44 MSFS 2020 SDK TUTORIAL - SU-12 Basics of Scenery Building - Great for Beginners - Zero to Go

All basic tutorials to begin building scenery with SDK in Microsoft 2020. This information includes changes in SDK after SU-12.
Patriot Six Channel
/ @patriotsix5880
Patriot Six MSFS 2020 Scenery Group
/ 788136852324508
Patriot Six Discord
/ discord
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Video Chapters
44 MSFS 2020 SDK TUTORIAL - Basics of Scenery Building - SU-12 - Great for Beginners - Zero to Go
BASIC TUTORIALS
00:00 Video Start
00:24 Video Introduction
02:24 Downloading SDK and Samples
04:56 Set up SDK Editor Windows
06:43 The External Tools
08:23 Operating the Developer Camera
10:57 Creating a Thumbnail
13:21 Creating a Scenery folder
18:19 Building a Simple Polygon
25:23 Package competition and community folder migration
27:30 Wrap Up

[@mazeppa47]

There was a little country airport near my hometown that is now closed. I've been wanting to recreate it in MSFS because after I left the USAF in the mid-70s, I rented a 172 there and took my mother for her first airplane ride. You have inspired me to tackle that project. Thank you Sir.

[@patriotsix5880]

You'll be able to do it. Take your time. Baby steps. If you need help, feel free to reach out to me.

[@gillesodonoughue5390]

You have made what could be a difficult software to master into a very rewarding pastime. Thanks to your thorough explanations. I enjoy flying Alaska with the Kodiak 100 Amphibian. Your tutorials have helped create wonderful stopovers at different remote lakes. Keep doing what you're doing, it is a great benefit to all.

[@patriotsix5880]

Awe man. Thanks for the nice comment. I am glad I helped.

[@m.goldifischii2802]

Nice video, it was realy helpful for me to build my own project. Huge thanks!

[@patriotsix5880]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@micsan334]

Great tutorial for beginner! Got mine 1st package built up at the end of day, and it feels really good;) Thanks for this video 😎

[@patriotsix5880]

Good to hear that. Congratulations. Thanks for watching.

[@konturgestalter]

fantastic series! hope there will be more SDK content coming!

[@patriotsix5880]

Thank you.

[@bredd4123]

Absolutely great tutorial! Very easy to follow.

[@patriotsix5880]

Thank you.

[@glennmullis1477]

Thank you so much for making this video. ❤

[@patriotsix5880]

You are welcome, Glenn

[@gillesodonoughue5390]

Thanks!

[@WinZoloft]

Wow. You have a gift for communicating clearly and with extreme accuracy. I don’t think I will be applying for a job with Orbx any time soon but I got the trees out of the way of my local runway. At the risk of sounding like Zappe, that was a huge win for me!

[@patriotsix5880]

Thank you. I'm glad it helped. All I can say about my Pats is they stink right now. Hopefully, better days are ahead. But, it is unsurprising as that is how the system is designed. Amazingly, they had a run for 20 years.

[@WinZoloft]

@@patriotsix5880I am right there with you. We had it beyond good for a lot longer than we ever could have dreamed for with the Pats and our lives are richer because of it. Thank you again for your videos. I have a long way to go with learning but really, just the simple act of being able to remove trees from the approach end of my favorite airports has really transformed the experience of the sim for me. I did my second one tonight and I just cannot believe how easy you made the process. That is a gift and you really inspired me to learn more. I never would have thought I would ever be doing this stuff for myself but your videos are gold. Cheers to you and let’s hope for a couple key turnovers by KC on Sunday that enable the upset of the year! Go Pats!

[@Justme1949]

Thanks your quick response, I ment which keys you use to view the items in Windows 10 !

[@patriotsix5880]

I could not be more confused if I were born today. 🤣Do you want to look at packages, XML files, or something else? I am sorry, I am not in tune with you right now.

