Difference between revisions of "A beginner's guide, lesson 1 - The Construction Set Primer"
A beginner's guide, lesson 1 - The Construction Set Primer (edit)
Revision as of 12:49, 21 December 2023
, 12:49, 21 December 2023no edit summary
imported>RedFault m (→The Render Window: Grammar, rewording, internal links.) |
Tag: Manual revert |
||
(63 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{ABGContents}} | |||
==Preamble== | |||
This is the first in a proposed series of Tutorial Lessons aimed at teaching how to mod ''TES IV: Oblivion'' aimed at beginners. It will build up into a Complete Modding Course. Don't worry there | |||
This is the first in a proposed series of Tutorial Lessons aimed at teaching how to mod TES IV: Oblivion aimed at beginners. It will build up into a Complete Modding Course. Don't worry there | |||
are no exams, though there is some homework. It is not intended to aid the transfer of modders | are no exams, though there is some homework. It is not intended to aid the transfer of modders | ||
from Morrowind nor it is intended for | from ''Morrowind'' nor it is intended for experienced modders, although as the series develops you may find something of interest in them. | ||
==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
Line 38: | Line 35: | ||
I suppose we should begin with the obvious question, what is a mod? A mod is an additional piece of programming that alters or modifies some aspect of the original game. Bethesda | I suppose we should begin with the obvious question, what is a mod? A mod is an additional piece of programming that alters or modifies some aspect of the original game. Bethesda has made this process easier. They clearly recognize that games like TES thrive and gain extra longevity by encouraging mods. To aid this they have provided the interface software called the '''Construction Set'''. | ||
'''You will need to [[The Elder Scrolls Construction Set|download a copy]] of this before we can start.''' | '''You will need to [[The Elder Scrolls Construction Set|download a copy]] of this before we can start.''' While there are sometimes reasons to use the old v1.0 version of the CS, for this tutorial we'll use the v1.2 version. Also, make sure you have the latest patch for Oblivion; the patches can be found [http://elderscrolls.com/downloads/updates_patches.htm here]. Get the Shivering Isles version if you have the expansion, otherwise get the Oblivion version (you have to scroll down a bit). Make sure you get the correct version for your locality. | ||
Line 66: | Line 63: | ||
< | <blockquote>Design note. Now that you know what to look for, make a note of any locations in the game that | ||
you think are cool. You can then look them up later to see how they did that.</ | you think are cool. You can then look them up later to see how they did that.</blockquote> | ||
The exterior world of Cyrodiil is made up of a number of tiles or [[:Category:Cells|cells]]. Each cell defines a | |||
The exterior world of Cyrodiil is made up of a number of tiles or | |||
particular location. These are joined together to form an exterior world. You know you are | particular location. These are joined together to form an exterior world. You know you are | ||
passing from one to another because that "Loading Area" bit appears. In a later lesson we will look at these [[Exterior cells|exterior cells]] and how we can change them. | passing from one to another because that "Loading Area" bit appears. In a later lesson we will look at these [[Exterior cells|exterior cells]] and how we can change them. | ||
Line 87: | Line 83: | ||
Now start up the CS. | Now start up the CS. | ||
== | ==File Types== | ||
In most of these lessons we will concern ourselves with just three file types. Don’t worry the CS writes all the files for you. | In most of these lessons we will concern ourselves with just three file types. Don’t worry, the CS writes all the files for you. | ||
<filename>.esm | <filename>.esm | ||
Line 97: | Line 93: | ||
For a mod to work the game needs to know 3 things. The file you plan to change. This is called | For a mod to work the game needs to know 3 things. The file you plan to change. This is called | ||
the Elder Scrolls ''master'' file, or | the Elder Scrolls ''master'' file, or [[Glossary#E|.esm]]. For all these early files this is going to be the Oblivion master file (''oblivion.esm'' – located in the game's '''Data''' folder). The CS knows where it is. The vast majority of user-created mods can be written using the ''oblivion.esm'' master file. | ||
