How to: Import a Model

How to: Import a Model
By Archian

This tutorial deals with old school basics, and even more!

Importing models into the World Editor is not a tough/coarse-process (as some people make it seem), it's rather easy and shouldn't be too hard to learn. Although in some unfortunate siturations, people unnecessarily makes it harder for themselves in their ignorance, which causes them to ask periodic questions over and over again. To avoid some of these issues, I recommend that you don't just quickly skim through this tutorial but that you read it carefully. Click the images for larger versions.

So, import the model as follows:

In order to import a model, you must first have a model to import (get back!? u serious?!)
For this tutorial, I'm going to demonstrate how to import a model by implementing jigraels' Demon Knight:


-- This model is most brilliant and is definitely worth the download :)

Download it, and extract the files into a folder.



The import manager allows importation of any type of file to be used in the map, such as custom models, skins, icons, images, sounds, or music.
Too many imports can drastically lower download and load time. This feature should be only used for small files, as for example, a 3 minute song can make the file very large to download or even unable to download.

Choose the Module | Import Manager (F12), or click the Import Manager button:




To import a file, choose the File | Import file... command or press Ctrl+I or click the import file button:



It will show you a typical open file dialog. Browse through your files and find the .mdx model file and select it.


If you imported the Demon Knight correctly, you should be able to see a file list similar to this one:




It's crucial that the custom path is correct. If the path is incorrect or invalid, the model, skin, or icon etc. wont appear.
However, usually the author includes the custom path along with the model, skin etc.
Here at this site, it's stated in the Submission Requirements (by Tim.) for a skin to be apporved:
And in this case, jigrael took a screenshot of the file list of the imported files. A rather untraditional method if you ask me, but it will do :)
I'll just state them bellow:

To edit the custom path you must locate the file properties, by simply:

• Double click a file on the list
• OR, right click a selected file in the list and choose the "Modify File Properties...":
  
  

Check the box "Use custom path" so you can modify the path:





Then type the correct path in the text field, and click on the OK button:




When all the paths have been adjusted, I have a file list which looks like this:



Save the map. After saving the map the World Editor has loaded the custom created model properly.
Thus, your model should now appear in the editor and in game :)



If the author has not supplied the paths for any custom skins and if your own attempt(s) didn't work out, then here's a few ways to find it:

1. Open the .MDX file in Notepad.
2. Click on the "Edit" in the menu, then click on the "Find" command or press Ctrl+F, to find the textures.
3. If you use Find, type in "textures" or "tex".
4. It will find the textures section, select the path and copy/paste it into the import manager.

Below, I've stated some of the problems that might occur when a model has been imported.


If a model just stands still or doesn't decay after being killed (for example): that's most likely because the model has a lack of animations.
You'd have to contact the author in that case, or if you know how to animate then you could animate it yourself.

Hopefully Mike replaces the one currently approved with this one

-Av3n

I like the free advertising of Jigrael's model. Good tutorial BTW :)

Why thank you ^^

Since there wasn't really any "good" tutorial (no offense) which taught people how to import models successfully (describing playable ingame) into the World Editor, I thought it was about time (although it's rather late considering it's the last years of War3 Modding) that someone made one

However, I wont be surprised if several people sends me Private Messages or post in this thread if they either misunderstood something, or if they simply ask questions due to laziness...

Anyway, as i state in the first post, more content will be added.
For instance, how to find a models' respective paths with programs like Warcraft 3 Viewer and Notepad ^^

Really good!
+ Rep!

Why thank you, kind sir.

So, erm? PitzerMike, the tutorials needs your attention!

ehrm... Closing the editor after saving its not necessary when importing stuff... you just need to save.

"Ah!" - enlightened Jack Sparrow voice...

Probably something that I should include, no? ^_^'

Arr, very nice work.
The existing importing tut will be replaced with this.

Just have a few days patience. The front-page is currently filled with newly approved tutorials, and before approving more, I want them to get some attention.

Right. I demand compensation! :P

Nice job Archian! I submitted one to the Hive and thought I'd submit it here, but I was beat to the post.

hi. i've done everything you said to do to import the model, with the death knight, but it doesn't come up . its not even there. any help?

WTS Spell checker.

i did spell check and it's fine

hey =P whats wrong with mine ^^