[@Justme1949]

Sorry for the confusion 🥴! I'll try again; when Imake a polygon and I want to put trees in it, i go to ALL > type in the search field> tree and find lots of them. As far as I know from one of your tutorials it is possible with the help of some keys to see a preview in Windows (so you know which tree you want to use). Also for buildings etc. Now i hit a tree look to the polygon and if its not what I want I select to the next one....the next one..... Hope this fine-tune 😂is ok for you @@patriotsix5880

[@eduardogranja6418]

Awesome tutorial thanks so much

[@patriotsix5880]

I just wanted to let you know that you are welcome. This should help you get the editor windows in the desired location.

[@Justme1949]

Hi Partriot, I'm happy that your tutorials turned out great for me ! So much fun and with my creativity I can do so much more with all I learned In one of the tutorials you explaned which key to use to see the scenery materials/objects in windows. I watched some of the tutorials to find the answer but there a so many....8-) So need your assistance (again), regards Charly

[@patriotsix5880]

Hi Charly. I have said a lot, so I am considering what you might be referring to. If you are referring to seeing the actual material and object windows, on the top menu, editors, select scenery editor; once you see the scenery editor, you can go to the scenery editor menu and select objects and gizmo if needed. Do you know if that answer answers the question, or are you asking about something else?

[@pablogarciamarquez7039]

Of course, in the updates there is usually some change in the routine procedures, and it is better that someone warns you and explains so that it is not a tedious change. For that I am very grateful.

[@patriotsix5880]

Thank you. I just wanted to let you know that is my intent. 😊 I can't change the past or the past videos. Unfortunately, creators do not have an edit option. The ones specifically about package building I can and do flag them as obsolete. But I can't do anything about the hundreds of times I mention older techniques. People zone in all over the playlist. All I can do is answer questions when there are issues. Those that already follow me will stay up to date.

[@dandyel1059]

@@patriotsix5880 Thanks a lot I was watching old 2 years tutorials where you at that time had to edit the simplescenery xml. I see you did everything in the developer mode what a relief. Thanks a lot, I was having a problem fallowing the other tutorial that was based on another past version sdk. Now with this sdk i see we can do mostly do everything via developer mode.

[@patriotsix5880]

@@dandyel1059 Thanks for watching. I am happy you found a newer video. Changes occur, and I try to keep up. Unfortunately, the algorithm sends people to videos with more views. I often have to direct folks to newer content. Common sense is to delete old content, but that penalizes you on KZbin. So, I try to mark older videos obsolete. Happy building.

[@dandyel1059]

@Patriot Six Thank you for making those video i just subscribe to your channel. Now i trying to join your discord . Im trying to recreate a scenery that i have my personal drone footage. Im trying to get same ground texture by removing the default one.

[@patriotsix5880]

@@dandyel1059 Thank you.

[@mikeperry2814]

Thanks for the great vids! I want to fix wrong taxiway signs at KBHM where I fly into.... Do I have to remove the existing MSFS signs with an exclude polygon 1st, and then add correct signs?

[@patriotsix5880]

Mike, edit the airport to change the taxi signs. Once you start, click on the airport object in the scenery editor, go to properties, and look for exclusions or deletions...I need help remembering the exact name, but you will figure it out. Could you check if taxi signs are not listed under exclusions? It might sound overwhelming if you have never edited an airport, but it really isn't. And if you make a mistake, it all goes away when you delete the scenery folder. If you need help, this video will get you started with the editing process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i526mnSYncqlqck It is different than creating a scenery package.

[@mikeperry2814]

@@patriotsix5880 Thanks!!

[@erlandmatz5906]

Thank you for a great basic tutorial. I will soon go forward and learn more about polygon and its strength. I just have one question.... When I watch older versions of SDK Tutorial - They the most of the time begin with the sample "Simple Scenery" But today - it is rather easy to create a new project from File / New project - or open the project window and klick Project / New Project and following the wizard. I have begin to do so and create the assetlib for BGL. Then I added a new assetlib of modellib for my models if I need to. Is there any reason that you still begin with a copy of "Simple Scenery" even if I can see that you have the new version of SDK in this video? In the other hand - I like your way with a WorkingSceneryFolder and a Completed. Thank you for your exellent videos and tutorials and I will go thru them all. // Erland

[@patriotsix5880]

You can use the method you prefer to build scenery folders. I still go with the template because it is easy and quick. So, it is simply a personal preference. Of course, if I am building an airport, I go through the Wizard. As for the videos, I used the method that seems the easiest for a beginner. I don't want folks to get frustrated. I know some folks are purists and want to use the wizard. I understand and that is fine. It is a personal choice. We all arrive at the same location in the end. Thanks for watching.

