Importing large images to SDK Hammer

[Combine]

I assume some of you are experienced mappers with the Source SDK, so you might be able to answer this… How can I import a large image file, such as a blueprint, into SDK Hammer to model from? I have an ongoing arch project, and I’d like to model the project within a game engine with an imported blueprint to reference from. Any ideas?

It sounds like regular textures and materials would distort the blueprint.

[sersoft]

hammer is not blender, but you could put a bunch of 2d brushes separated into 1024x1024 textures I guess

[Cameron_D]

Short answer: you can’t.
Long answer: (as above) Split your blueprint up into 1024x1024 sections, convert each section to a usable texture, then stick that texture onto a 1024x1024 brush and work form there.

[Combine]

Thanks for the answers guys…I actually managed to import a blueprint into Sketchup, with a plugin that can export Sketchup files into .vmt to open in Hammer. Worked pretty well when I used a test model. However…I can’t seem to open one of the Sketchup-made .vmt files in Hammer.

I’d really appreciate it if someone would like to take a look at the file (the .skp or the .vmt) and check what’s wrong.

[p0rt1r]

how big is the texture anyways?

For a start, download vtfedit. install that.
Open up your blueprint in vtfedit.

I personally use,
normal format : BGR888
alpha format : BGR888
Texture type : Animated texture.

The max image resolution as far as im aware is about 4096x4096 which you might use if you were importing a highly detailed model texture. For your use, i think 2048x2048 is the very limit i would go for a mere blueprint. It would have to be a pretty bloody detailed blueprint if it was gonna be that big.

Make a folder in your textures folder called whatever you want. Save your blueprint in that.

Now click tools - create vmt file.

click on options and select what surface you want it to be (dont matter since nobody will walk on it or shoot it ever)

Click create and save it in the folder you made. (the same one as the blueprint you saved)

Your done. Open hammer and slap it on a brush.

Edit: wtfs a .skp file?

[Combine]

Works great…thanks for the help.
btw .skp files associate with Sketchup.