It also needs the name of the Elder Scrolls PLUG-IN that you are writing (this is your mod file). These are designated as | It also needs the name of the Elder Scrolls PLUG-IN that you are writing (this is your mod file). These are designated as [[Glossary#E|.esp]] files. The first time you set out to create a mod, you will not provide the CS with the name of an '''.esp''' file. If you don’t give it a name it will write a new one, prompting you to choose a name for the file the first time you save it. Any future changes you wish to make to the same mod would require you to choose this '''.esp''', making it your [[Active File|active file]]. Making a file your [[Active File|active file]] simply means that when you choose to '''Save''' your work, the CS will automatically overwrite that file with any changes you have made. | ||
Finally it will need information about any objects you add to the world. These are image files | Finally it will need information about any objects you add to the world. These are image files called [[Glossary#N|NIF]]s, short for NetImmerse File format, which have the '''.nif''' extension. The game already knows about thousands of these objects, and we can use this library of image files to populate our world with stuff. For a beginning modder, the '''.nif''' files that are already contained in the CS will provide plenty of material to work with. For now, you should simply be aware of their existence. Later in the series we can look at changing and adding our own .nif files. | ||
called [[ | |||
Line 118: | Line 113: | ||
To choose a file, double click on it. Do this to the ''oblivion.esm'' file. Leave any others | To choose a file, double click on it. Do this to the ''oblivion.esm'' file. Leave any others | ||
unchecked - we don’t want to mess up their hard work. Select ''' | unchecked - we don’t want to mess up their hard work. Select '''OK''', and a dialog warning box may pop | ||
up telling you that you haven’t selected an [[Active File|active file]]. For now, you may ignore this. Any changes that you make are stored by the CS until you save it. All changed information has an asterisk added to its name in the CS. When you save, you will need to tell the game the file to save the information to. | up telling you that you haven’t selected an [[Active File|active file]]. For now, you may ignore this. Any changes that you make are stored by the CS until you save it. All changed information has an asterisk added to its name in the CS. When you save, you will need to tell the game the file to save the information to. | ||
Line 124: | Line 119: | ||
In this first tutorial you should only select the ''oblivion.esm'' file and click ''' | In this first tutorial you should only select the ''oblivion.esm'' file and click '''oK'''. At the warning, | ||
click '''Yes'''. We now have no [[Active File|active file]]. | click '''Yes'''. We now have no [[Active File|active file]]. | ||
Line 133: | Line 128: | ||
There should be three mini windows on display. Two on the top and one below. These are the [[Object Window|object window]], the [[Render Window|render window]], and the [[Cell View Window|cell view window]]. You can open and close them using the '''View''' menu, but for most tasks you will want to have all three windows open. Generally we select a | There should be three mini windows on display. Two on the top and one below. These are the [[Object Window|object window]], the [[Render Window|render window]], and the [[Cell View Window|cell view window]]. You can open and close them using the '''View''' menu, but for most tasks you will want to have all three windows open. Generally we select a [[:Category:Cells|cell]] in the '''cell view window''', look at it in the '''render window''', and drop objects into the render window from the '''object window'''. | ||
Line 139: | Line 134: | ||
=== The Object Window === | === The Object Window === | ||
The [[Object Window|object window]] contains a list of all the [[ | The [[Object Window|object window]] contains a list of all the [[Glossary#B|base objects]] in the game. These are sorted into | ||
categories, depending on the object's function. ''' | categories, depending on the object's function. '''Items/Armor''', for example, contains objects | ||
that provide combat protection in the game. We will cover each group as | that provide combat protection in the game. We will cover each group when and as we use them. The objects can be edited and customized but we will stick to the standard objects for now. | ||
=== The Cell View Window === | === The Cell View Window === | ||