[@user-ui5rr4ke8j]

Hello, thanks for Tutorial! If I want to add a static aircraft from the FSLTE base package, do I need to download SDK and Samples and the SDK editor? Thank you!

[@patriotsix5880]

Thanks for watching. It would be best if you did precisely what I did in this tutorial to add static aircraft. Instead of adding grass and an airport mast, you will add an aircraft. You will find all aircraft models in Sim Objects. So, on the Objects window, could you make sure you select Simobjects. Then, you can search the database for the livery you want. Please ensure FSLTL models are in your community folder when you start the sim. If you have any issues, please don't hesitate to let me know. If you use Facebook, I have a Facebook group you can join. There are a lot of folks in the community besides me that can assist with questions. facebook.com/groups/788136852324508

[@user-ui5rr4ke8j]

Thanks for your quick reply! I understand that I have to install SDK and samples plus editor, even though I am not going to use any other objects then planes? I will try to follow your videos, as accurate as possible. I am just afraid of messing up the MSFS...Cheers!

[@patriotsix5880]

@@user-ui5rr4ke8jOnce you are comfortable with the basics, here is a video about adding static aircraft. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3PHaZljZZp3g7c

[@iDigStuff]

Hi I've started my first project watching your videos. Thank you for all you do. Everything is great except I'm having one issue. When I finished working for the night I saved the scenery as you show. I didn't build the project because I wasn't finished. The next day I reloaded the project to work on it and everything is there except now the ground textures are popping and changing depending on how far I'm zoomed in. This is a stock Asobo airport that I'm attempting to update. When I load in the airport is fine. When I load my scenery project the Asobo textures go away and I see straight satellite photo flat with the plane drawings on the ground. If I zoom out the textures both Asobo and my updated ones come back. Zoom in and I get satellite imagery only. Any ideas? I've tried reloading which fixed it once, and switching between both DX11 and DX12. No difference. Thanks in advance!

[@patriotsix5880]

On a side note, you could have built the package, but what you did is okay. You can develop and overwrite packages. The new build will pick up any changes. There have been times when I have been trying to remember if I built the final package and if I will create the package again. No harm. The situation you explained is normal in Developer Mode. However, there is a limit to the number of objects that will load while in developer mode using SDK. Therefore, textures take the lowest priority. Don't worry about it as long as you know the texture is there and you can see it at certain distances. All is fine. Everything will be there when you build the final package and load it in. You can edit the scenery project later if you want to make any changes. However, you should remove the package from the community folder if you go back and make edits. Having the scenery you edit also loaded in the simulator can confuse you if you remove or move objects. Did I answer your question?

[@iDigStuff]

@@patriotsix5880 Yes thank you. It ended up being just a developer camera bug it seems. As you said everything is there. I reloaded the sim and it hasn't been as much of an issue. Having a great time following along. Working on KPOC in La Verne, CA If I have further questions is this the best place to ask? Thanks for your help.

[@patriotsix5880]

@@iDigStuff Good stuff. It depends on the question. Chat is obviously limited. I do have a Facebook Group where it is easier to troubleshoot issues because we can share images. In addition, others on there also help with issues. Plus, you get to share your success story. 😊 From Facebook, you can get to Discord if you prefer. The links are in the video description. Good luck.

