Skyrim Creation Kit - Master Thread

ZacD

It is basically so we don't spam up the Skyrim thread.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDKivlGmia4"]Creation Kit Tutorial Series - Episode 1: Introduction to the Kit - YouTube[/ame]

If you're interested in working with graphics for Skyrim, you'll need some extra tools.
NifTools has several utilities for .nif (model) files, NifSkope and im/exporters for Max/Maya/Blender.
*Current version of NifSkope is 1.1.0 RC5, and this copy of nif.xml for NifSkope is newer, and offers better descriptions for the data you see, particularly in the shader config area.

http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.ph...rim-tutorials/
Not all the tools are completely up to the task for Skyrim yet, current workarounds are in the tutorials listed here.
I think most folk are using Fallout Mod Manager to extract files from the .bsa archives.

Creation Kit Wiki
-Wiki Level Tutorial

Steam Workshop
Browse mods on steam

S_ource

Cool want to try it out.

DeadlyFreeze

Looks like it's only available for people who bought skyrim. That's to bad I was interested in seeing what was under the hood.

Ace-Angel

Same question, how is the shader tools/editing formula? Does it need to be down old school with a text file, or is it more simple, as in just make a good Gloss map to reflect material and call it a day.

Two Listen

So probably one of the most silly questions that'll get asked in this thread...

Does anybody have any idea how in the hell to get the CK to stop causing windows to "ding" at me? I'm getting that loud windows "ding" noise anytime I do just about anything. In the render window, if I rotate the scene and cause it to technically be in another cell I get a ding (happens every few seconds rotating things editing outdoor environments). If I switch between the render window and click something in the object window, I get a ding.

It's driving me crazy.

Aside from that, I'm very pleased to see that the creation kit functions pretty much just like the old construction kit did. I was expecting that, but it's still nice to be able to just jump in and know what's what. Gonna make a house soon!

throttlekitty

If you're interested in working with graphics for Skyrim, you'll need some extra tools.
NifTools has several utilities for .nif (model) files, NifSkope and im/exporters for Max/Maya/Blender.
*Current version of NifSkope is 1.1.0 RC5, and this copy of nif.xml for NifSkope is newer, and offers better descriptions for the data you see, particularly in the shader config area.

http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/522532-skyrim-tutorials/
Not all the tools are completely up to the task for Skyrim yet, current workarounds are in the tutorials listed here.
I think most folk are using Fallout Mod Manager to extract files from the .bsa archives.

Seirei

Yay this was exactly what I was hoping for. If this hits off well I vote it for being a sticky!

Can't wait to see what awesomeness some people here are going to pull out their sleves.

ZacD

Thanks for that throttlekitty, it answered a lot of questions.

Froyok

I never had the courage to do something for Oblivion and Morrowind, maybe the time to try the Construction Set with Skyrim ?

r_fletch_r

Time for a greentooth dragon mod!

THE 5

First Test:

Still works like before
Used nifscope and importetd as .obj, then set the texture paths, as I did since morrowind.
I am interested in trying a more direct way though, gotta check all those new tutorails.

Is there actualy some reference for the texture work this time?
Most of the shader options in NifScope are sill a mystery to me.
Guess thats why it looks THAT flat.

almighty_gir

anyone know how easy/difficult it is to put an entirely new monster/creature into skyrim? i'm talking new skeleton + animations and everything.

Alehr

Couldn't help buying skyrim to try this out. From what I gather, the art pipeline is workable, but definitely more old school "cobble together tools from the internet to make it work" kind of operation. I'm probably being harsh, but god it makes me appreciate udk.

THE 5

The Normals Alpha affects my Spec, but the normals themselve are not displayed at all. Could this be due to the DTX compression? I used DTX5.


Thats how it is supposed to look like:
http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/077/8/a/Coresword_2___Details_Sheet_by_The_5.jpg

SOLVED:
Had to export it straight to .nif including tangents:

n88tr

holy crap
good stuff already

Kkcomics

Any pointers on exporting meshes with textures? I've always had that issue in Oblivion, where no matter the texture I put on the mesh, it always ends up in game as a purple item. Perhaps I'm just that nooby at modeling.

On another note:

I can't help you much on that skeleton thingie, gir, but I couldn't help but recognize your name. Are you affiliated with the development a mod called Moviebattles by any chance? Huge fan if so.

ZacD

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfJT0VMicFc"]How to Make New Recipes and Items with the Creation Kit - YouTube[/ame]

Kkcomics

Thanks! I'll try this out

THE 5

Kkcomics wrote: »

Any pointers on exporting meshes with textures? I've always had that issue in Oblivion, where no matter the texture I put on the mesh, it always ends up in game as a purple item. Perhaps I'm just that nooby at modeling.

The Video in the OP descirebes it. You got to set the paths to the textures inside NifScope, at least thats how I always did it.

throttlekitty

THE 5 wrote: »

The Video in the OP descirebes it. You got to set the paths to the textures inside NifScope, at least thats how I always did it.

Also, this tends to get overlooked often:
Setting the Texture Path

MiAlx

throttlekitty wrote: »

If you're interested in working with graphics for Skyrim, you'll need some extra tools.
NifTools has several utilities for .nif (model) files, NifSkope and im/exporters for Max/Maya/Blender.
*Current version of NifSkope is 1.1.0 RC5, and this copy of nif.xml for NifSkope is newer, and offers better descriptions for the data you see, particularly in the shader config area.

http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/522532-skyrim-tutorials/
Not all the tools are completely up to the task for Skyrim yet, current workarounds are in the tutorials listed here.
I think most folk are using Fallout Mod Manager to extract files from the .bsa archives.

