$envmap

Specular reflections.

The $envmap VMT parameter creates specular reflections, which are seen on smooth surfaces. It does this by defining an "environment map" (specifically a cubemap) to draw as a reflection; normally that of the nearest env_cubemap entity. The reflection is not dynamic.

The other form of reflection supported by Source is the diffuse phong type.

Syntax

$envmap env_cubemap

"env_cubemap" is normally used, as it tells VBSP to swap in the name of the nearest env_cubemap when the map compiles. However it is also possible to use a static cubemap image that has been manually created.

Creating a custom static cubemap texture

Creating a custom cubemap texture might be required for some circumstances and is used occasionally in some Valve models.

For this to work you will need to have the 6 sides of the cubemap saved as individual textures in the correct orientation for it to appear correctly in the Source Engine.

Here is a map of the orientation required

Cube Sides

• FT=Front
• BK=Back
• RT=Right
• LF-Left
• UP=UP
• DN=Down

---

• CW = Clockwise
• CCW = Counter Clockwise

---

• 00_00_00 eg. (customcubemap_00_00_00.tga)
• 00_01_00 eg. (customcubemap_00_01_00.tga)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/10798900/Pictures/tut/orientation_convention_source.png

Additional Parameters

$envmapmask <texture>

See $envmapmask. A VTF file that determines per-texel reflection intensity.

$envmaptint "[<red float> <green float> <blue float>]"

Controls the intensity of the reflection's red, green and blue color channels. Any positive number can be used. Default is "[1 1 1]", which means 100% intensity.

Note:You must use quotemarks, as there are space characters within the value.

Tip:This command is often used to dim the brightness of a specular reflection without the overhead of an $envmapmask.

$envmapcontrast <normal>

Controls the contrast of the reflection. 0 is natural contrast, while 1 is the full squaring of the color (i.e. color*color).

Tip:Use higher contrasts to diminish relatively darker areas and increase "hot spots".

Note:Will not work when Phong is enabled.

$envmapsaturation <normal>

Controls the colour saturation of the reflection. 0 is greyscale, while 1 is natural saturation.

Note:Will not work when Phong is enabled.

$envmapframe <int>

The frame to start an animated cubemap on.

$envmapmode <int?>

Todo: ?

$basetexturenoenvmap <bool>

$basetexture2noenvmap <bool>

Probably used for materials with two albedos, to make one or the other matte. Require DirectX 9; see also $basetexture and $basetexture2.

$envmapoptional <choices>

Sets the oldest DirectX version that should draw the reflection. Choose from:

• 80 (DirectX 8)
• 81 (DirectX 8.1)
• 90 (DirectX 9)
• 95 (DirectX 9 with Shader Model 3)

$envmapsphere <bool>

Determines whether the material's envmap should be a spheremap (deprecated) instead of a cubemap. Set this to 1 to use a spheremap.

Console commands

buildcubemaps

Generates cubemaps for use in materials. If this isn't run, objects will reflect the skybox (OB) or have an invalid, white reflection (Ep1).

r_showenvcubemap <bool>

Debug command to display cubemaps on all dynamic objects at full intensity. It was used to create the image at the start of this article.

See Also

• $envmapmask (specular mask)
• $phong (for diffuse reflection)
• Cubemap