

[sfm-poster-tips]

How do I get HWM models?

HWM models for TF2 can be found in the /tf_movies directory.

If you mean non-TF2 models - you’ll have to check either the Face or Unknown bodygroup. Chances are if it’s not in the Face bodygroup, it’s not HWM, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it would have HWM flexes. Some models use FACS flexes (several HL2 models use this), some flexes are in the Unknown bodygroup, some models have facial bones rather than flexes.

[sfm-poster-tips]

Yes, just like that

ok then, we are talking about the volumetrics!Create a new light, right click on it in the animation set editor and select “enable volumetrics”, and that’s it, you can set the amount of volumetrics and other things in the little menu on the right under the procedural menu.to see it better you can watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZfPS2jHmrM

[hyperchaotixanimation]

Well I finally found time to compile and release my HDR midnight themed skybox for TF2 mappers! I included a “recommended settings” text file for people making custom maps.

Note that this skybox also works in SFM!

Get it here!

[hyperchaotixanimation]

HDR, the Difference, and the Application possibilities.

Click on the images for more commentary.

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. An HDR image stores a lot more color information than your average png or jpeg (which we refer to as LDR or Low Dynamic Range). In fact HDR is capable of storing colors both much brighter and much darker than any current monitor is capable of displaying.

In photography, HDR images are captured by taking multiple exposures (or brightnesses). This means areas that would normally be bloomed out white or in black shadows retain both their color and their detail. (The photos on the left are standard LDR images whereas the images on the right were made with HDR processing.)

Since there are currently no consumer grade HDR displays, I collapsed the HDR images into LDR images for the sake of comparison of color information and retained detail. Notice the sky in the sunset photo and the palm tree in the restaurant photo.

Now, Source Filmmaker is capable of outputting actual HDR files (as the engine itself is HDR capable) called PFM (Portable Floatmap) files. These are the same types of files used to create HDR skyboxes in the engine.

If you use HDR capable photo editing software like Photoshop to edit your renders, you can see some of the benefits in retained color information compared to a png like how the lightsaber turns red instead of grey. I use PFM files to add proper bloom to my renders since how SFM does it isn’t that great.

And since SFM uses HDR, things like motion blur are calculated more accurately to real life. So a lightsaber moving really fast, for example, would have an actual light trail if you’re willing to turn up your motion blur samples slightly.

No particles were used in either of these videos.

The lightsaber uses a red texture with a self-illumination tint value of 1000 which makes it bloom out brightly and leaves a much brighter motion blur, effectively giving it a motion trail at stock and slow shutter speeds.

I also have a video where I go completely overkill with the shutter speed for demonstration purposes.

There are many possibilities with HDR, even within SFM as it makes things like bokeh possible and faking long exposures of cars on a freeway.

For your consideration: the benefits of HDR.

[vmcvee]

End of the Line Assets

Hey Guys. I was planning to do this on the 1 year anniversary but we was caught up in other stuff. Anywho, me and Reb have compiled a bunch of stuff which works for you guys (It was really messy in the SFM folder)

First up. The maps.

