SFM Tutorial: Make a Forest with Particles

[@korvameister5874]

This video is 9 years old and I constantly find myself coming back to this if I ever get lost with the particle systems, this is an amazing video and I'm to the point of downloading it so I have all of the information you have on-hand much quicker. I'm glad to see you are still doing some really awesome animations still to this today.

[@taikottai]

This is awesome. This decreases the time spent on forests and the need for computer capacity tenfold! I will use this nonstop from now on

[@AdamKnightMadude]

Yay! I've been waiting for a tutorial addressing particles as a whole! I know there are many other tutorials out there teaching others how to use particles, but Argodaemon is no doubt my favourite tutorialist. Thanks man, Pony on.

[@theprotector6923]

despite me not being a brony, and me disliking some of the brony community (meaning the ones that shove it down your throat, i actually really dont mind the nice bronies at all) i must say i really find your SFM art beautiful and you are clearly talented. I thank you for your time to make these videos and you have helped me a LOT. Once again, thank you so much!

[@argodaemon]

The Protector Thanks and your welcome! :D Glad to be of assistance. ^^

[@ZackAttack7492]

As much as I really hate the pony fandom, you really do the best tutorials Keep it up!

[@adamata64]

Tree Spam is best spam!

[@EpicLPer]

Since SFMBox doesn't exist anymore the link is down too. Anyway, if you guys still want the "Tree and Grass Pack" you can download it directly from here (yes, this is my own domain, no scam or anything else): dl.epiclper.at/public/foliageset.zip

[@Internet_Knight]

I'm not getting any textures when I load it in, just the error textures.

[@EpicLPer]

***** Whoops, yeah I made some structural changes on my storage. Here: dl.epiclper.at/public/foliageset.zip

[@constantus_]

EpicLPer I still just get the big error signs

[@monmonstartv5159]

EpicLPer EpicLPer you never cease to amaze! thanks!

[@Kimarnic]

+EpicLPer is dead...

[@ZachariahScott]

I was going to make a tutorial for this, but you did a better job! good stuff!

[@argodaemon]

I only know what I do about particles due to watching your tutorials and learning the fundamentals. They took me from confused to excited to mess with them more. I, and I know many others, owe you a lot. Thanks!

[@MyNokiaRules]

Argodaemon Aw it's like when you first interacted with me Only you didn't act like a jackass in front of the man who inspired you Proud of you son

[@MyNokiaRules]

What's this plus bullshit help me

[@brenda0823_]

Are you a brony zack?

[@MyNokiaRules]

zach run

[@sonario6489]

Reminder: Valve broke lighting particles, sooo you have to spawn each model manually and light them all individually. Which might actually be more useful if you're doing realistic lighting

[@Novacrazy_]

By the way, it takes a while to save the particles because of the perforce feature in SFM, which [edit] I'm not sure what it does, but I think it preloads models commonly used. To disable that, add -nop4 to the SFM startup options, which disables perforce. After that, SFM works faster and particles save instantly.

[@argodaemon]

I will give that a shot! Thanks!

[@PacificPenguin]

really awesome tutorial considering how confusing particles are...

[@RaptorNX01]

Fair warning, trying to do this when you plan to have the particle move, has, shall we say, unforseen consequences. For example, they won't conform to terrain when moving forward, bit will when you scrub backwards. You need to select movement place on ground. they also only move UP objects when they feel like it.

[@EpicLPer]

THIS will help me so much. Also: Up to Pony SFM with that!

[@ciarrawansley8511]

i'm still learning about sfm but, this is very helpful thank you kind sir

[@SheathEntertainment]

I have a question, I've seen in Valve's earlier demos of Half Life 2 and in the Dark Interval Mod where they spawned an army of walking Combine Soldiers, that used only one Combine Soldier model's reference and then copied it into rows of soldiers as a particle. If I wanted to make Combine Army of walking soldiers as a particle so it doesn't lag or eat up SFM's memory copying all those models, how would I do that?

[@KenDoStudios]

what i wana know is , where do i get a barren hill map?

[@ZeroStas]

Great thanks, can't describe how many thanks I giving right now X3

[@crazyadam97]

This will really help me in my 3D modeling school classes. Thanks! Also ponies! :3

[@SyndarNailo]

I have one problem with particle tool, when i create new one and click on "save as..." source filmmaker simply crash at desktop without error message... this is frustrating.

