[TUTORIAL] Taking the best possible map screenshots

Need to take some screenshots to show off your map? Sure, everyone knows that you can just go into TF2 and press F5 to take a screenshot, but that won't give you any professional-looking results. Let me guide you to taking the best possible screenshots!

1. Position yourself
First of all, taking screenshots from ground level is often not sufficient, as that angle tends to not show off layouts and areas very well. To be able to "fly", make sure you're in a private server (Create Server on the main menu), then open the console and type sv_cheats 1. This turns cheats on, allowing you to toggle the noclip ("flying") mode by typing noclip in console.

2. Take JPEG picures
Normally, screens are saved in TGA format, which is not very convenient because it's not a format that most browsers support. To take JPEG pictures, input bind f5 "jpeg" in the console - this binds the F5 key to taking JPEG shots. You might want to increase the screenshot quality too, which you can do by inputting jpeg_quality x in the console. 100 is the max, and I believe 90 is the default.
PS: If you want to convert a TGA to another format, use IrfanView.

3. Remove obstructions
Never ever leave in screen overlays (The HUD or weapon models), it leaves a terrible first impression. To remove your weapon model, type r_drawviewmodel 0. The HUD can be removed by using the command cl_drawhud 0. Substitute 0 for 1 to turn either of these back on again.

4. Optional: Get rid of the fog
Skip this if you're taking normal screenshots. However, overhead shots (to show off your layout) can be ruined by the presence of fog. Type fog_override 1 and fog_enable 0 in console to disable it. Switch the 1 for a 0 and vice versa to turn it back on.

5. Max out your graphics
Don't take screenshots with really low settings - it gives a terrible impression. Turn every graphics setting to the absolute max if you can. Anti-aliasing is very important. It doesn't matter if it makes you lag, since all you're going to do is take a still frame screenshot.

6. Take screenshots
Press F5, or whatever your screenshot key is. Some guidelines: Take screenshots of the major gameplay areas (Control Points, other large fighting areas, Intel Rooms). An overhead shot can be good as well. If you really want to go all out, try taking a screenshot of some gameplay in action on your map.

7. Find your screenshots
By default, they should all be in Program Files\Steam\steamapps\(Steam name)\team fortress 2\tf\screenshots.

8. Upload them
TF2Maps allows you to upload screenshots directly to the thread while creating it, which I recommend you use. When you want to show off WIPs or something, I recommend Dropbox, which lets you upload and link your images (and other files) through a folder on your computer rather than their website. There's a good reason most members of this site use it. Imgur is also good for its simplicity, speed and short links. Finally, zShare is a great tool for taking screenshots and automatically upload them to a website or your Dropbox folder, which allows you to circumvent the whole thing with going into your tf folder to find the screenshots.

 

flickr also works well for screenshots.

 

I just go spectator, noclip, cl_drawhud 0, and use FRAPS to take my screenies.

 

Oh yes, and don't forget to enable antialiashing! Big Screenshots looks very bad with disabled AA

 

Please add this in the front:

1. Turn your settings up: Full AA, full antiwatsitfiltering, highest texture settings etc, since you're not paying the game it doesn't matter if your frame rate hits decimals and a screenshot without AA really makes your map look like crap compared to the same screenshot with AA! No excuses!

 

I prefer to take screenshot as TGAs then convert them simply because the quality of JPEGs taken in Source is horrible.

Resize your images!

If your images are taken at a high resolution then make sure you resize them to something more suitable like 1280 x 800! Not only does it reduce the file size and decrease the amount of time it takes to download the image but it also makes your screenshots look alot sharper.

 

Simple, simple...

 

jpeg_quality 100 solves that problem.

 

taking fog-free overview shots when you have fog in you map:
fog_override 1
fog_enable 0

 

Theres another command for that aswell, something like r_mapoverview or something, then you just play with the number at the end until you can see your entire map, it removes the perspective as well.

 

Here's from the sdk docs:

http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Level_Overviews


This is more intended for making minimaps in CS and DODS, but still has some useful additions.

 

The overview shot thing is a bit too in-depth I think, but I've included the other tips. Thanks, all!

 

n-n-n-necro!!!

good stuff here for anyone who needs help with screenies for a particular mapping contest going on...

 

I run in max settings all the time

 

I just updated this to clarify a bit, not to mention a bump could be useful now that a new detailing contest has started.

 

It's quoted in the rules section, I believe.

 

Wow, nice one. I mean it all is (or should be) obvious stuff but as I read through it I kept saying to myself "Oh f***, I forgot that last time..."

 

also adding the command mat_picmip -10 will drastically improve model textures

 

Anyone have any success (or failure) stories with Point_devshot_camera?

If I could auto-magically make it snap to my position/orientation in hammer, maybe I'd use it, but...

 

It looks like a launch command which is quite strange. Hmmm.