The [[Cell View Window|cell view window]] contains a list of all the | The [[Cell View Window|cell view window]] contains a list of all the [[:Category:Cells|cells]] or '''worlds''' in the game. | ||
On the left is the ''cell selection'' lists, on the right the ''cell contents'' list which will be blank until you select a cell. A cell is a location. It could be a room, a set of rooms, or an area of wilderness. | On the left is the ''cell selection'' lists, on the right the ''cell contents'' list which will be blank until you select a cell. A cell is a location. It could be a room, a set of rooms, or an area of wilderness. | ||
Line 152: | Line 146: | ||
moment to shift from one cell list to another to see how the list on the right changes, then when you’re ready to continue, select interiors again. | moment to shift from one cell list to another to see how the list on the right changes, then when you’re ready to continue, select interiors again. | ||
If you click on the first '''cell''' in the list, the Abandoned Mine, you should see a list of | If you click on the first '''cell''' in the list, the Abandoned Mine, you should see a list of objects on the right hand side. These are all the elements contained in the Abandoned Mine cell, ie. all the pots, chests, [[Glossary#N|NPC's]], and rooms that make up the space you explore in this dungeon. | ||
on the right hand side. These are all the elements contained in the Abandoned Mine cell, ie. all the pots, chests, [[ | |||
Now scroll down the cell selection list to find WawnetInn Tavern. | Now scroll down the cell selection list to find WawnetInn Tavern. | ||
You can speed the process up by hitting the W key to scroll down to the locations that start with letter W. When you’ve found the cell select it. The Cell contents list will fill up. If you double click on the Wawnettinn cellname the object will appear in the [[Render Window|render window]]. | |||
=== The Render Window === | |||
The [[Render Window|render window]] is your view into the world you are creating or changing. When you double click on the Wawnetinn Tavern cell the picture should appear in the '''render window'''. It is likely to be a small block like structure in the window. | |||
The [[ | It may be so small, in fact, that you will need to zoom in with your mouse wheel to see what you're doing-- but beware! The window is huge and the object is small, so you can easily lose it. Selecting another cell in the [[Object Window|object window]], then re-selecting the Wawnetinn Tavern, will put the object back in its starting position in the window. In practice, you will need to combine the navigation commands described below with zooming in, in order to keep the object centered in the visible part of the window. | ||
Line 170: | Line 163: | ||
Objects are dropped into the world by dragging them from the [[Object Window|object window]] into the '''render window'''. | |||
Line 190: | Line 183: | ||
get used to it. | get used to it. | ||
To access the z-axis you need to hold down the Z key. | |||
You will need to practice and be able to do five key things in the '''render window'''. | |||
==== 1. Move the Camera ==== | |||
The camera is your view of the world. To move it you will use a combination of key and mouse commands. | |||
First click on the grey part of the render screen away from the objects. This is the standard | |||
deselect option. You can also press the D key. I always deselect before I move the camera. You | |||
don’t have to, but it does prevent you from moving an object by mistake if you misskey. | |||
Now select the Wawnet object (you can select by clicking or by dragging a box around the desired object). A multi-coloured box will appear around the little block. The box | |||
defines the area of the object in its three dimensions. It is used in '''collision detection''' and | |||
'''Havok''' physics. | |||
<blockquote>Double click on the block and a dialog box will open, giving information about the block. Check that the name of the object is <name>. If it is not, close the dialog box, deselect and try again. In the central area is some information about the object's position. This lists the object's x, y, and z coordinates, and some info about rotation. These should all read 0,0,0. This is the default position. If, in the course of the tutorial, you drag the building out of the way by mistake, don’t panic. Select it, open the dialog, and reset it to 0,0,0. Note, however, that this will flag the object as having been edited, with a * next to the object's name.</blockquote> | |||