[@lol54222]

Hey I really like your tutorials and all the other stuff you have done but I really would like to ask: what is that music in the background? I know it from somewhere but I can't remember. Could you tell me the Name of it :3

[@The4thaggie]

Argo, could you make a few more particle tutorials (Particularly on rain/snow)? I didn't know how powerful they were. Thanks!

[@Potatosayno]

How do you make the particle rotate with the ground like you did with the grass?, I'm trying the CS:GO grass but sometimes it just floats and when i turn the offest down everything goes down with it, leaving me with only 1 out of 100 particles.

[@Xiron88]

Thanks a lot for the tutorial Argodaemon, it was really detailed and helpful!

[@TheDogofTin]

I've been using SFM since 2012...Why didn't I know about this?!

[@rarifruit3388]

hey when u download a map how do u put it in sfm cus i don't know where to go so i can use it on sfm

[@sonario6489]

Do you think you could do a beach and/or ocean? There are no good beach maps.

[@Layston]

How do you light up the particles like that? Sometimes the models spawned by the particles system just appear black. Any solution for that?

[@argodaemon]

Nadim B Ab Lighting models created like this can be a huge headache or just plain impossible. It is why I use it only as a last resort and in specific situations. Best method is to just have the models light themselves using selfillum or unlitgeneric.

[@Layston]

Alright. Thanks for the repsone!

[@slaamyen4175]

i have a problem every time i put the emit instantly the tree model does not come up what do i do :C

[@huskygunslinger5636]

Can You Do The Same Thing With The Grass But With Snow? Please Answer This, I'm Trying To Make An Animation But It Wont Look Good Without Snow...

[@KingDispenser]

I'm not sure you can do snow, but you can take this map into Hammer and and re-texture it to look like a snow map

[@PrinceEverfree]

Do you think it would be possible to make a crowd and have them move in a similar way, using this and the method used in the "wind effects" video? An example of what I am asking is how everypony reacted similarly at the Summer Sun Celebration.

[@argodaemon]

The models can not (that I know of) have animation unless it is a pre-built sequence attached to the model (like the TF2 models have). The MLP models to not have such.

[@ILikePizza555]

Argodaemon I believe that through some coding, you can make custom particle emmiters, operators, renders, etc. That could allow for something like that. But that will only work if you code a hl2 mod, I don't know if Souce Filmmaker allows for using custom code.

[@RaptorNX01]

Argodaemon even the prebuilt animations are limited only the animations you see in the model viewer. not sequences. there IS an option for manual transform control but I honestly have no idea how to make it work. or even if it's the one we'd need.

[@TheShadowgirlaa12]

Where do you download to create the SMF?..can you show me website please?!

[@ahshle08]

SFM can be downloaded on steam, but first, you need to make an account there.

[@thomcros5735]

Awesome tutorial. I gotta ask you though...my particles are ending up pitch black. Saw you commented that there isn't any fix, but I figured I'd ask again in case you either figured something out or have any advice. Seems like any item I pick turns out black. Is it lighting? There's gotta be a way to fix this...

[@dezzyd117]

ohow do you make the map ground i get the Particles but how do you actually make the ground i cant figure it out

[@warriorsaudio]

What program you use for this? Looks nice!

[@warriorsaudio]

Oh, Thanks!

[@skurr]

for the foilage pack the link is dead

[@ser2al12345]

How do you get the ponies ? (All of them)

[@Pikachufan134]

What grass model do you use?

[@lobsterboywonder]

can i light these? or does it have to be like this?

[@vocalstrike]

How do you get the models?

[@Loco11ful]

i-love-your-tutorial

[@Loco11ful]

Greetings from Argentina

[@rodmongodwood]

so i assume to get the EP2 models in SFM i need to install and run HL2 and EP2? since i cant select them in the search path option (EP2 is not there)

[@argodaemon]

rodmongodwood You have to actually copy the game directly to the SFM folder and add the game to the gameinfo.txt file in the usermod folder. Be sure you have plenty of harddrive space lol.

[@rodmongodwood]

Argodaemon will try that thanks. i do have plenty of space ;) i just don't understand why they didn't include all of their games.....

