Setting Up 3D Modeling Tools
Modding a Left 4 Dead 2 Survivor
Setting Up 3D Modeling Tools
Use a 3D modeling tool for editing meshes, texture uv-maps, and related.
Use a model decompiler to create source files of models (smd files and the like) from Source Engine games.
Use L4D2's compiler, studiomdl.exe, or use a graphical user interface to it, to convert the source files of models into files used by L4D2.
Choosing a 3D Editing Tool
Various 3D-editing tools can be used, but you only need one to do any 3D modeling. The ones I have heard about from other L4D2 modders are Blender and Autodesk 3ds Max. You can also check out this list of 3D modeling programs found on the VDC wiki.
Blender and 3ds Max are updated often and usually have up-to-date plugins for importing and exporting model-related files relevant to this tutorial. Blender has the distinction of being free and open-source. 3ds Max has the distinction of being widely used in professional environments and costing thousands of dollars (unless you can get the free or lower-priced academic license).
Blender
Get the SMD and DMX import/export plugin found at Blender Source Tools.
Read at least the Blender 2.6 Manual - Starting section.
Autodesk 3ds Max
Install Autodesk 3ds Max found on its Autodesk website.
Install Wall Worm Model Tools found on Wall Worm's website.
For L4D2 survivor models, Crowbar is the best model decompiler. There are also the older options of MDL Decompiler 0.4.1 and StudioCompiler.
Choosing a Model Decompiler
Crowbar
Download Crowbar from it's own Steam group. Join the group if you want to support the developer, be informed of updates, provide feedback, or ask for help.
MDL Decompiler
Install MDL Decompiler v0.4.1 found on Cannonfodder's website. Pay careful attention to installation instructions because it must be placed in certain folder. Mine is here (where zeqmacaw2 is my steam account name): "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\zeqmacaw2\sourcesdk\bin\ep1\bin"
NOTE: MDL Decompiler will sometimes open with an error message. This seems to occur when the Source SDK is updated. To fix it, simply open Source SDK and then close Source SDK. This somehow resets something that MDL Decompiler needs.
StudioCompiler
Install StudioCompiler 0.4a found on Cannonfodder's website. It includes the MDL Decompiler 0.5 (a later version than above, but often does not decompile all files for L4D2 survivors), a GUI wrapper around the studiomdl.exe model compiler program found with Source engine games, and several texture-related tools.
You can use Window's Command Prompt to use studiomdl.exe directly. You can use a Windows BAT file to make it a bit easier to compile. Or, you can use tools that provide a nice interface to studiomdl.exe.
Choosing a Compiler Tool
Crowbar
Download Crowbar from Crowbar description page. Also, check out it's own Steam group for updates and discussion.
GUI StudioMDL
StudioCompiler
Install GUI StudioMDL v2.2 found on Wunderboy's website. It is a GUI wrapper around the studiomdl.exe model compiler program found with Source engine games.
Install StudioCompiler 0.4a found on Cannonfodder's website. It includes the MDL Decompiler 0.5 (a later version than above, but often does not decompile all files for L4D2 survivors), a GUI wrapper around the studiomdl.exe model compiler program found with Source engine games, and several texture-related tools.