I have a question that's probably a bit stupid:

As far as Mr. Google told me, you can extract animations with NifTools from skyrim as well.. The thing is though that while reading the extraction and implementation instructions I got the impression that the nif exporter and importer does not work for maya, only for max, blender and xsi (?). Is that correct? I mean most tutorials seem to use max and the rest blender..

I know throttlekitty wrote that its for Maya as well, but im just asking to make sure.

HAL

List of console/papyrus script commands

http://mod.gib.me/skyrim/functions.html

my bad, this is even better:

http://www.creationkit.com/Category:Papyrus

throttlekitty

MiAlx wrote: »

I have a question that's probably a bit stupid:

As far as Mr. Google told me, you can extract animations with NifTools from skyrim as well.. The thing is though that while reading the extraction and implementation instructions I got the impression that the nif exporter and importer does not work for maya, only for max, blender and xsi (?). Is that correct? I mean most tutorials seem to use max and the rest blender..

I know throttlekitty wrote that its for Maya as well, but im just asking to make sure.

Correct, but we do have a dev currently working on the Maya plugin now, and has some animation and skyrim support.

MiAlx

throttlekitty wrote: »

Correct, but we do have a dev currently working on the Maya plugin now, and has some animation and skyrim support.

Ah cool, thanks for the info man! Can't wait to take a look at those skyrim animations

Ged

are there any official videos describing how to put art or models into the game?

3DLee

Ged wrote: »

are there any official videos describing how to put art or models into the game?

I'm wondering this as well. I'm toying with the idea of creating a wizard's tower mod and quest line (LOTR style), but I'd really like to do some tests with my rough model:



I have it exported to NIF and everything looks ok in NIF Scope, but I can't find my model in the Creation Kit.

willy-wilson

Great idea you have there.

Ive been messing around and im wondering the extents of the engine i dont feel like rendering out 4096 1024 heightmaps atm but im wondering if its possible.



smaller tests resulted in poor results

almighty_gir

which normalmap solution gives the best results for skyrim? max, xnormal, maya?

Grimm_Wrecking

For animators, you need Havok 2010.2 -- you can find it here, sign up trial download. Havok Trial Page

HKX -> HK -> KF converter

The read-me prepared by figment explains most of the process for conversion.

{scumworks}

@GED/3DLee - Getting objects into skyrim works as it did in oblivion, main problem is the new compressed collision format theyre using now. AFAIK you either have to use standard box, sphere etc. collision, or copy coll. from an existing object ingame.

Theres also a "hack" which doesnt use the compressed coll., but its not very precise.

Until this is solved, it seems pointless to work on buildings etc.

Ged

thanks for the info scumworks, I have no idea how it worked in oblivion and I find it wierd that this website http://www.creationkit.com/ has a wealth of tutorials but hardly any at all are aimed at game artists instead of game modders. I just want to import new models and textures into the game nothing more really for example say I want to make a big fat axe that is nothing like any weapon in the game and put it in the game to play with?

doc rob

almighty_gir wrote: »

which normalmap solution gives the best results for skyrim? max, xnormal, maya?

I'd recommend xnormal, although we haven't yet synced baker to engine, so typical smoothing error potential exists.

DylanS

What are you guys using to open/unpack the .bsa? I have tried a few but every time I try and bring the .dds into photoshop it doesn't work. The plugin is installed correctly I am able to export .dds but can't open the skyrim ones it just creates a new blank document when I do. Thats why I think its the unpacker I'm using.

eeb.adm.mod

iused the " fomm " fallout mod manager
http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/640

DylanS

eeb.adm.mod wrote: »

iused the " fomm " fallout mod manager
http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/640

Did you use the "old" or "new"

eeb.adm.mod

i belief both working .. but so far as i recall ive loaded the nu one . 0.13.21.0

zzz7net

does anybody have a skyrim head mesh or URL ?
I've already downloaded something about ten mod packs but
there are meshes only for bodies and for faces only textures (

zzz7net

Oh yes.. Finally I've gotten a head !

Ace-Angel

Hey guys, anyone mind telling me what are some numbers in terms of textures sizes and vertices that will play nice with Skyrim?

For example, the Elements, Giants and Mammoths would be good ballparks for me.

Samuel

I want to create art for a custom spell. So i'm trying to figure out how the creation kit attaches art to a spell's mesh. For example, the Firebolt projectile:

It's Editor ID is FireBallProjectile01 and it's art file is "Magic/FireballProjectile01.nif". So I've found and extracted that nif file, but I can't find the texture to apply to that nif file. Whereabouts can I find it? The creation kit doesn't seem to make a reference to it, so how on earth does it know which texture to apply to the mesh?

EDIT: From what I understand, the .nif file actually points to the texture.

EDIT: Here is a series I found on working with nifs, could be helpful to anyone looking to something similar: Working with Nifs

ASGUARDVIKING

Hey guys cool to see a thread on this here. I have a weapon mod ya guys can look at, if ya guys have any questions ask away.

http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/26634/

doc rob

Just as an update to my earlier post, it turns out the "Unity" option in Handplane gives a synced result for Skyrim. So, if you want clean normals, do that.