TSGK Clan Forum

Pig Popper · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 19:18 Post subject: Making Custom HL2 backgrounds

Making Custom HL2 backgrounds

What you're gonna need.
1) Photoshop (or similar editting software) and this TGA Plugin
2) Vtex converter included in steam
3) Time on your hands

firstly prepare your image

id suggest using an image that is equal to your current hl2 screen resolution.
it makes things easier and looks better then streatching a smaller image.

ok, save your image as tagra file format (.tga) and call it background01.tga

before you proceed you must ensure you image measures to the power of 2,
so if you resolution was 1280 x 1024, select image size, unckeck "constrain
image size" and change the size to 1280 x 1280. it will look out of shape but
the console will sort this out, trust me

Ok
place the background01.tga file here,

program files\valve\steam\steamapps\yournamehere\half-life 2 deathmatch\hl2mp\materialsrc

Now you need to convert the tga into a vtf format using the vtex.exe

open this directory.
program files\valve\ssteam\steamapps\yournamehere\sourcesdk\bin

and drag the background01.tga from materialsrc onto vtex.exe

The file background01.vtf will now be created in

program files\valve\ssteam\steamapps\yournamehere\half-life 2 deathmatch\hl2mp\materials

simply create a folder here, called console and place the background01.vtf inside.

Load up and there it is.

easy!!

any problems PM / email. if your stuck i dont mind making it for ya.

Pig Out!!

Freetux · Joined: 29 Oct 2006 Posts: 691 Country: Browser: Age: 36

Thanks man, Now all I need is a copy of Photoshop Confused

Wheres pirate Freelancer when you need him Razz

Controllerboy_TSGK · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 19:41 Post subject:

Nice, thank you Razz

I can use that targa utility for sprays too

Xmeagol · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 20:05 Post subject:

a couple of months ago i asked osiris how it was done he told exatcly like you, at that time i didnt had the source SDK installed, so he sended me the file -_-
lool

Ghost Dog_TSGK · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 22:24 Post subject:

Thanks for poppin that in there pig popper!
One of the most stylin posts I've seen in a while, and fast too.

I'll take this opportunity to display the background you first made for me, it's uber ninja.

Thanks again man!

shevi51 · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 00:28 Post subject:

very good job pig popper!!
I like all these backgrounds! Cool

Freelancer · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 00:38 Post subject:

Awesome

Osiris,can you sticky this thread ?
For all to enjoy? Smile

Pig Popper · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 00:37 Post subject:

mumubär_TSGK · TSGK Member Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 19 Country:

hmmm, some problems here....

at the first startup everthing is ok. custom background will be loaded, but if i finish playing a game and i return back to menu the standard background will be loaded ?!? any solutions?

Lawitz · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 22:58 Post subject:

I have the same problem.

Pig Popper · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 22:00 Post subject:

i wonder if its pure servers that are doing this? are you playing on pure when this happens?

StonedCabbage · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 20:16 Post subject:

hmmm, do You have to put the image in the directory to get it back?

I know the game overwrites alot of custom files everytime it runs if there not made Read-only, it will just create a new default file.

Pig Popper · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 20:57 Post subject:

hmm, ive never checked but maybe, the way valve stores the files it simply refers to that 1 when your in the pure server and then reverts back to the custom 1 when not.
im sure when after visiting pure servers the bkgd has returned when i visit other servers..

{RiP}Judas.Priest · Joined: 07 May 2007 Posts: 183 Country: Age: 41

You know, instead of having to use VTEX, use Nem's VTF Photoshop plugin (Also works with Jasc's Paint Shop Pro)

http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?c=154

Pig Popper · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 21:44 Post subject:

im sure it'll be easier. i couldn't get a few of them tools to work for me (the zip or packer 1 i think)