[@Tlg737]

The first time you open the Project Editor window around 5:36 the Default Creator and Company name are already filled in with your Patriotsix info. When I open the Editor Window The Default Creator and Company Name are Blank and Highlighted in Red to Fill in the Information. I"m not sure where you initially filled in that Info. Any help would be greatly appreciated. You videos are awesome but I missed this somewhere, Thx, Thomas

[@patriotsix5880]

So I am struggling to remember. It's been a while. it is really not imperative. You will have to enter the creator's name for the content manager for every project anyway. the only exceptions is when you build airports. I think. I stubbled upon it one day. Maybe when building an airport but I would have to go back and retrace my steps to find it. It is not important and even if you do not have the default creator name it will not hinder you in your work. When I am in the editor again, I will look and come back and report.

[@Tlg737]

@@patriotsix5880 Thanks Bud, take care

[@patriotsix5880]

@@Tlg737 I worked some tonight and was trying to remember where I rented the default creator name. Unfortunately, I did not see anything that would allow entry. I still believe I made the default during an airport build through the wizard, but I might be wrong.

[@BritishAirways609]

hi, how do I open up project again? when i open saved XML it either gives me an error or scenery editor is empty

[@patriotsix5880]

You can reopen a project by navigating to the "original scenery folder" and not the package folder. Of course, you do that from the scenery editor. I would remove the package from the community folder if you have it placed in the CF.

[@Balistic_Buddy]

Hi, I’ve managed to create the package, it’s of yeoviton rnas EGDY my package is in my community folder but how do I access it? I’ve put some hunter jets on the tarmac but when I load yeovilton they are not there?

[@patriotsix5880]

Hello BB. You should see the work if you place the package in the community folder. Here is a possibility. Maybe you put the entire scenery folder in the community folder. If that is the case, it will not work. So, open the scenery folder, and look for the "packages" folder. Open the packages folder, and you will see the package. That is what you place in the community folder, and it will work fine if you save and build the final package. If it still does not work, open it back up in the editor, make sure you save the scenery, and build the final package. If that does not work, we must go to DEFCON 5. Meaning we will need to communicate beyond KZbin chat. Good luck. P6

[@Balistic_Buddy]

Hi, Got it all sorted now, Yeovilton RNAS now lloks like an active airfield, thanks. @@patriotsix5880

[@pierrematte2455]

Do we have something special to do to update older scenery?

[@patriotsix5880]

Hello. What do you mean? I can read this a couple of ways. First, do you need to update the older scenery to work with today's MSFS? Or are you wanting to make changes to the older scenery?

[@MotoFuzzi]

Hello, how do I delete or move an object at an existing airport? I see the object in the editor but I cannot grab it or move it? I cannot find a video covering this?

[@patriotsix5880]

Hello Moto. It depends on what you want to remove. Sometimes, an Exclusion Rectangle will work by selecting all objects in the properties. What do you want removed?

[@MotoFuzzi]

@@patriotsix5880Hello, thanks for your reply. Well, it's a small airport, someone added something but I want to change it. So a building needs to be moved, two aprons added, a taxiway, some parking for GA, but also a fence need to be removed and some static airplanes. Can this be done?

[@patriotsix5880]

@@MotoFuzzi Most of this can be done. The building will be a problem. Several different processes need to be used, though. You said "someone" edited the airport. I take it that you are using a mod already. The easiest path is if you know that "someone," you can get the entire scenery folder instead of the package, edit items, and make additions. I assume you cannot access the scenery folder and must make your own. You can have overlapping scenery projects. As for the items you'd like to add, you can go through the standard process of editing the airport. For the things you want removed, try an exclusion rectangle and select all objects in the properties of the exclusion rectangle. I do not know of any way to move the building outside of having control of the complete scenery folder mentioned above.

[@Cynth72]

I cant seem to save it, whenever I press build all after saving I get PackageToolConfig Version is to low in file (got 0, expected 2). Please update the XML file to correct version and Failed to open project XML file

[@patriotsix5880]

Thanks for watching. I had never seen that error before, so I ran a Google search. The error is caused because the names do not catch within the batch. I don't know where the mistake is, but I think you deviated from the example somewhere in the process or missed a step. I can't say for sure based on limited information. Please try it again and ensure everything is as shown in the video when you name the files. Somewhere in those few steps is where the issue occurs.