[@argodaemon]

rodmongodwood Because many of them cost money. Giving you the free content would be strange. You can get some of L4D, Portal and such as a free DLC (check the DLC tab in the SFM Properties screen on Stream).

[@Alyxus]

Help, I have the tree particles, but when I make another particle set, and make it grass for example, the trees from the other particle set goes into grass too T-T

[@argodaemon]

If you had copy/pasted the particle and changed it, they sometimes stay "linked" and have to be instanced separately. Right-click the new particle and open it in the Element Viewer (it is one of the dropdowns). In the Element Viewer, you need to right click the parent item (at the very top) and right-click it. Towards the bottom, there should be the option for instancing that specific particle again.

[@Alyxus]

Argodaemon Thx :D

[@Potatosayno]

Did you make the grass?

[@Freakyracer91]

can someone give me the link to the trees the one in the description doesn't work also is there a way to get a download of the tree and grass particles pre-built if you can thanks

[@argodaemon]

The website that used to host the foliage pack went down a while back. There is no other source for it that I know of. :(

[@Freakyracer91]

ok thanks

[@erccdang]

Everytime I use particles to create objects Trees/grass etc... They always show up as black, lights have no effect on them even when directly being shined on. How to I actually make them look like trees?

[@argodaemon]

Cj J Lighting and particles do not always interact correctly. If the particle creates the particle under the ground, it may think the entire model is underground and be black. Also, it is just immensely random on when it works and doesn't work. It is the only downside to using particles like this. After much testing, I haven't found a for-sure way to fix it. :(

[@JamieGMB]

what map is this?

[@argodaemon]

sfmbox.com/mega-desert/ It comes with a variant that is textured green.

[@JamieGMB]

Argodaemon Thanks Alot , its just what I need!

[@Crim720]

Argodaemon Thanks! O_O

[@ashdenty6089]

I tried downloading the map from the link in the description but it wont download

[@ahshle08]

Did you sign into your Steam account?

[@amenojeno6674]

Hey there, Argodaemon, does this still work for you? I tried to do something similar now, and it seems whatever I try, the particle models don't get lit by dynamic lights, only the lights that are part of the map. They do cast shadows from dynamic lights though.

[@argodaemon]

Particle models interact very poorly with lighting. I tend to just use methods like this if I have no other choice due to how annoying it can be to fix. :(

[@amenojeno6674]

Argodaemon alright, thanks, you can ignore my question on deviantart then ^.^

[@amenojeno6674]

Argodaemon altho, I wonder, what do you mean by how annoying it can be to fix? sounds like you're implying there exists a way to fix it? cause I read somewhere that particle model lighting was broken in a very old SFM update, but I switched my SFM to the oldest version available, and they still don't work. :(

[@argodaemon]

ameno jeno It is more trial and error then a science. It is also very inconsistent, with your fixes ending up later to have been nulled. Just try moving the particle and lights around, or even creating new lights in some places. It is very strange.

[@shutdp]

Just a little question.. About the grass models you used, is it a Source game one or custom one? If custom, did you make it yourself? I found just an HL2 model which is quite bad, so I tried with Estranged: Act 1 models and I managed to use just one of them (SFM finds just that one even if there are more in its folder) but it's not as good as the one you used. Thanks in advance :)

[@argodaemon]

The grass models were in a foliage pack from SFMbox, which doesn't exist anymore. :(

[@shutdp]

Argodaemon Damn, I miss that site D: I downloaded a few foliage packs last month but I don't remember if it was from sfmbox or garrysmod.org, I had to remove one because of missing textures, and I don't feel like increasing the size of SFM folder with game content just for a few trees (20GB are already too much for this HDD). I tried with RNL Foliage pack and found a nice grass model, but not as the one you used. Well, it's better than nothing. If only I could manage to use 'Estranged: Act 1' maps it would help me a lot, but I get untextured ground (I just see the wireframe of it) and the water is just a black texture.. Since I can access to the original vmf files I can open them in Hammer, so maybe recompiling them could solve the problem. I just can't with this computer, since it would take too much time. I really need a new computer D: Anyway I found a little problem with this metod, the particles produce no shadows. I don't know if there's a specific property for that, I may look into it, but it could be a bit of a problem sometimes.. Anyway, as always, thank you for the tutorial :D

[@argodaemon]

shutdp There is a link in the description on how it can be modified to allow shadows. Do know that it can really start killing your FPS.