To move the camera in the normal mouse directions, press and hold the centre wheel button or the spacebar on the keyboard. Move the mouse and you can move the camera about the room. | |||
Practice makes perfect. | |||
The | <blockquote>The A key allows you to toggle Bright Light on and off. It's a very useful thing while working with Interior cells in the Construction Set and has no influence on the light in game.</blockquote> | ||
==== 2. Rotate the Camera ==== | |||
What you end up with might not be the best view. We need to be able to | |||
rotate the camera. This is done by combining the Shift Key and a mouse move. Do not hold down any of the mouse buttons. The camera rotates about the selected object. If you have selected the Inn block it rotates about the centre of the block. Practice this. Now select an object in the inn like a table or a stool. Again, try rotating. Practice selecting objects, viewing them from different angles. Remember not to press the left or right mouse buttons. When I started I was so used to drag and drop I kept doing this in camera moves. | |||
Why shouldn’t you do this? Because this is how we move and manipulate objects in the world. | |||
==== 3. Center the Camera ==== | |||
With objects selected press C. You should now have a view with the block in the centre of the | With objects selected, press C. You should now have a view with the block in the centre of the | ||
window. C is your centre tool. It always centres the selected object. | window. C is your centre tool. It always centres the selected object. | ||
==== 4. Zoom ==== | |||
This is the function of the centre wheel. Scroll in and out and watch the image in the window. | |||
Another way to zoom is to hold the V key while moving the mouse (no buttons pressed). This is finer move than the scroll and allows a much closer view. But usually the scroll wheel gets the | Another way to zoom is to hold the V key while moving the mouse (no buttons pressed). This is finer move than the scroll and allows a much closer view. But usually the scroll wheel gets the | ||
job done. | job done. | ||
<blockquote>Zoom out a bit and press T. The render changes to a nice top down view. Again you can zoom in and out. T will move the camera to give you a top down view of the selected object. It may, however, be blocked by objects which are above it.</blockquote> | |||
Practice using these and when you are ready move on. | Practice using these and when you are ready move on. | ||
==== 5. Manipulate Objects ==== | |||
Holding the left mouse key allows you to drag objects in the x, y plane. (left, right, front, back). Combining this with the top view , T, can be a very useful technique. Make sure ''Snap-to-Grid'' is disabled first, otherwise the object we're about to move will probably jump further than you'd like (it's the grid button on the toolbar). Click on one of the small objects like a beer mug. Use zoom, pan and rotate to get the best view of it. Now move the mug across the table. Select the mug, go to Top View, zoom out a little. Left click the mug and drag it to a new position on the table. | |||
Believe it or not you have just done your first mod. It is a mod that shifts the position of a beer mug in Wawnett Inn. Ok it’s a pointless mod, but it is a mod nonetheless for that. | |||
==== Other Useful Tips ==== | |||
Let’s move on to a few more useful functions. | |||
===== Deleting/Cutting ===== | |||
Turn your focus to the bar. It is good practice in using the camera. Now select an object on the bar. Any will do. We can now look at the cell content list on the right of the [[Cell View Window|cell view window]]. Scroll down and you should find the object highlighted. Right clicking on it brings up a menu. Select delete. The object disappears. You cannot reverse this by selecting '''Edit''' > [[Undo|Undo]] from the CS's menu bar at the top of the window, however! | |||
You can also select the reference in the Render Window and press ''Delete'' on your keyboard. '''This''' method of deleting ''can'' be Undone. | |||
To '''Cut''' an object simply select it and press CTRL + X, or select '''Edit''' > '''Cut'''. This removes an object from the '''Render Window''' and adds it to your operating system's ''clipboard''. | |||
===== Selecting Multiple Objects ===== | |||
You can select multiple objects as well. Deselect (D), then using the Left Mouse Button held down, drag a rectangle around the objects in the '''render window'''. | |||
Alternatively you can use CTRL + left click in the list of objects in the [[Cell View Window|cell view window]]. | |||
