Can't pack files

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Werewolf

Probably not a real Werewolf
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Apr 12, 2011
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I have been trying to pack the custom textures, models and cubemaps for my map, but nothing fully works. In each case I have fully compiled the map (which has no errors), built cubemaps following Cameron:D's "Cubemaps - What and how" guide

I've then been trying to pack the files with each of the below programs on different attempts, then copying the packed .bsp file over to my laptop to test it
  • VIDE - Seems to only save textures. Cubemaps and models do not get packed
  • Packbsp - This used to work for me before the SteamPipe update, now it won't find the GameInfo for me to even tell it what file to pack for
  • Map Analyst - This is a confusing mess I can't figure out how to use
  • Pakrat - Same as PackBsp, does not let me specify a map
  • BspZipGui - This packs TOO much into the bsp, like its trying to pack everything in my materials folder regardless of if they have been used or not. One attempt saw my 16mb map grow to 108mb

I don't really mind which method, whatever works will do. But could someone help me get ANY of them to pack everything properly?
 

xzzy

aa
Jan 30, 2010
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531
VIDE does work, I know several of us around here are using it with success.

You just have to remember when you're using the pakfile lump editor you have to point it at the "tf" directory or it won't pick up custom assets. The program doesn't seem able to read the VPROJECT environment variable to set things up automatically.
 

wareya

L420: High Member
Jun 17, 2012
493
191
bspzipgui isn't smart. it doesn't determine what is or isn't in your map, at all. it just packs everything that you tell it to. if you make separate custom folders for different maps you can use it very easily.
 

Werewolf

Probably not a real Werewolf
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Apr 12, 2011
873
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VIDE does work, I know several of us around here are using it with success.

You just have to remember when you're using the pakfile lump editor you have to point it at the "tf" directory or it won't pick up custom assets. The program doesn't seem able to read the VPROJECT environment variable to set things up automatically.
It already was set to the Steam/SteamApps/common/Team Fortress 2/tf folder, it just won't pack my cubemaps or models. And yes, I have checked they are in there!
 

Werewolf

Probably not a real Werewolf
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Apr 12, 2011
873
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bspzipgui isn't smart. it doesn't determine what is or isn't in your map, at all. it just packs everything that you tell it to. if you make separate custom folders for different maps you can use it very easily.
I had pointed it to Steam/SteamApps/common/Team Fortress 2/tf and a specific one for just this map, but I have models that are in other folders.
Do I have to do it folder by folder or something?
 
Mar 23, 2013
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Werewolf [UK];297723 said:
It already was set to the Steam/SteamApps/common/Team Fortress 2/tf folder, it just won't pack my cubemaps or models. And yes, I have checked they are in there!

All you have to change at the scan path is your username to "common". nothing else. Check that your models are in tf/models and not in tf/download/models or tf/custom/...
 

henke37

aa
Sep 23, 2011
2,075
515
I just use bspzip with a handwritten pack list. More control, more automation once done, no faulty scanning algorithms (but no correct ones either).
 

henke37

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Sep 23, 2011
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  1. Switch to advanced build in hammer
  2. Write a list of files to pack in your favorite text editor
  3. Add a step where bspzip is run
  4. ?
  5. Profit!
 

Werewolf

Probably not a real Werewolf
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Apr 12, 2011
873
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  1. Switch to advanced build in hammer
  2. Write a list of files to pack in your favorite text editor
  3. Add a step where bspzip is run
  4. ?
  5. Profit!

And where exactly do I save that .txt file? I am a total noob combiling in expert mode so would not know how to add the BSPZIP bit or tell it where to look for the .txt file
 

Werewolf

Probably not a real Werewolf
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Apr 12, 2011
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Would it really be too much trouble for someone to write a detailed guide, something on a par with this guide or this one?

Yes, I have googled for others, and I have found a couple that might be OK, but many are just simple "1,2,3, done" with no examples!

Pictures never hurt!
 

henke37

aa
Sep 23, 2011
2,075
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You get to choose where to put it. This since you have to specify its location in the step to run bspzip.
You could use the placeholder variables to make it the same folder as the vmf.
 

Werewolf

Probably not a real Werewolf
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Apr 12, 2011
873
309
Well, today I managed to get VIDE to pack just models, then pack textures. Both times I was trying to pack both at the same time.

If I can figure out what I did for both, I will try packing the same file several times, to see if I can pack them in type by type.

Still, whole thing should just pack everything on the first go.

OR, someone tell me how to get PackBSP working again!
 

obsidiian

L1: Registered
Jul 6, 2013
40
5
I really need something that works, has anybody packed a map with custom content in the last month? I can't get VIDE to work.
 

Freyja

aa
Jul 31, 2009
2,994
5,813
I simply use pakrat, manually packing model textures. Only program that has been always reliable for me.
 

Werewolf

Probably not a real Werewolf
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Apr 12, 2011
873
309
I simply use pakrat, manually packing model textures. Only program that has been always reliable for me.
I've now tried manually packing model files in both PacBsp and BspZipGui, both increase the size of the map file from 18mb to 34mb, but NEITHER works.

I've even tried to rule out whether its my testing laptop (an old laptop with just TF2 installed, no custom content at all) that's at vault by sending copies of the map to a friend, and each time he reports missing models.

I'm banging my head on a wall with this now, WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING WRONG?!

I have the latest version of every single program mentioned so far. I have followed every fucking guide to the letter.

Sorry for the language but this is stupid and frustrating. :cursing: :angry:
 

xzzy

aa
Jan 30, 2010
815
531
I would suggest reading up on bspzip and how to pack files with it.

I know everyone pinches their nose at command line tools these days, but in this case it would probably help you to figure out what's going on. If you have a path wrong or something not in the right spot bspzip will probably print an error message that you can use to trace what's wrong.