P3D

Arma 3 model LOD setup

This section aims to explain how to set up objects in a Blender scene for export to P3D.

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LODs

Main LOD object

A LOD is defined by an object set to be a P3D LOD.

This object specifies the LOD type, resolution (if applicable) and named properties of the LOD. For more information, see the LOD properties page.

The LOD object defines the coordinate system of the P3D. The export happens with coordinates relative to the object origin (not considering scaling). It is recommended to always apply the world space transformations of the object before or during export.

A LOD object must not have a parent object.

Conflicting LOD types are not checked during export.

Sub-objects

While sub-objects are not a necessity, the add-on provides this feature to allow better organization of mesh sections if needed.

A sub-object is essentially an arbitrary mesh object parented to the LOD object. Sub-objects can have any new materials, modifiers, vertex groups defined on them, the data does not have to match the LOD object.

During export, the sub-objects are merged into the LOD object.

Sub-objects should not have the Is P3D LOD property turned on.

Proxies

Proxies are very similar to sub-objects. They must be parented to the LOD object (proxies cannot be merged into the LOD object like in the ArmaToolbox workflow as that would cause the loss of proxy data).

Proxies can only be created through the 3D View >> Add >> Arma 3 Proxy menu option.

Proxy objects define the proxy paths and indices. For more information, see the proxy properties page.

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Materials

Material data can be set through the use of Blender materials. The materials hold special properties to define textures and RVMATs. For more information, see the material properties page.

As with any Blender material, multiple objects can have the same material applied to them. This makes it easier to make changes to materials when necessary.

Alpha order and sections

Alpha ordering of faces is important when dealing with translucent materials, and it's closely related to the issue of sections in a P3D LOD.

You can read further about sections on this dedicated page, where the issue is described in detail.

Alpha order can be set through the order of materials. If the Sort Sections option is enabled during P3D export, the faces belonging to the 1st material will be exported first, then faces belonging to the 2nd material and so on. In practice this means that translucent materials need to come after opaque materials in the materials list.

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Named Selections

Named selections can be defined as vertex groups.

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Vertex Masses

The vertex masses for geometry LODs can be edited with the Vertex Mass Editing tool.

Vertex and face flag groups

Flag groups can be used to influence the rendering properties of faces and vertices. They are barely used in most models, but access to them is provided regardless. For more information, see the flag groups page.

To achieve a shading consistent between Blender and Arma 3, set the Normals option in the default vertex flag group to Fixed.