Skins Created 18 years ago2005-12-01 21:50:45 UTC by Tosse

I asked in a different thread (the HL1 models thread)if it?s possible to have the same model with different skins. So it?s like 2 - 4 of the same model, same AI and all that but the skin is different.

My new question is how?

How do i make this happend?

And please, if you take the time to answer this, don?t tell me about a way to do this, tell me HOW to do this. Thanks!

Depends. How skilled are you with modelling or modifying models? I know how to do this, but it requires you to reskin model parts, save them as seperate .smd files and modifying the .qc file before compiling your new version of the model. That goes further than the average model viewer stuff.

Also, for what mod do you want to use this? I may need to do a little research to see if it's useable for plain DM as it requires a modified model anyway (though I believe it's possible to refer to a different model name, I'm not sure about it, the model location and name may be hardcoded).

Oh it?s for my own mod, it?s a SP mod and i need more characters so i decided to see if i just can make more skins for some models, because i can?t make new ones, i don?t know how to model.

So my skills doesn?t reach outside model viewer, but i learn fast if i have to.

Ok, here we go: get Milkshape 3D, decompile the model you want to modify (there's a built in decompiler for HL models in Milkshape), import the .smd files that make up the parts of the model (one at a time), select a different skin for them (in the right panel, third tab, select the material from the list, click on the button which caption is the name of the texture currently used for that material, select your new skin), then export as a new .smd under a different name.
Then, in the .qc file, fill in these new .smd's as options in the bodygroups. For example, take a look at the hgrunt's .qc file (you'll get this file after decompiling a model, it's necessary for compiling one) and you'll be able to figure out how the system works.
Once all that is done, compile (again, can be done from within Milkshape) and in Hammer, add the 'body' key and a value to select one of the combinations. You can always check in the model viewer if there are more options for the body groups, of course.

I'll assume this isn't a very easy guide, but if you're a fast learner, it should be enough to get you going in the right direction.

Lastly, I need to get some sleep, hence the quick info. See ya.

Then i?ll have to get milkshape! I have maya but i?ll go with milkshape as you said! At the moment i didn?t understand much, almost nothing, but i think it will be much more clear once i get milkshape and see it all for myself! Thanks a lot man!

Other tips from other people who know another way or something more about the way P just guided me through is welcome

Once again, thanks!

There is a tutorial on this you know! If you're looking to simply reskin the existing models, click here.

No not just reskin, have 2 - 4 different skins on the same model