$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 enter the name of a texture directly.

Todo: Document how to create a custom cube map for use. For now, the process can be found below.

http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?p=23320997

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".

$envmapsaturation <normal>

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

$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

Confirm:Switches from cubemap to spheremap mode? Probably deprecated.

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