mat_texture_list Commands Help & Examples
Have you decided that it’s time to upgrade from developer textures and transform your simple game into a fully immersive environment? Well, this can involve texturing BSP brushes – and using the plethora of textures available in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Here, we’ll share with you how to:
- Use developer textures
- Use the Replace Texture Tool
- Apply textures to your brushes and add texture to your map
- Align and manipulate textures
- Use nodraw texture for early optimization
By the end, you should have a better understanding of how to make your map look even better – and optimize its performance in the game.
Developer Textures
As you start creating the layout of your Counter Strike game map, it’s a good idea to prioritize using developer textures. These textures will help you to concentrate on the map’s functionality and gameplay without getting sidetracked by detailed texturing.
Save the texturing process for a later stage of map production – once you’ve finalized your BSP geometry and gameplay.
To open up the developer textures, simply filter ‘dev’ in the Texture Browser window.
The Replace Texture Tool
In the simple room, the surfaces are covered with developed textures. A super quick and easy method to remove them is by replacing them with another texture.
To replace any texture that has already been applied to the map, you will first need to enable the Toggle Texture Application Tool to open the Face Edit Sheet.
The Face Edit Sheet is where you’ll perform various texture-related actions for your surfaces.
With the Face Edit Sheet open, left-click on any texture in your map to set it in the Face Edit Sheet.
Once set, click on Replace:
A Replace Texture window will then appear. Here, you will be able to define the texture you want to use to replace the current one.
The options chosen depend on the texture you wish to replace. Typically, the default settings should suffice.
Click browse to select the texture you want to use as the replacement.
The Texture Browser will appear. Here, you can look through all the different textures for your map.
Click on the filter box and you can then type in a search term like ‘wall’ or any other query, such as floor or ceiling.
Double-click on the texture you want to use.
Click OK to execute the replacement.
Applying Textures
The Replace tool is definitely convenient, but it does have its limitations, as it replaces every texture with the chosen one. It’s typically good to use later in the texturing process if you want to quickly swap out certain textures in your map.
If you want more precise control, you’ll need to manually texture your environment.
To get started with this, you’ll need to enable the Toggle Texture Application Tool to open the Face Edit Sheet.
Keep the Face Edit Sheet open throughout the texture application and manipulation process.
To apply an already-placed texture from one brush to another, Left-Click on the brush face to set the current texture in the Face Edit Sheet. Then, Right-Click on any brush where you want to place that texture.
- Remember – Left Click to pick, Right Click to Apply.
To use a new texture, click on the Browse tab. Then, filter and locate your preferred texture. Double-click to set it, then Right-Click your mouse on any brush face to apply.
- Remember – Browse for the new texture, double-click to set it, and then Right-Click on a brush face to apply it.
To apply a texture to the entire brush (all faces) instead of a single individual face, hold Shift and Right Click on the brush.
- Remember – Hold Shift and Right Click with your mouse = Apply texture to the entire brush.
Aligning, Scaling and Rotating Textures
To align, scale, justify, or rotate textures more precisely in your scene, you need to follow these steps:
- With the Face Edit Sheet open, left-click on the face of the brush containing the texture you want to alter. This action sets it in the preview window and highlights it red in the viewport.
- Then, use the options provided to manipulate and align your texture. You will be able to scale, rotate, justify (top, bottom, left, right, fit), or simply move your textures as you desire. Use the up and down arrows to adjust the values.
As you change input values, you’ll be able to see the texture being manipulated in the perspective viewport in real time.
Optimizing the Brush Geometry with NoDraw Texture
One of the most important principles for your map is optimization – making sure that it runs smoothly for all players, especially when it has to accommodate 20-30 players at the same time.
A great optimization technique involves avoiding textures on brushes that players cannot and will never see. As such, any textures outside the playable area or on surfaces hidden from view must be replaced with a specific texture: NODRAW.
The NODRAW texture is not rendered by the engine, eliminating the need for the engine to calculate those faces during compilation. This can significantly improve map optimization.
To apply the NODRAW texture:
- Filter for “nodraw” in the Texture Browser to locate it.
Use the techniques mentioned earlier to apply this texture to every face of the brush that players will never see.
CS:GO Textures FAQs
What are textures in CS:GO?
Textures in CS:GO are images that are applied to surfaces in the game world to give them more visual detail and realism.
Where can I find CS:GO textures?
CS:GO textures are stored within the game files, and you will then be able to access them using the Hammer Editor’s Texture Browser.
How do I apply textures in CS:GO maps?
Textures can be applied using the Face Edit Sheet in the Hammer Editor. Simply select the surface you want to texture and choose the desired texture from the Texture Browser.
What is the purpose of developer textures in CS:GO?
Developer textures are just the simple, placeholder textures that are used during the map creation process to help developers visualize the layout and design of the map without getting bogged down in too much detail.
How do I optimize textures in my CS:GO map?
To optimize textures, ensure that only necessary textures are applied to visible surfaces. Use the NODRAW texture on surfaces that players will never see to improve performance.
Can I create custom textures for CS:GO maps?
Yes, custom textures can be created using image editing software and imported into CS:GO maps using the Hammer Editor’s Texture Browser.