map file question Created 17 years ago2007-10-03 18:21:51 UTC by aaron_da_killa

Just out of interest, whats the difference between .rmf and .map files?

One is alot more complex and stores alot more data from the map, everything in fact.

The other only stores the basis and therefore creates a much smaller file size, it can also be useful in case the main file gets corrupted. But in most cases, most people don't work from it.

to be more specific, .rmf is a hammer-specific format, .map is just a list of coordinates and stuff.

But they both contain your map and everything in it. The same map in a .map will look exactly the same as a .rmf. Why have 2 formats. Whats the point?

The RMF is the file used in Hammer. The Map file is developed during the compile for the coordinates and Penguinboy said.

I don't think the RMF is actually used during the compile process, right? It's just converted to a .map and that's what it uses.

Edit: Apparently I'm right.

^Heh, freaky.^

But why have an rmf if hammer can read the map file?

because the .map isn't built as complex and shit... and sometimes things don't transfer right... i dunno.

Yeah, and I think when it's converted to .map that's when all the vertices are locked onto the grid... which is why you may see invalid solid errors and stuff when you look at the .map that was generated, while the RMF is fine.

Oh interesting. Because I hollowed out a 32 sided cylinder and it was fine but when I reloaded the .map file it aligned itself to the grid and it was terrible. But you can't compile rmfs. Can you?

oh you can, it will just turn it into a .map in the process... don't worry bout that.

.rmf holds visgroups and such.

well than, whats the point of an rmf if it is converted into a map file anyway?

maybe the rmf is for that little bit of extra information it can hold for the mapper.

It's funny how the purpose of .maps isn't actually documented anywhere, and I just learned this stuff over time.

aaron, the RMF is a file format made to be worked with in an editor. The .map format was designed to be compiled, but that doesn't mean they're going to restrict you from viewing these files in the editor... it's just not ideal.

Also, considering how large RMFs can grow to be, it's possible that there were technical limitations at the time regarding how much memory was being used to compile. Thus, the .map format may have been easier for the computer to work with since it's significantly smaller. Remember, GoldSrc is based off the Quake engine, which started being used in 1996. Back then, RAM wasn't plentiful, to say the least.

But, if the map file can be read in the editor, than why have another, larger format.

But I kinda get the point now;)

sighs deeply

The RMF holds extra info the .map doesn't.

the RMF holds data the compiler doesn't use, but hammer does: visgroups, the 'colour' of the brushes in the 2d views, groups, etc.