Preparations for building content for Source with Max

In order to compile content for use in Source you should be using Max 7 or newer.

A list of recommended tools

• Studiocompiler

This reduces the amount of time you spend compiling the SMDs to MDLs. It can convert TGAs to VTF as well.

• VTFEdit

VTFEdit allows greater degree of control for importing TGAs and has more options than StudioCompiler's converter.

• Cannonfodder's 3DS tools
• Mangled Poly's 3DS tools

Copy the plugins to your 3DS Max plugins directory.

Units Setup

Begin by entering the Units Setup dialog.

Choose the display units you like to work with. I have chosen centimeters because it gives best compromise between accuracy and usability.

In the System Unit Setup, choose Inches.

Click OK and you're done.