{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(pac3,wiki,gmod,mdl,tutorial,guide,help,obj,convert,creation)
metatag-description=(A relatively simple tutorial on converting models to .MDL)
metatag-og:title=(Simple .MDL: Converting Models)
metatag-og:description=(A relatively simple tutorial on converting models to .MDL)
}}
{{tag>tutorial model obj mdl zip}}
====== Simple .MDL: Converting Models ======
This guide is mainly intended for people who want to convert their old models (usually **.OBJ**) to **.MDL** and don't really care about the additional features so it only covers simple model creation. It assumes that you're using **.OBJ** files, however this method will work for any kind of model, including those with bones.

===== Requirements & Preparations =====
Before you start enable file name extensions in Windows. This is gonna help you avoid getting confused with all the different file types.

__**Windows 10**__ 
  * In **Windows Explorer** go to <span code>View</span> and check <span code>{{icon>fas fa-check-square}} File name extensions</span>.


__**Windows 11**__ 
  * In **Windows Explorer** go to <span code>View</span> -> <span code>Show ></span> and check <span code>{{icon>fas fa-check-square}} File name extensions</span>.

All required tools as well as methods of downloading and installing them are listed below.

==== Blender and Source Tools ====
Download [[https://www.blender.org/download/releases/|Blender]]((Tested with **2.83**)) and [[http://steamreview.org/BlenderSourceTools/|Blender Source Tools]] then:
  - Install **Blender**
  - Open **Blender**:
    - Go to <span code>Edit</span> -> <span code>Preferences</span> -> <span code>Add-ons</span> -> <span code>Install</span>
    - Select the <span code>blender_source_tools</span> file and click <span code>Install Add-on</span>
    - Make sure to check the box next to the add-on name and press <span code>Save Preferences</span>\\ <wrap shadow> {{tutorial:mdl:blender-setup.jpg}}</wrap>

==== Crowbar and 7-Zip ====
Download [[https://www.7-zip.org/|7-zip]] and [[https://steamcommunity.com/groups/CrowbarTool|Crowbar]] then:
  - Install **7-Zip**
  - Unpack **Crowbar** using **7-Zip**
  - Open **Crowbar** and go to the <span code>Set Up Games</span> tab
  - At the bottom, in the **Steam Library Folders** section click <span code>Browse...</span> and select your **Steam** folder ((This should be the folder that contains the **steamapps** folder, for example <span code>C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam</span>))

===== Creating .MDLs =====
==== Exporting ====
  - Open Blender and import your **.OBJ** model --- <span code>File</span> -> <span code>Import</span> -> <span code>Wavefront (.OBJ)</span>
  - Go to the **Scene** panel:
      - Set **Export Path** to the folder that you want to export the model to.
      - Set **Export Format** to <span code>SMD</span> \\  <span shadow>{{ tutorial:mdl:blender-scene-settings2.jpg }}</span>
  - Click <span code>Export</span> -> <span code>Collection.smd</span>

==== Compiling ====
Download {{ :tutorial:mdl:model.qc }} and put it in the folder where you exported the **.SMD** file, make sure that exported **.SMD** file is called <span code> Collection.smd </span> then:
  - Open **Crowbar** and go to the <span code>Compile</span> tab
  - Click <span code>Browse...</span> in the **QC input:** line and select the <span code>model.qc</span> file that you downloaded
  - Change **Output** to <span code>Subfolder</span>
  - Change **Game that has the model compiler** to <span code>Garry's Mod</span>
  - Click <span code>Compile</span> and wait for it to finish.

==== Creating a .ZIP archive ====
  - After compiling the model in **Crowbar** click <span code>Goto</span> to find the compiled model files
      - If you want to convert textures and include them in your archive, now is the time -> [[:tutorial:simple_mdl:materials]]
  - Select all the files, right click them and select <span code>7-Zip</span> -> <span code>Add to archive...</span>
  - In the new window set **Archive format** to <span code>zip</span> and **Compression level** to <span code>Store</span> then click <span code>OK</span>
  - Upload the **.ZIP** archive -> [[tutorial:hosting]]
  - Use the link in the [[:part:model]] part

And that's it.

===== Additional Information =====
You can add materials to your model once you import it into PAC -> [[:tutorial:replacing materials]]

More info about **.MDLZIP** archives -> [[:tutorial:using mdl files]]

Crowbar explained -> [[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=791755353|Crowbar (Modding Tool) Guide]]

Ask for help -> {{icon>fa fab fa-discord?color=#7289da&fw&lg}} [[https://discordapp.com/invite/utpR3gJ|Official PAC Discord]]