[@PhillIrwin]

Can i ask a favour from you Patriot , what software do you use for your videos please?.

[@patriotsix5880]

Certainly, I use Nvidia Overlay to record and Divici Resolve to edit and finalize. Divinci has all the tools you need for editing but it does not record.

[@PhillIrwin]

Thank you ,i am trying to make some tutorials about painting from A to Z with the PMDG 737 for MSFS@@patriotsix5880

[@jimtheflea]

I am having difficulty creating polygons. The points do not stay in place as I create the polygon shape. As I move the camera position around the whole polygon moves around as if it is not being placed on the mesh, but rather it's like it is floating above the earth. When I click the mouse to place a point, the point is not even placed at the tip of the mouse pointer. This just starting happening a few weeks ago. I even tried reinstalling the SDK, but that didn't fix it. Any idea what could be causing this?

[@patriotsix5880]

I have noticed that the polygon points do not sit on the ground but hover above. Perspective plays a role. If precision is required, the best vantage point is directly over the point. However, after the polygon is built, you can tick on individual points and fine-tune the polygon. Lastly, if you work in a dynamic location with mountains and valleys, the polygon points will become challenging to control. They may not sit where you want them to sit. So, you have to work around that issue as best you can. Outside of that, I have no other hits. I suspect there is nothing wrong with SDK, but it is a matter of learning the quirks of polygons. Good luck, and please keep me posted.

[@jimtheflea]

@@patriotsix5880 I've never noticed this parallax effect at all for the past 2 years up to last December, when I took a hiatus from scenery design. It was not till I got back into it and loaded 1.21 SDK that it became nearly unusable. I had created a parking lot texture poly and got it into what appeared the correct location, but after compiling the file the whole thing was nearly 5 meters off position. I ended up moving the poly one point at a time (very time consuming) to get everything corrected. However... with the release yesterday of SDK 1.22 I tried a quick polygon test creation and it appeared to be working correctly now, so I'm going to give it a try today on a larger project. I must say that your videos and tutorials are excellent and well thought out. Unlike other content providers, you don't "talk over the head" of your viewers. I'm a subscriber!

[@patriotsix5880]

@@jimtheflea Thanks friend.

[@DanMorera]

When I click the open in editor for the BGL MSFS Crashes

[@patriotsix5880]

Thanks for watching. Every PC and setup is unique, so I don't know the answer. If you have yet to reinstall SDK, I will try that first, if you don't mind. Also, my system does not like DirectX-12. I crash on 12. So, if you are using DX12, you can try 11. Those two things are all I can think of at the moment. If that does not help, it will require research and see what other ideas others have found. You can search on FSDeveloprs web site and find other possibilities.

[@DanMorera]

@@patriotsix5880 thanks, I'll let you know just trying to fix one airport at my home country which was done as a dirt strip by msfs .

[@charlielong3476]

Trying to put some grass in an area that has a bunch of "flat" aircraft that seem to be part of the grass itself. I get as far as the final "Save Scenery" where, in the video, nothing untoward happens, and I get a "Save" window asking me to enter a file name. File type: "Scenery Files." I have no idea what it's looking for. Any suggestions as to why?

[@patriotsix5880]

My guess would be thescenery folder type you are using. Are you using a simplescenery sample folder?

[@charlielong3476]

Yes. I laboriously hard-copied the instructions from the video and followed them to the letter. Or so I thought. I've tried it four or five times. Sometimes, I don't get that "Save" window (as per the video) and sometimes, when I'm closing windows at the end (prior to closing FS and copying the package to the Community folder) I get a "Save project before closing?" warning. But, in every case, when I restart the sim, the area where I established the polygon is unchanged. Obviously I'm doing something wrong relative to the polygon because I've been able to create static aircraft on the same airport with no problem. Really appreciate your help. The video is well done and easy to follow. I'm just too inexperienced to figure out what I'm messing up!

