Reference model

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Reference.mdl

The Reference.mdl, conventionally named <modelname>.mdl, contains a range of key information for an in game model:

• The model's Filename, used to identify vital data stored in the model's VTX, VVD, PHY files.
• The names of any Sound WAV files used by this model.
• The names of the Skin VMT files used by this model. (or is this in VTX / VVD files ?)
• The names of any Animation Sequences used by this model.
• The names of any Animation Library MDL files used by this model.
• Any propdata attributes this model may have, including
• The names of any Gib MDL files used by this model.
• etc

Each model's 3D Rendering data is stored in the VVD and VTX files, and its Collisionmodel data in its PHY file.

Reference.smd

The reference.smd is traditionally named "modelname_ref.smd" to distinguish it from "modelname_anim.smd" files. It is also distinct from the "modelname_phys.smd" which contains only collisionmodel reference data.

The reference.smd contains the model's "default" Rendering data for animation files to manipulate.

• The Reference Skeleton (nodes block) is used by animations or ragdoll physics to manipulate the mesh, collisionmodel, hitboxset, etc. It can be modified by $lod bonetreecollapse (etc)
• The Reference Pose (skeleton block) is used when no animation or vphysics is applied to the skeleton.
• The Reference Mesh (triangles block) is the Mesh that will be Rendered unless replaced by an $lod configuration.
• The Reference Skin is only the filename of the VMT whose VTFs will be used on the Mesh unless overridden by $texturegroup skinfamilies options and/or $lod configuration.

Reference Mesh

In Source, the Reference Mesh (also called the body or envelope or skin) includes:

• Geometry data : Vertex Coordinates (in relation to the model's $origin) for each triangular polygon,
• Smoothing group data : Normal vector
  Confirm:(in relation to the model's $origin)
  for each vertex,
• Skin data : UV map coordinates and Default "Skinname(s)",
• Envelope data : Weight map values and "Bonename(s)".