===== Scaling Objects ===== | |||
Here is another useful key. Select a beer bottle (any object will do though) from the bar. Hold down the S key and drag away from it. The more you drag, the bigger it will get. If you drag inward, it will get smaller! You can have a lot of fun making big beer bottles. This way of making things bigger or smaller is good to know, because it is handy when placing trees. It should work on any object, including NPCs. | |||
Altering the size of an object, called '''scaling''', is a good way to add a bit of variety to your mods. Note, however, the general rule that most objects do not look as good when scaled to less than half or more than double their original size. | |||
===Standard Tasks=== | |||
====Creating an empty interior cell==== | |||
'''Method 1:''' | |||
#In the [[Cell View Window]], select "Interior" from the Drop-Down box | |||
#Select "TestQuest01" from the left list | |||
#Right-click it and select "Duplicate Cell" | |||
#The new cell should appear below "TestQuest01", select it | |||
#Slowly double-click it so you can change the EditorID, give it a new name | |||
'''Method 2:''' | |||
#Open the Cell window by going through the World>Cells menu | |||
#Be sure that the Worldspace "Interiors" is selected | |||
#Right click in the list of EditorIDs and select "New" | |||
#Enter the name for your new cell and click "Ok" | |||
=====Notes===== | |||
*For storing remote containers and [[Remote Activators|activators]] you can leave it floor-less without a problem. | |||
*Method 1 gives you an empty cell, rather than some vanilla interior. | |||
====Creating a New Persistent Reference==== | |||
Generally, giving a thing a persistent reference is necessary when you want some process to be able to refer to that thing from somewhere else. Specifically, flagging a reference as persistent means that Oblivion will always keep it in memory (it persists.) The advantage to being flagged persistent is that scripts, quests or AI packages can use that reference even when the player is in a different cell. If a script, a quest, or an AI package, will possibly need the thing outside of the cell in which it is given its reference, then that reference needs to be a persistent reference. Oblivion only loads a certain number of cells at a time, and calling upon anything that is not loaded or persisting in memory will cause a crash. The disadvantage to making all references persistent is that the persistent references occupy memory. If 500,000 references that did not need to persist were, in fact, made persistent and each used 4 bytes that would require about 2 MB of memory and a corresponding use of disk space for each save. After all, to persist they must be reloaded upon resumption of the game. | |||
The plan is get something you'll use in your scripts, hence the persistent reference. | |||
#Open the cell you wish to add the Persistent Reference to, so you can see it in the [[Render Window]] | |||
#*Double-click the cell in the [[Cell View Window]] | |||
#Select the base object from the [[Object Window]] | |||
#* Temporarily in the [[Object Window]] you could try: Items > Armor > Glass > and in the right hand side of the window scroll down to: EnchGlassCuirassCameleon | |||
#Drag the base object into the '''Render Window''' | |||
#* You should have a cool cuirass in your renamed TestQuest01 '''Render Window''' | |||
#Double-click the new reference in the '''Render Window''' | |||
#Give it a "Reference EditorID" (top bar of the Edit window) | |||
#*This is the name you'll use in your scripts, so give it a name you'll remember | |||
#*'''Do not''' start the Reference EditorID name with a number as this will cause you a lot of problems down the road | |||
#Flag the object as '''Persistent''' (top-left of the 6 check-boxes at the bottom) | |||
==== Creating a New Base Object ==== | |||
There are 2 ways to create a new base object: | |||
#New object - if you want an icon and/or model, the file will need to be unpacked from the .bsa | |||
#Copy another object | |||
=====New Object===== | |||
#In the [[Object Window]], select the type of object you want from the treed-list on the left (i.e., Activator, Spell, Key) | |||
#Press '''Insert''' or right-click in the right window and select New | |||
=====Copy Object===== | |||
Changing the EditorID will allow you to copy a base object | |||
<ol> | |||
<li>Select the base object with the icon and model you would like your new base object to have | |||
*You can check the icon and model by double-clicking the base object</li> | |||
