Reference mesh

In Source, a Reference mesh (sometimes body, envelope or skin) defines some or all of a model's rendered geometry. It is stored in a 'reference SMD' file together with skeleton and UV map data.

Facets

UV maps

The UV map defines how the mesh's material is deformed to fit it.

Levels of detail

A reference mesh is commonly replaced by lower-detail meshes at distances with $lod to improve performance. See LOD Models.

Envelopes

A reference mesh is enveloped to the bones of a model's skeleton to allow for animation.

Weight maps

See weight map.

Implementation

There are three QC commands related to reference meshes:

$body

A basic reference mesh.

$model

A reference mesh with facial animation.

$bodygroup

A reference mesh or group of reference meshes that can be switched between or off.

$lod replacemodel

A low-detail reference mesh that replaces another at the $lod's specified distance and above.