probably a stupid question but really annoying me..
11 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Hi.
I'm trying to make a custom decal. I looked everywhere and found out how to make them with photoshop, but dont know where to save them. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 
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4,136 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
3 minutes
later
Once you create the image file, you will need to convert it to a VTF so that you can create a VMT and place it in-game. You should check out this thread or actually this one might be better for you.
77 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
2 minutes
later
Download VTFEdit, open up your decal (or overlay) image in it, and it will convert it to a .vtf file for you. Then all you have to do is write a .vmt file with some simple commands in it, move the two files into the right place and you're done!
More info here: http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Textures
EDIT: msleeper: you beat me to it!
11 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
3 minutes
later
thanks but I already have those programs and have looked around this site and others. I just don't know where to save the image.
77 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
1 minutes
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C:\Program Files\Valve\Steam\SteamApps*YOUR_STEAM_USERNAME_HERE\portal\portal\materials*YOUR_DIRECTORY_HERE
11 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
6 minutes
later
Thanks Fusion. That gets me one step closer. Dont know why i dont see it in hammer now
4,136 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
1 minutes
later
As long as the file is anywhere in the /materials/ directory, and has a proper VMT and a valid VTF file, it should be available. You may need to restart Hammer after you have added the image if I recall correctly.
11 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
4 minutes
later
Whats kind of weird to me is that i had to make a material folder in the portal folder
4,136 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
3 minutes
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By default those are not there, all of the game's materials and other files are packaged in the GCF.
11 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
4 minutes
later
well that makes me feel better then. Just wish I could figure this out.
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11 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
5 minutes
later
I hate to double post but you guys have been a lot of help. You did answer the questions I had but apparently I need to do some more reading. Must still be doing something wrong I guess. Thanks.
Any more help or suggestions are welcome too.
EDIT: ok figured that out. One letter can really make the difference. Probably shouldnt try doing something new when I'm that tired.
Now I just need to find out how to make the back transparent so you only see what I want you to see...