[Note questions are added in reverse order, so the newest ones are at the top.]
Q: When I try to go into the world model browser it crashes hammer.
A: This is a known bug with hammer (that supposedly has been fixed and then broken and then fixed). It is a shame too because the vgui model browser rocks (you can type in search strings). Anyway, turn off the use of the vgui browser by going into tools->options->general tab and look for the bottom check box on the using vgui model browser.
Q: I asked one of the TA's in class about tree objects, Tim or James, not sure who is who yet, about adding a tree and he said it was under physic_props. Is there a short tutorial available that can help explain that? I find where to do differenT objects, but there are no trees intially. Where do i change which group of entities I am looking for?
A: It's actually under prop_static. Your first step is to add an entity (the light bulb object in hammer) and make it prop_static. It will appear as a red cube where you place it. Next you alt-enter to properties, then select word model, then browse until you find a tree you like. Once you apply the selected world model, the tree will replace the cube. IMPORTANT NOTE: The visual GUI for browsing world models is currently broken. It will crash hammer. Before opening item properties, open the options window in hammer, select the second tab (general), and unclick the visual gui option (it's the bottom option in the tab). If your on campus stop by the lab and I can show you this. If not, try the valve developer wiki under prop_static for more info. (From James)
Q: I forgot how to make a trigger. It doesn't seem to be one of the entities.
A: You create a brush, texture it as a trigger, and then do the tie to entity menu command which lets you choose which trigger.
Q: How do I change the wall texture?
A: See the sample in the tutorial,
here,
which shows how to apply a texture to an entire brush using the apply current
texture tool:
If you want to just change a single face of a brush, then use the face edit
tool:
.
Here
is a description of the face edit tool.
Note - the big white boards in the room was created using an overlay. Overlays and decals are different. Overlays can be resized and repositioned after you add them. Decals can not be resized. But decals can be programmed to appear and disappear (I think that decals is how they do things like bullet holes on the walls).