[@patriotsix5880]

@@charlielong3476 Charlie, there are three steps to break it down to the simplest explanation. Build the initial package, add objects, save objects, and build the final package. You see static aircraft, so you have the concept down. If you edit a package you have already made, the process changes, and you may see different things you are explaining. I am speculating because I am not with you when you work. I am thinking about what you know, what you describe. That is what comes to my mind. This video is based upon one package, one attempt. I discuss editing the completed package in this video. The behavior is different when you change a scenery package. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZXbap-ilL9sjac Let's talk about the missing textures. There is only so much help I can give in KZbin comments. We are limited to words only. If you want, you can just email the entire scenery folder to me along with an ICAO code, and I can look at the work to see if I can figure out what is wrong. [e-mail].

[@charlielong3476]

Thanks so much for the response and advice. Late this afternoon, after multiple attempts, it finally worked! I think my procedure was breaking down at the point where you have to save the scenery, then build the package. Either that or in structuring the hierarchy of folders. Somewhere in there I must have done something in the wrong order or perhaps left out a step. At any rate, I'm encouraged to keep trying. My current frustration is accessing the myriad of sim objects that are purported to be available, but which I haven't uncovered yet. I'm sure it will become clearer as I make my way through your other tutorials. Again, thanks for your help!

[@patriotsix5880]

@@charlielong3476 Very good. Sim objects are, of course, in simobjects. Both sim objects and scenery objects are based on your library. It will only be available if you use the Addon Linker and have specific scenery linked in. As a consequence, I keep specific scenery folders in the CF at all times. I have a folder named Global Objects. They stay linked in the CF for use on projects. Also, payware objects are available. All of this is subjective to the user and their unique library. If you do not use the Addon Linker, all your libraries will always be available. Like everything else you have learned, it gets easier with practice.

[@Imperial-Brickstudios]

i dont have the local cache

[@patriotsix5880]

Thanks for watching. What does that mean to you? I don't understand the comment. You don't have to use a cache. It is optional. Is there something in the video that you are talking about?

[@johndavenport1894]

Well I was able to precisely follow up till adding a simple polygon. The Add button is dead and nothing happens when it is clicked. The scenery editor window kinda blinks, but that's it. Edit to edit: Was missing company name in project editor. Wait a way to hold up progress Edit Edit Edit: It fooled me. It let me start the polygon process, but couldn't add any anchor points. Tried adding a parked aircraft, but then couldn't make it go away. Sheesh, this editor is wonkier than Bethesda's creation kit...

[@patriotsix5880]

Ha! It can be clunky, but I have yet to experience some of the things you describe. However, I have experienced static aircraft that want to stay. You can go to the scenery editor window and type the aircraft name in the search bar. This will allow you to select the plane and delete or edit it.

[@johndavenport1894]

It's definitely clunky lol For me, I have to have the 'one-click placement' box checked to place anything, then unchecked to manipulate anything. Still no luck with the polygons, though. Nevertheless, consider me subscribed. I'm gonna need your videos to accomplish my goals! 8)@@patriotsix5880

[@Flamer584]

I have clicked on your Discord link, but I cannot see any Text Channels. How do I access your Discord channel?

[@patriotsix5880]

Yea, for some reason, I need help with the Discord link. Unfortunately, it is a timed link. I will try another for you. The one on the FaceBook Group page always works. Try this. discord.gg/HwpASMxD

[@jimtheflea]

Your Discord link only brings up a message saying " NO TEXT CHANNELS"

[@patriotsix5880]

For some reason, I suck at the Discord URL. I will copy the one directly from the Facebook group; hopefully, it works. facebook.com/groups/788136852324508/permalink/915830752888450/

[@jimtheflea]

@@patriotsix5880 That worked! Just joined... thanks!

[@mikaellachiriboga2223]

Hi, the vid stops at 9:02

[@patriotsix5880]

Hello. Thank you for the critique. It does not stop for me. Perhaps somebody else may respond. I will watch the comments.

[@pierrematte2455]

Ok here!