3D model

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into MDL. (Discuss)

A model being edited in the XSI Mod Tool.

World Models are used in Hammer as pre-compiled world objects, as opposed to Brushes which are compiled during the map compile (VBSP). Hammer cannot edit Models. It can only place them, by tying them to entities such as prop_static, prop_physics, prop_dynamic, etc. npc_type, weapon_type and item_type entities usually use preset worldmodels (to ensure recognisable consistency in game).

View Models are specially animated and optimised models used for "player usable" weapons and hand tools.

Valve's Source Models were created and edited with XSI Mod Tool, which, although not bundled with the Source SDK tools, is free to download from XSI's website. Other model editors that can export models in SMD format can also be used to work with Source Models. (See Compiling Models.)

Why use a model?

A Half-Life 2 scene consisting entirely of different models.

Detail

The concentration of vertexes on a model is many, many times higher than on a world brush.

Skeletal animation

Detailed, efficient, believable animation can be achieved with a model. Walking, talking, running, jumping!

Dynamism

Unless specifically made to behave otherwise, a model's position, lighting, state and motion are all completely dynamic. They can go anywhere and do anything.

See also

• Category:Modeling
• Category:World Models
• MDL (Source Model file format)
• Half-Life Model Viewer