[@shutdp]

Argodaemon Oh sorry I didn't see it (I didn't even receive anything about your answer this time) D: My fps are already dead, so why not killing them more? lol Well, that's what happens with Intel HD Grapichs magic. Low fps in everything, aside from 10 years old games.. I really need a new pc, if only I could buy it.. I already have the rig ready, I just need to convince my parents to let me buy it (quite impossible).

[@callumking4581]

Is there an alternate link for the extra foliage? because sfm box has been shut down.

[@argodaemon]

Sire Doge Not really. I was working to put the models out myself in the mean time, but never got around to it. :(

[@callumking4581]

Argodaemon That's fine I found out hl2 has some pretty good foliage so I'll start extracting that.

[@FlutterBlaze]

+Alienated Donated Spicy Creamy Memes Oh, I thought sfm box isn't opening because of my dumb laptop XD

[@HANCHANs]

Have you gotten around to ut yet?

[@ashdenty6089]

which map do you use to start with

[@ahshle08]

Any map works with this. As long as it's empty.

[@Dan-lu5qd]

Argo what did you use to make this like what app or thing

[@Dan-lu5qd]

***** I did but when i posted this i didnt know the meaning of SFM

[@monmonstartv5159]

HurricaneGaming Not being a drag or anything! But do your research before commenting! eh?

[@Dan-lu5qd]

Ok?but why is it bad to ask eh?

[@ZiGiDi]

Can I in one work use 2 map?(where one after another)

[@argodaemon]

[SFM Tutorial] Multiple maps in one project

[@00kingferret]

I feel like you should know, SFM box is dead, So adding the foliage pack to dropbox would be much appreciated

[@brenda0823_]

why do my trees have no textures?

[@dawndauce]

Because u лалка.

[@art0904]

Hi my name is Robert Vitelli I'm working on a film called "Scootaloo and the great search for one's family" and wanted to ask if you like to work on this project along with my other team members ?

[@argodaemon]

PM me more information in regards and will see.

[@JeroAPB]

what is this map?

[@argodaemon]

steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=207506735

[@JeroAPB]

Argodaemon Thanks)

[@FLIPPYkillsU]

Thank you

[@RobertoMaciel-me9jt]

Quem sabe liderar um reino é a Princesa Twilight ela sim tem bastante experiência.

[@NordisktLejon]

This is great, thanks! too bad SFMbox went down though :(

[@JazzyJWolf]

Can you make a video on how to put your OC's in to Garry's mod,please

[@edwardnwcs]

Great!

[@PsGamer-jl3tt]

Okay, i got. Good

[@RobertoMaciel-me9jt]

Ai faz de conta que a Derpy virou uma alicornio.

[@RobertoMaciel-me9jt]

Mas não é uma princesa.

[@GT4tube]

HL2+GMod+MLP Mods+Custom Mods = MAKE MOVIE! = WIN DONATE!

[@zonegaming3250]

How to make a sea

[@bronypage]

Making walk cycles, lol

[@ftrtrash]

I love u

[@elronman]

Hah sombra.

[@cryies]

WHY IS EVERY SFM TUTORIAL MLP OR FNAF OR UNDERTALE??!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!??!?! I HATE THESE THINGS

[@cryies]

ok thx for the tut though

[@Potatosayno]

It's their choice. You shouldn't care about what they like to do, they at least help you right?

[@JoyboyPs_Reviews]

What map do you use in this video?

[@JoyboyPs_Reviews]

Never mind I found it.

[@FlutterBlaze]

+JoyboyP's Reviews can i have this map? I cannot find it

[@JoyboyPs_Reviews]

You get it from the steam workshop, here a link to it. steamcommunity.com/workshop/browse/?appid=1840&searchtext=deserttest2.bsp&childpublishedfileid=0&browsesort=textsearch&section=home There is 2 maps in this and this one is the 2nd one called deserttest2.bsp Type that in the filter and you'll find it there.

[@ser2al12345]

How do you get the ponies ? (All of them)

[@dawndauce]

Search models in DA

[@ser2al12345]

I know but how would I import them to SFM

[@dawndauce]

Sergio Vegas try watch some tutorials :з or i can find that video for you xD (my english so bad xDDDD)

[@ser2al12345]

Ok I'll try and find some tutorials and what do youmean your English I bad ?