In this update, one feature that has been missing for a long time was added. You now have access to a Map Compiler window. We have Hammer's Expert Compile and CompilePal already, of course. So what makes this different? Like everything else in the tool, you get an intuitive interface with straightforward options, making compiling maps a much easier job.
Geometry (BSP)
You can select if you want to compile detail brushes and/or water brushes. Update Entities is a separate button, ideal for those who didn't know this was even an option. You also get a Leak Test button, that will check if any of the selected maps have leaks.
Visibility Optimization (VIS)
You have the standard Fast Compile option.
Lighting Data (RAD)
The parameters are now better organized and easier to understand.
Light level:
HDR: This is the default option
HDR+SDR: In case you also want to support the Standard Dynamic Range (the correct name for LDR)
SDR: If, for some reason, you don't want to compile for HDR (been there, done that).
Quality:
Low: Compiles with -fast and -fastambient
Regular: No extra parameters
High: Compiles with -final
Geometry Shadows and Static Prop Shadows set if you want their materials to cast shadows based on the alpha channel. Static Prop Shadows can also be used to define if you want the shadows based on the model's collision mesh or on its actual meshes.
Other new features were also added to the tool:
Detail editor's sprite material and ground material can now be changed.
This patch also contains the following fixes:
Fixed some editors' close buttons not closing the respective editors. (Thanks, @Cosmic Eternity).
Fixed not being able to decompile maps (Thanks, @Cosmic Eternity).
Fixed HL2EP1, HL2EP2 and HLS mods not loading (Thanks, @Cosmic Eternity).
Added missing Crafty license (Thanks, @Cvoxalury).
Batch Compiler is no longer shipped with the tool, since there is now a native solution.
Improved the renderer's material handling.
Fixed inputs being enabled when no detail prop is selected in Detail Editor.
Mapbase mods now use Slamming's VRAD.
Fixed Hammer++ not properly installing (Thanks, @Nachiketh)
Thank you all for supporting the development of this tool. Let me know your ideas of what should I work on for the next update.
The updates should be applied seamlessly. If not, or if you don't have the tool yet, you can download it here:https://modding-assets.net/items/source/tools/modding/xblah-modding-tool