There is Red and Blu base. As you’ll notice when you open them. They are minimally lit. This is because I wanted to light them using dynamic lights in the movie. So you’ll be able to set up your own global lighting configuration. Good luck! https://mega.nz/#!oU1SXBTL!mREyQyl47Y0b9sViiYwLcyNXPgJH0hvIiQ9MrgRSbvU Next the props. While we couldn’t include everything as there is literally over 100 unique props made for the movie. We’ve picked out the stuff which was most requested and we think will be most useful. props_eotlmovie\bendyrevolver\bendyrevolver.mdl props_eotlmovie\binoculars\binoculars.mdl props_eotlmovie\camper_pedals\camper_pedal1.mdl props_eotlmovie\camper_pedals\camper_pedal2.mdl props_eotlmovie\console_lever\console_lever.mdl props_eotlmovie\cucumberslice\cucumberslice.mdl props_eotlmovie\demo_suitcase\demo_suitcase.mdl props_eotlmovie\doormat\doormat.mdl props_eotlmovie\grasstufts\grassplane.mdl props_eotlmovie\grasstufts\grasstuft_1.mdl props_eotlmovie\grasstufts\grasstuft_2.mdl props_eotlmovie\grasstufts\grasstuft_3.mdl props_eotlmovie\grasstufts\grasstuft_grid.mdl props_eotlmovie\grasstufts\grasstuft_megagrid.mdl props_eotlmovie\kiddiepool\kiddiepool.mdl props_eotlmovie\kittycat\big_kittycat.mdl props_eotlmovie\kittycat\cat_animations.mdl props_eotlmovie\kittycat\kitten_animations.mdl props_eotlmovie\kittycat\kittycat.mdl props_eotlmovie\lightswitch_rigged\lightswitch.mdl props_eotlmovie\paintbrush\paintbrush.mdl props_eotlmovie\painting\painting01.mdl props_eotlmovie\riflestrap\riflestrap.mdl props_eotlmovie\shipment_sign\shipmentsign.mdl props_eotlmovie\shipment_sign\shipmentsign_card.mdl props_eotlmovie\snowhill\snowhill.mdl props_eotlmovie\snowprints\snowprint1.mdl props_eotlmovie\snowprints\snowprint2.mdl props_eotlmovie\snowprints\snowprint3.mdl props_eotlmovie\train\black_boxcar.mdl props_eotlmovie\train\black_boxcar_bogies_hires.mdl props_eotlmovie\train\black_enginecar.mdl props_eotlmovie\train\black_enginecar_nobogies.mdl props_eotlmovie\train\hale_bobblehead.mdl props_eotlmovie\train\traincoupler.mdl props_eotlmovie\train\wheelaxle.mdl props_eotlmovie\trainbomb\cartbomb_hook.mdl props_eotlmovie\trainbomb\pigeon_rope.mdl props_eotlmovie\trainbomb\trainbomb.mdl props_eotlmovie\trainbomb\trainbomb_doors.mdl props_eotlmovie\yeti_cutout\yeti_cutout.mdl med_coat_posed\medic_coat_posed.mdl medic_coat_sub1\medic_coat_sub1.mdl Included is a IK rig for the cats. You can find the link within the workshop submission. http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=586886935 Have fun guys.

[hyperchaotix]

Important Saxxy 2015 Info

Looks like I ended up inspiring people to do original saxxy entries this year! And I’m so happy! Also, please remember original ips are allowed.

I already see idiots on these original entries going “but it’s not tf2”. Let’s not start this bullshit again because these entries show great promise. Read the rules.

If you use any non-Valve IP, you must be the copyright owner or have explicit permission from the owner and include a URL to the included work or creator’s online presence in the description of your entry. This includes music, character likeness, etc. Any submissions found to be infringing non-Valve IP will be disqualified. Note that for workshop items, you still need to provide a link to the items used, but you do not need explicit permission from the creator, since submission to the workshop automatically grants permission to use the item.

Under current United States law, the moment you create something you become the copyright owner, therefore these original pieces do not violate the rules.

So let’s encourage creativity and originality in this community. I know people are quick to judge what they aren’t familiar with, but I fully support these entries.

[sfm-poster-tips]

Uberchain here. This is a great point to make - the Saxxies are not TF2-exclusive, and it’s a great way of trying something new in terms of things such as but not limited to worldbuilding, storywriting and modeling for a number of participators. 

I’d also like to take the opportunity to expand on the last point of the quoted rule, and feel free to correct me if I’m wrong on this:

Note that for workshop items, you still need to provide a link to the items used, but you do not need explicit permission from the creator, since submission to the workshop automatically grants permission to use the item. 

Just because it’s on the workshop does not automatically grant you a copyright waive if it is re-uploaded or ported models from non-Valve IPs. Double-check what models you’re using from the workshop, via the description or gut instinct. Sometimes they were made to be shared, sometimes they were made to be shared but they’re from another game or an MMD resources website. Do not try to use this rule as a loophole. 

Don’t make a Game of Thrones animation because there are GoT models on the workshop when there shouldn’t be, since HBO is stingy on that. Ask Scott Cawthon and confirm you can use those animatronics in the workshop before you finish up that FNaF entry. Don’t make a Minecraft animation just because you subscribed to an enhanced fanmade version of Steve unless Microsoft/Mojang gave you the OK. Mario and Luigi Go Visit Bowser’s New House? Out of the question. Double-check to see if you’re using re-uploaded or ported models that are non-Valve IPs or not 100% made by the uploaders.