<li>"Change" the EditorID of the base object | |||
*Slowly double-click the EditorID of the base object, give it a new EditorID and press '''Enter''' | |||
*You can also change it in the Edit menu | |||
*#Right-click on it and select edit or double-click it | |||
*#Once in the edit menu, change the EditorID and press OK</li> | |||
<li>You should see the dialogue | |||
<pre>Create a new object? | |||
No will rename this object</pre> | |||
*Select "Yes"</li> | |||
<li>If necessary, make any further changes to the new base object through the Edit Menu | |||
</ol> | |||
== Making Some Practical Changes == | |||
As a final part of this lesson, let’s add some objects of our own. | As a final part of this lesson, let’s add some objects of our own. | ||
When I first started this was the most frustrating of all the activities. Let’s face it; this is what modding is really about. We want to add stuff that wasn’t there before. It can be awkward to get this right; hopefully this guide will ease you in. | |||
Clear the bar of all '''objects''' by multi-selecting them. If you accidentally delete the bar itself, use CTRL + Z to undo it. (Don’t panic when using the CS, Ctrl + Z is a useful undo tool). | |||
We have now '''removed objects''' from the '''cell'''. | |||
=== Adding and Positioning Objects === | |||
Let’s go back to the [[Object Window|object window]]. At first this can be a bewildering thing. There are just so many things. Gradually you will learn to use the menu, and indeed remember the names of your favourite objects. | |||
Containers | The objects are to a degree sorted by their function (ammo, apparatus, armor, etc). For example, the '''Armor''' and '''Weapons''' categories contain exactly what they say. All the armour and weapons contained in the game. These are further sorted by type. Ebony, Iron etc. These are objects you can pick up and equip. '''Containers''' contains all the boxes, chests, and crates that can be used to hold things. '''Magic''' contains the potions that you can collect. | ||
We are going to use the '''MiscItem''' menu for now, which can be found under the '''Items''' group. This contains all the no-value and low-value | |||
clutter that you can pick up but not do anything useful with: Plates, Cups, Bowls and so on. Again there is a bewildering list of bits and pieces. Practice will teach you what most of these are. Nothing besides experience can make this part easier for you. If you want to find an item, use your best judgment in deciding which categories to search. If you don't find what you're looking for, try something else that makes sense. | |||
<blockquote>Objects with names that begin with MQ are quest based items and are best avoided.</blockquote> | |||
Concentrate for now on the stuff related to an economic class. These usually begin with the prefix ''LowerClass'', ''MiddleClass'', ''UpperClass'', ''Lower'', ''Middle'', or ''Upper''. Let’s find a lower class plate and drop it on the bar (LowerClassPlate01). | |||
You can scroll through and try to find it. Another way is to narrow the search by using the find text option. In the '''Edit''' menu select '''Find Text'''. A dialog box opens. Type in "plate" and press go. | |||
After a few seconds you can look under the object tab. Look for references that have the '''MiscItem''' description. You can click at the top to sort alphabetically by description. | |||
After a few seconds you can look under the object tab. Look for references that have the MiscItem description. You can click at the top to sort by description. | |||
Here is where the CS has really missed a trick. Ideally you should be able to drag and drop from here but alas that is not possible. Note the name of the object and then find it in the object list. | Here is where the CS has really missed a trick. Ideally you should be able to drag and drop from here but alas that is not possible. Note the name of the object and then find it in the object list. | ||
Anyway, once you have located a plate that you want (any will do). We will set about putting it | Anyway, once you have located a plate that you want (any will do). We will set about putting it on the bar. | ||
on the bar. | |||
If you drag this onto the render screen it will appear. You may have to zoom out a bit to see it clearly. There is very little subtlety here. Trying to put this item on the bar using left click and drag | If you drag this onto the render screen it will appear. You may have to zoom out a bit to see it clearly. There is very little subtlety here. Trying to put this item on the bar using left click and drag is a leftclicking drag. There is an easier way, thanks to those shortcut keys. | ||
