$envmap

Specular reflections.

The $envmap VMT parameter defines the 'environment map' of a material, normally reflecting the nearest env_cubemap.

This creates 'specular' reflections (seen on smooth surfaces).

VMT syntax

$envmap env_cubemap

env_cubemap is normally used, as it tells VBSP to substitute it for the name of the nearest env_cubemap entity when the map compiles. However it is also possible to enter the name of a texture directly.

Additional Parameters

$envmapcontrast <normal>

Controls the contrast of the reflection.

0 is the normal 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 normal saturation.

$envmapmask <texture>

Texture which determines reflection intensity. See $envmapmask.

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

Controls the colour tint (red, green and blue channels) of the reflection. Any positive number can be used.

Default value is "[1 1 1]". You must use quotemarks.

Tip:This command is useful for controlling the brightness of a specular reflection without an $envmapmask.

$envmapframe <integer>

The frame to start an animated cubemap on. (Animated cubemaps? Probably a bad idea.)

$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)
• 98 (DirectX 9 with DirectX 10 hardware)

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).

Click for more details and further commands.

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

• DirectX Versions
• Tutorial: Cubemaps in Level Design.
• Tutorial: Reflective Materials
• $basetexture
• $envmapmask (specular mask)
• $phong (diffuse reflection)
• $selfillum