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. 
Registered users don’t see ads!
Register now!
4,141 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
later
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
4,141 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
4,141 Posts
Posted May 16, 2008
Replied
3 minutes
later
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.
Registered users don’t see ads!
Register now!
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...