First select the bar and use T to get a top down view. Zoom out a little so the whole bar can be seen. | First select the bar and use T to get a top down view. Zoom out a little so the whole bar can be seen. | ||
Now drag and drop the plate into the render window. You should now be able to move the object so it is directly above the bar. But it’s probably sitting in mid air a good few feet above the bar. | Now drag and drop the plate into the render window. You should now be able to move the object so it is directly above the bar. But it’s probably sitting in mid-air a good few feet above the bar. | ||
We now want to change the height so that it sits on the bar. | We now want to change the height so that it sits on the bar. | ||
We will learn about 4 techniques today. We should practice all 4, even though some are harder | We will learn about 4 techniques today. We should practice all 4, even though some are harder | ||
Line 329: | Line 371: | ||
1. | ==== 1. The Mouse Method ==== | ||
The first is the mouse method. Hold the Z key and click/drag with the left mouse button to move the object. The coloured box around the object is a useful guide to when it is in position. If any part of the coloured border sinks into the bar, you have gone too far. This is a fairly slow technique and uses a lot of camera changes. Be patient. You will normally use this technique to position objects on vertical surfaces like walls rather than horizontal surfaces like the bar. | The first is the mouse method. Hold the Z key, to restrict movement of the object along the z axis (up/down) and click/drag with the left mouse button to move the object. The coloured box around the object is a useful guide to when it is in position. If any part of the coloured border sinks into the bar, you have gone too far. This is a fairly slow technique and uses a lot of camera changes. Be patient. You will normally use this technique to position objects on vertical surfaces like walls rather than horizontal surfaces like the bar. | ||
Stick with it. | Stick with it. | ||
2. | ==== 2. The Manual Method ==== | ||
The second technique uses references from other similar objects, in this case the plate we have | The second technique uses references from other similar objects, in this case the plate we have just placed. After you have positioned the first plate with the method described above, double click on the plate. Remember that x,y,z co-ordinate information we mentioned before? Look at the info giving the plates' positions. Write down the z co-ordinate. | ||
just placed. | |||
Once done, select the bar again, get the top view and drop another plate into the '''render window''', and reposition it above the bar. Now double click on this new plate and type in the z co-ord you have just written down. The new plate snaps to this new point on the bar. This is a great way to get a lot of objects at a precise height. But they must be identical objects. The xyz | |||
co-ordinates actually refer to the location of the centre of the yellow cross inside the object's multicoloured box. Objects of two different heights will have two different z-axis positions, even if they are placed on top of the same flat surface. | |||
==== 3. The "Fall" Command ==== | |||
Set up another plate above the bar. We are now going to learn one of the most important keys in the CS. This is the F key. This causes the selected object to fall. It will fall until it hits another object. It is a great way to add objects on to tables, floors etc. Take care though. The object will stop when it hits an object. Check its height later to see nothing stopped it on the way down. | |||
<blockquote>Handy hint: when decorating an empty room try to work from the floor up. Start with carpets, then furniture that stands on the floor. Then objects which stand on the furniture. This way the F key can be really powerful.</blockquote> | |||
==== 4. Duplicating Objects in Place ==== | |||
The last technique is to use the CTRL + D function. This makes a duplicate of an object in exactly the same position. It’s brilliant for stacking and repeat tasking. Select one of the plates on the bar and then press CTRL + D. The object may change appearance. This is a side effect of the doubling. Now select and drag one of these plates across the bar, and you will see the new plate appear. It will maintain its z-axis position from the plate you duplicated. Position it so it does not collide with any other objects. We now have 4 plates on the bar. Practice if you like dropping other objects using the F key and the CTRL + D to duplicate them. | |||
