Itemtest

Itemtest is a utility for easily compiling a standard .obj and .tga file into a format that can published to the steam workshop. (it automatically generates a .zip archive containing .mdl, .vtf .vmt, .dmx and .qc files)

to get it on your machine you must first install and setup the Source Developement Kit.

Download and Installation

to access the item test utility, double click on "Source SDK" from the tools section of your steam library.

this brings up the SDK application launcher. you should see itemtest in the list. be sure the set the current game the installed game you wish to submit your item to. for this example we'll assune Team Fortress 2.

when the item test first launches, there are a series of empty forms to fill out. a red box mean that form is invalid.

set the item a name, this will be the asset name the game uses. choose which class the item will be for, i.e. pyro. if it is a hat, check the box to skin it to the head bone. once all the forms are valid, press next. you will not be able to press next if one of the forms is invalid.

Select the Geometry files. click the "browse for lod0" button. this will bring up a file browser for you to browse to the location of your .obj 3d model file. lod0 is the model that will be seen when you are close up to the character.

even though you have selected your model, the forms are still invalid, this is because you MUST create at least one level of detail. This is a low resolution version of your model (lod1) to be seen from a distance. this model must be less polygons than lod0 and use the same texture. (we usually remove at least half the polygons of lod0) once all forms are valid, click next

Select the Texture files. set weather the item is a primary, secondary or melee weapon. hats are primary.

choose the texture you want for the color of your model. your model must have at least a color texture. optionally you may choose a normal map. and set how you would like those alpha textures to be used. specular, paintable, nothing etc. once all forms are valid, click next

Compile your model. press the compile button!

if you have done everything right, the items should have compiled. it's a good idea to press the "dismiss and Continue button" and check that your model has compiled properly. press the "Launch HLMV" button.

your model should be ready to publish! to find the .zip you will be publishing and testing in the itemtest map, press "Explore to the models directory" button. it's a good idea to copy the path so you can use it from the in game publishing tool.

It's also a good idea to save a snapshot of your model from HLMV at this point. you'll want to upload it when you publish.

now it's time to launch Team Fortress 2 and test out your item!

once your happy with how it looks on the character in the itemtest map, enter the steam workshop to publish your file.

Title will be the name the item has in the store and in the steamworkshop. Description is a short sentence that makes people want to buy your item. be creative. browse for a preview image that will be seen in the store (snapshots from HLMV are common) browse for the .zip file that itemtest created. when you are ready for the world to see your item, push the publish button!

good luck!