The | === Rotating Objects === | ||
The final part of this first lesson involves rotating objects. Select an object that will clearly show that rotation has occurred. A mug with a handle will do. You rotate using the right mouse button (RMB). But here is the thing: rotation occurs only in the z axis. This is the most common type of rotation and is the easiest to perform. | |||
To rotate in the x axis, use x + RMB. | |||
To rotate in the y axis use y + RMB. | |||
:'''N.B.''' Some people have found that rotating in y axis was the default, and rotating on the z axis required z + RMB | |||
You can also use the rotation boxes in the object's pop up dialog box. This is best if you want precise angles like 90, 180 and 270 etc. | |||
You can also use the | |||
Practice doing this. | Practice doing this. | ||
You may also place your cursor in any of the position or rotation boxes and use the up down arrows on your keyboard to make very small incremental movements. | |||
Finally a couple of extra bits | Finally a couple of extra bits: | ||
Holding X when dragging an object restricts movement to the x axis only. (Very handy when hanging stuff on a wall). | Holding X when dragging an object restricts movement to the x axis only. (Very handy when hanging stuff on a wall). | ||
Holding Y when dragging an object restricts movement to the y axis only. (Very handy for stocking shelves). | Holding Y when dragging an object restricts movement to the y axis only. (Very handy for stocking shelves). | ||
== Testing Your Mod == | |||
Now all we have to do is save our handy work. Select '''File''' > '''Save''' in the main menu. You will be prompted to name your file (assuming this is the first time you have saved). Call it something useful like ''Test-1''. Close the CS. | |||
Open ''Oblivion'', and if you want to see the damage you did, activate your mod by selecting '''Data Files''' from the ''Oblivion Launcher''. Locate the file named ''Test-1.esp'' (or whatever you may have named it), and double click to place an "x" in the check box beside it. Now, when you load up a saved game, the changes you have made in your mod will be visible in-game. | |||
'''Don’t save your game or you may make your damage permanent.''' | |||
Congratulations you have now done your first mod. Ok it’s a useless mod that beats up a very nice bar, but a mod none the less. More importantly you have learned the techniques needed to navigate around the render screen and to manipulate objects. | Congratulations you have now done your first mod. Ok it’s a useless mod that beats up a very nice bar, but a mod none the less. More importantly you have learned the techniques needed to navigate around the render screen and to manipulate objects. | ||
To restore the inn to all it's former glory, simply deactivate your mod. | |||
To restore the inn to all | |||
==Key Controls Summary== | ==Key Controls Summary== | ||
Line 400: | Line 430: | ||
'''Camera''' | '''Camera''' | ||
Centre Wheel | Centre Wheel Hold + mouse – Pan | ||
Spacebar + mouse – Pan | |||
Shift + mouse | Shift + mouse - Rotate | ||
Centre Wheel Scroll – Zoom, stepped | |||
V + mouse – Zoom, fine | |||
C – Centre On selected | C – Centre On selected | ||
T – Top View selected | T – Top View selected | ||
'''Object''' | '''Object''' | ||
LMB + mouse – move on x and y axis | |||
Z + LMB + mouse - move on z axis | |||
X + LMB + mouse - move on x axis | |||
Y + LMB + mouse - move on y axis | |||
S + mouse - scale size | |||
RMB + mouse – rotate about z axis | |||
Y + RMB + mouse - rotate about y axis | |||
X + RMB + mouse - rotate about x axis | |||
D – De-select | D – De-select | ||
F – Fall | F – Fall | ||
CTRL x – cut | CTRL x – cut | ||
CTRL c – copy | CTRL c – copy | ||
CTRL v – paste | CTRL v – paste | ||
CTRL d – copy and paste in present position ( | CTRL d – copy and paste in present position (duplicate) | ||
LMB ( | LMB (with nothing selected) + frame - select multi-objects | ||
CTRL + LMB – add to selection list | |||
'''Misc''' | '''Misc''' | ||
A - Toggle Bright Light | A - Illuminate (Toggle Bright Light) | ||
Line 431: | Line 463: | ||
Bye for now, see you in [[A beginner's guide, lesson 2 - Creating a room|Lesson 2]]. | Bye for now, see you in [[A beginner's guide, lesson 2 - Creating a room|Lesson 2: Creating a Room]]. | ||
'''Tom Dawson''' | '''Tom Dawson''' | ||
[[Category:A beginner's guide]] | [[Category:A beginner's guide]] | ||
==See Also== | |||
[[Useful settings in ConstructionSet.ini]] |